By Sue Bedford

Fancy a homemade courgette and lemon cupcake made using natural sugar from honey?

Courgettes are packed with nutrients, many of which are important for fertility such as folate, vitamin C, zinc, iron, various B vitamins, fibre and magnesium. They contain anti-inflammatory properties and are also linked to helping regulate blood sugar levels – both of which are important in relation to fertility.

Lemons – are abundant in vitamin C and flavonoids, both powerful antioxidants, important in preventing free radical damage to cells, supporting the immune system, for skin health, increasing iron absorption from food, weight loss and the prevention of scurvy. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that is crucial for preventing free radical damage to the DNA of sperm and eggs, which is important re fertility. According to studies, vitamin C increases sperm motility and decreases sperm agglutination (clumping).

Honey is a natural sugar and possesses an array of plant chemicals that act as antioxidants. It also contains antibacterial and antifungal properties (in particular raw and manuka honey).

Courgette and lemon cakes (makes 10 small cupcakes)

Ingredients

225g self-raising flour

1 small courgette (washed and finely chopped into small squares or grated)

225g butter

3 tbsp honey

2 large eggs

juice and zest from one small lemon

Method

Preheat the oven to 180C/Gas Mark 4. Melt the butter and honey in a small pan. Sieve the flour into a large bowl. Beat the eggs in a separate bowl. Stir first the butter and honey mix then the eggs into the flour. Add the grated or chopped courgette along with the lemon juice and zest and give the mixture a good stir. Spoon your mixture into cupcake cases and bake for about 15 minutes or until golden and firm.