By Sue Bedford (MSc Nutritional Therapy)
Start your day off well with this fertility-friendly delicious Orange and Apricot Smoothie.
Apricots and Oranges are a great source of Beta carotene. Beta carotene, also called ‘plant’ vitamin A, is a carotenoid and a powerful antioxidant, which is converted into vitamin A by the liver. Beta carotene is generally considered to be safer than retinol which is fat soluble.
Carotenoids are pigments that provide the orange spectrum foods their vibrant colour and is thought to help to support immunity, keep our heart healthy, fight against dementia and certain cancers. It is important in collagen formation, linked to lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol and very important in eye health. Carotenoids are the main antioxidants found in orange vegetables and fruits. Carotenoids are important for healthy eyes, mucous membranes and skin. Orange foods also contain the carotenoid Lutein, which helps to maintain healthy vision.
In relation to fertility, beta-carotene (which the body converts into vitamin A) helps to produce the female sex hormones (oestrogen and progesterone). These hormones are important for ovulation and for the regulation of the menstrual cycle. Vitamin A helps to keep the tissues in the reproductive system healthy, along with ensuring the normal growth and development of embryos during pregnancy. It also helps with tissue repair in the mother after birth has taken place. When it comes to male fertility, food rich in antioxidants including beta carotene are associated with spermatogenesis.
Orange and Apricot Smoothie
Ingredients:
2 apricots – washed, destoned and cut into chunks (keep the skin on as most antioxidants are just under the skin)
125 ml orange juice
100g natural live yoghurt
¼ inch of fresh ginger grated (optional)
Place into a blender and whiz together for 2 minutes …Enjoy!
Important note: When trying to conceive it is important to avoid consuming too much vitamin A in the Retinol form – as this may increase the risk of birth defects – this is why it is best to avoid pate and liver products pre-conceptually and during pregnancy. If you are unsure ask your health care provider such as GP or Qualified Nutritional Therapist/Dietician.
Interesting reading:
Hogarth CA, Griswold MD. The key role of vitamin A in spermatogenesis. J Clin Invest. 2010 Apr;120(4):956-62. doi: 10.1172/JCI41303. Epub 2010 Apr 1. PMID: 20364093; PMCID: PMC2846058.
