Sue Bedford (MSc Nutritional Therapy)

Creating a fertility-friendly passion fruit and mango sorbet is a delicious and refreshing way to incorporate nutritious ingredients into your diet. This sorbet is rich in vitamins A and C from the mango and passion fruit, which can be beneficial for reproductive health.

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.

Vitamin C’s antioxidant properties help protect the sperm and egg from oxidative damage, which can improve overall sperm health and motility. For women, vitamin C aids in maintaining healthy cervical mucus, which is essential for sperm survival and motility in the reproductive tract. Additionally, some studies have suggested a potential positive association between vitamin C intake and improved hormone levels in both men and women, which may indirectly impact fertility. However, more research is needed in this area to establish a definitive link.

Passion Fruit and Mango Sorbet (makes 4 portions or 6 smaller servings)

Ingredients:

2 ripe mangoes, peeled and chopped

Pulp from 6-8 passion fruits

50g honey or maple syrup (as a natural sweetener)

125ml water

Juice of 1 lime (optional, for added zest)

A pinch of salt (optional, to enhance flavors)

How to make:

• Prepare the fruits: Peel and dice the ripe mangoes and scoop out the pulp from the passion fruits. Make sure the fruits are fresh and ripe for the best flavor.
• Blend the ingredients: In a blender, combine the diced mangoes, passion fruit pulp, honey or maple syrup, and water. Add the lime juice and a pinch of salt, if desired, for added taste.
• Blend until smooth: Blend the mixture until it becomes a smooth puree. Make sure there are no lumps or chunks.
• Taste and adjust: Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness or tartness according to your preference. You can add more honey or lime juice if needed.
• Chill the mixture: Transfer the mixture to a bowl and cover it. Refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours to chill the mixture thoroughly.
• Churn the sorbet: If you have an ice cream maker, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to churn the mixture into sorbet. If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can also pour the mixture into a shallow dish and place it in the freezer.
• Freeze and fluff: If using the freezer method, take out the sorbet mixture every 30 minutes for the first few hours and stir vigorously to break up ice crystals. This will help create a smoother texture.
• Serve and enjoy: Once the sorbet has reached the desired consistency, serve it in bowls or glasses. Garnish with fresh passion fruit seeds or mint leaves for some extra taste.

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. If you are unsure ask your health care provider such as GP or Qualified Nutritional Therapist/Dietician