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15 Foods Good for Fertility (couples trying to conceive): by Dr Anshika Lekhi

No one food can guarantee fertility, but a healthy and balanced diet may support female reproductive health. Here are 15 foods suggested by Dr Anshika Lekhi, infertility and and IVF specialist, that are typically beneficial for fertility:

  • Leafy greens: Spinach, kale, and other leafy greens are full of folate, iron, and antioxidants, which play important roles in reproductive health.
    Indian recipes: palak saag, palak parantha, methi Sabzi, hara Bhara kebab, etc
  • Avocado: The fruit is a healthy fat reservoir along with Vitamin E and folate which can help stabilize hormonal activity for conception and fertility
    Recipes: salad avocado, chaat or sandwich
  • Berries: Blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries all are loaded with antioxidants and have vitamins and minerals that would help with fertility
  • Whole grains: Quinoa, brown rice, whole wheat bread, etc. complex carbohydrate, fiber, and some nutrition elements are good for overall reproductive health
    Preparations: Sandwiches using whole bread, brown rice pulao
  • Fatty fish: Salmon, trout, and sardines are great sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been reported to improve fertility
    Preparation: Salmon sandwich or curry
  • Beans and legumes: Lentils, chickpeas, and black beans are sources of plant-based protein, fiber, and iron, which may be beneficial for reproductive health.
    Dishes: dal, rajma, chole, kale chane, cutlets, chilla
  • Nuts and seeds: Almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseeds may provide healthy fats, proteins, and antioxidants that can bring about hormonal balance and also fertility.
    Dishes : soaked nuts
  • Oranges, grapefruits, lemons: rich source of vitamin C, fertility enhancing, hormone regulation agent
    Food items: juices, fruits, cutting up and serving
  • Meat/Lean proteins: the best chicken and turkey have high-quality proteins, iron, and zinc good for reproductive health.
    Food items: chicken curry roasted chicken
  • Yogurt: Yogurt containing live cultures is often full fat and rich with probiotics, calcium, positive effects on fertility.
  • Eggs: Eggs are a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, including choline, which is important for fetal brain development.
    Dishes: boiled eggs, egg salad
  • Olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, which can have beneficial effects on fertility.
  • Dark chocolate: In moderation, dark chocolate with a high cocoa content can provide antioxidants and potentially improve blood flow to reproductive organs.
  • Curcuma: It is that spice which contains curcumin, which has properties of anti-inflammatory and could be able to support the reproductive system.
    Indian spice:turmeric or haldi.
  • Green tea: Green tea is full of antioxidants and may reduce oxidative stress, thus improving fertility.


Of course, a balanced diet means consuming a variety of nutrient-rich foods, and so needs to be different for everyone. A healthcare professional or even a fertility-reproductive dietitian could offer useful guidance in developing a person’s nutrition plan.

Dr Anshika Lekhi
Consultant gynaecologist and IVF specialist
Director,The Fertilife, Gurgaon