It’s not uncommon for people to question the nutritional dignity of your lifestyle just because you’re vegan. If people don’t think you get enough protein, they’re questioning your ability to make a baby.
This post is going to explore whether vegans are at a disadvantage compared to the average omnivore, when it comes to getting pregnant.
Can vegans get pregnant?
Of course vegans can get pregnant, there are countless examples of vegan couples that raise vegan children.
Another common misconception about vegans, not realising that there are countless people who can’t conceive a baby, that aren’t vegan, lol.
Important baby making nutrients
End of the day, if you slack on your diet, being able to conceive a baby should be the least of your concerns in regards to health. These are a few nutrients that you as a vegan should make sure you’re getting if you want to increase your chances of having a baby.
Iron
Iron is a key nutrient for sexual function, especially when it’s regarding sperm development and function. Low iron can negatively affect sperm motility, and can be detrimental if you’re not careful.
Zinc
Zinc is key for the formation and maturation of sperm elements, ovulation, as well as fertilisation overall. It’s a key nutrient for both the man and the woman involved, be sure to get your vegan sources of zinc in.
B12
B12 is an essential nutrient that enhances fertility in women, as well as working to improve sperm concentration and overall motility.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is so essential for so many bodily processes, as well as general immune function. It’s also reported to improve sperm quality and have benefits for the ovaries.
Selenium
Selenium has been said to help thicken the uterine wall, reported to help aid implantation.
The number one source of selenium for vegans, if you’re not allergic to nuts, are 2 brasil nuts a day. Other sources of selenium include oats, which you could work your way up to, otherwise a supplement’s always possible.
Folic acid
Folic acid is not only important for prenatal women, but also during the pregnancy. Thankfully, a vegan lifestyle can provide a vast range of foods rich in folic acid, that can easily be incorporated into your daily lifestyle.
L-carnitine
Said to improve semen quality and concentration, L-carnitine is said to be good for fertility in men. It’s usually found in large amounts in red meat, but you can source it from whole wheat bread and asparagus, you can also supplement it!
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is found in a lot of vegan foods, and is a natural antioxidant. That also means it’s helpful for fertility. Reported to help the egg fertilise and stay attached to the uterine wall, according to genesis fertility.
Vegan herbs that help potency
A vegan diet not only provides the nutrients above, but you can also benefit from exclusively vegan ingredients that help with overall fertility. Some of which also work as a naturally vegan aphrodisiac.
Ginger
Fresh ginger is great for fertility, as it’s believed its anti inflammatory properties, improvement of circulation also positively influencing the reproductive organs.
Maca
A root native to peru, is a vegan superfood that is traditionally used as a potent reproductive tonic for enhancing fertility. It’s more well known for helping with muscle development and balancing hormones.
Saw palmetto
Saw palmetto is one of the number one supplements I would recommend every man to get. It helps with testosterone production, sperm count, and overall potency.
Raspberry leaf
As well as being a great herb to help with period pain, raspberry leaf also helps with overall fertility. Raspberry leaf helps balance hormones and prepare the body for ovulation, as well as help men maintain healthy testosterone levels.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a beautiful spice that’s useful for boosting libido in men and women. Libido is just as important as the nutrients!
Are vegans less fertile than meat eaters?
This one all depends on a number of factors, which include the everyday diet you follow, whether you eat junk food, or focus on a whole foods, balanced, varied diet.
Research shows that a plant-based diet had a favourable effect on sperm performance, in a study comparing vegans and meat eaters.
The key points to take from this post is, get your nutrients in, make sure you’re giving yourself the best possible shot, and you won’t fall behind as far as your fertility is concerned.
I hope you enjoyed this post on how to be a fertile vegan. Thanks for considering vegansing it for your lifestyle inspiration, stay blessed.
