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Whether you’ll be trying to conceive in the near future or you’re simply looking for ways to ensure the optimal reproductive health, you’ve likely landed on this page while researching foods that can help keep you fertile and healthy. And chances are, soy frequently pops up on the articles you read, because some have drawn a connection between soy and female fertility.
But is there a connection between soy and female fertility, and is it a good one? Read on to learn all about soy and female fertility.
If you’ve ever visited a fertility doctor, one of your first questions is likely to be, “What foods should I eat to increase my chances of getting pregnant?” If you think there’s a connection between your diet and chances of bearing children with success, you’d be right. But how does food influence your fertility?
Most of your body’s systems are connected, so it’s vital to discuss your reproductive system and digestive system in the same conversation. After all, the food you put into your mouth influences more than just your stomach. By monitoring what you eat, you can shape the ease with which your body can produce the hormones necessary for getting pregnant.
Today, scientific research demonstrates that diet is one of the many factors that influence reproductive health. Microbes in the stomach play a crucial role in helping a woman’s body regulate and control estrogen levels — an essential feature for any female concerned about her fertility.
Research studies show that a diet high in protein is linked to higher pregnancy rates — meaning it’s increasingly important to get your daily dose of protein when trying to conceive. But in a society overflowing with fast-food, delicious burgers and sugary snacks, how can you ensure you’re ingesting the quality food you need?
Fortunately, soybeans boast a hefty percentage of your required daily intake of healthy fats, protein values and fiber. Soybeans are also an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, too.
The bottom line is a woman needs to be healthy to prepare for pregnancy and soybeans can help her get one step closer to achieving her wellness goals. Even if you aren’t trying to conceive at the moment, eating nutrient-rich foods that contain soy help ensure your body is in optimal shape.
You don’t have to be pregnant to take care of your health after all. However, the task becomes even more crucial when you plan on eating for two.
As noted above, diet plays a quintessential role in a woman’s ability to produce certain hormones required for normal fertility. But what does this mean for anyone who incorporates soy into their daily food regime?
Some evidence shows that the curative properties of soybeans can help you undo the harm caused by a harmful chemical that permeates all aspects of our lives — also known as BPA.
If you haven’t already heard of this industrial material, now’s the time to learn more. From the plastic water bottles you use to quench your thirst to the umbrella you hold to shield yourself from the rain, BPA can be found in thousands of everyday products scattered throughout your home.
Unfortunately, the fact that this potentially dangerous chemical is used so frequently means we’re much less likely to pay close attention to its negative impact. For women trying to conceive, it’s even more crucial to know when to avoid BPA because this chemical is known to decrease the percentage of healthy eggs available for fertilization.
But what does soy have to do with the adverse effects caused by BPA? Previous lab studies show that the negative impact of BPA on the body can be reduced when incorporating soy into one’s diet. Although scientists are still in the process of studying soy’s positive influence, it appears that it does an effective job at blocking BPA from interfering with hormonal production.
Some evidence does suggest that too much soy may negatively affect fertility. The juries still out on this one, but it is clear that moderate amounts of soy only stand to help your health at this point.
The clear connections between soy and female fertility should cause you to at least consider keeping soy in your diet, and you may even add more if you believe the possible benefits outweigh the cons. And eating more soy helps you get a little extra protein and other nutrients in your diet anyway!
