Myths and facts about fertility nutrition

Reality: You might have heard that eating the core of a pineapple immediately after ovulation can help with implantation. Pineapple cores contain bromelain, a group of enzymes that acts as a blood thinner and has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.² However, no studies have definitively shown that the bromelain found in pineapple core aids in implantation. That said, eating fresh pineapple rich in Vitamin C and B6 (while steering clear of the gritty core) can be a good way to add a healthy fruit to your diet.

Reality: Every year Igbo-Ora, a city located in southwestern Nigeria, celebrates World Twins Festival — with good reason. For years researchers have been studying the rate of twin births in this area of the world; recent research suggests that 40.2 deliveries out of 1,000 result in twin births, ranking this region one of the highest for recorded twin births in the world.³ This study goes on to say that the “high twinning rate is due to consumption of yam (Discorea sp.), which is believed to contain a natural hormone phytoestrogen, which may stimulate multiple ovulation.”

However, a 2020 study showed that high rates of twinning in Igbo-Ora are likely the result of multiple factors — not just yams. Instead, researchers point to a soup made with ilasa (okra leaves), which is eaten with amala (yams or cassava flour) as a likely contributor. Keep in mind, too, that yams make up a large part of a woman’s diet in Igbo-Ora. Unless your diet has been similar your whole life, introducing more yams into your diet now may not provide a fertility boost.

So, is there a connection between yams and fertility? While there is no harm in eating yams, which are rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals, there is little evidence that doing so will have a direct correlation with conceiving twins.

Reality: Pomegranates reportedly benefit both male and female fertility. Rich in antioxidants, some say eating pomegranates – long a symbol of fertility – can increase blood flow to the uterus and thicken the uterine lining. However, studies show that more evidence is needed to better understand how antioxidants impact fertility.⁵ There have been some promising studies on the effects of pomegranate juice and seed oil on sperm quality – but only in rats.^{6, 7}

Reality: This spice can reportedly control your blood sugar levels, increase sperm production and quality in men, and may help with blood flow to organs (especially if mixed with honey!). Preliminary data suggests cinnamon may help women with PCOS,⁸ a common cause of infertility. According to a study in Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology, supplementing cinnamon has shown to improve insulin resistance and therefore may be a possible therapeutic agent for treating PCOS — but only in mice.⁹

Reality: Studies show prenatal vitamins, particularly folic acid, help prevent neural tube defects.¹⁰ But more recent studies have shown that “micronutrients have essential roles in fertility, and inadequate levels can have an adverse impact on the ability to conceive.” While more research is needed, these studies suggest that women who supplement their diet with vitamins and minerals while trying to conceive may have better outcomes.¹¹