Figs are an extremely good source of fibre, vitamins and essential minerals, and are a sweet way to boost your fertility nutrition. They grow on the ficus carica tree which is a member of the mulberry family and are thought to have been first cultivated in Egypt. Today, California remains one of the largest producers of, in addition to Turkey, Greece, Portugal and Spain.
Whether figs are fresh or dried they are a good source of calcium, manganese, fibre, potassium, zinc and vitamin B6. Fully ripened fresh figs contain the most antioxidants. They help to protect the heart and lower blood pressure because they contain a good amount of potassium. If you are actively trying to lower your BMI (Body Mass Index) in preparation for fertility treatment or if you are just watching your weight, figs are very useful to include in your diet as they are high in fibre and help to keep you feeling full. Figs can help with male fertility in that they have been shown to increase the motility and number of sperm.
Soft and sweet, fresh figs are gorgeous eaten with meat, salads and desserts.
Why not try eating chopped figs with:
- Goats cheese
- At breakfast with whole grain porridge or with natural yoghurt and honey
- As a dessert poached in juice. Eat with yoghurt, crème fraiche or ice cream.
Poached figs
Ingredients:
2 cups apple juice
Juice of 1 large lemon
1 cinnamon stick
Large mint leaf
8 ripe fresh figs or rehydrated dry
1/2 pt fresh or frozen raspberries
In a saucepan, bring to a simmer the apple juice, lemon juice, cinnamon, and mint leaf. Continue to simmer for 10 minutes. Add the figs, cover and continue to simmer for 10-15 minutes, until very soft.
Remove the figs, strain the juice and return to the saucepan. Reduce by half over a high heat until it turns to a syrup, which can be drizzled over the figs and raspberries.
Our nutrition and diet advice can help to improve your fertility over the course of 6-12 months. However, if you have been trying to conceive for one year with no success, we would recommend undertaking fertility investigations to be sure there are no underlying health reasons as to why you are not conceiving. Our One-Stop Fertility Assessment checks your general well-being, as well as assessing your fertility.
Please call us on 01992 78 50 60 to arrange an appointment or email enquiries@hertsandessexfertility.com
