Is fish a good food to eat for fertility, or is it a danger?
Many women have heard the warning, “Don’t eat fish when you are pregnant! It can be dangerous for the baby!” But is this true? Is it actually something DANGEROUS to eat for your fertility, or do the benefits far outweigh the risks?
Why Fish is GOOD for Fertility
If you do your research into the best foods for fertility, you’ll find that fish is one of the foods that always tops the list! It’s often sandwiched between “whole grains” and “prenatal vitamins”, and it’s definitely one of the foods to eat if you want to enhance your fertility. Why is this?
Basically, it all comes down to the Omega-3s. Fish is loaded with Omega-3 fatty acids, a type of fat that is EXCELLENT for your health. It boosts brain function, prevents free radical damage, improves immunity, and more.
Omega-3 fatty acids can:
- Regulate the hormones in your body, thereby ensuring a healthy, fertility-conducive hormonal balance.
- Increase the presence of cervical mucus.
- Promote healthy, regular ovulation.
- Improve the health of the ovaries by stimulating blood flow.
- Boost reproductive organ health thanks to increased circulation.
In truth, Omega-3 fatty acids are some of the best nutrients you can put in your body.
Omega-6 fatty acids are also found in fish, and they can improve your reproductive health and enhance fertility as well. These fatty acids strengthen the structure of your reproductive cells, fight inflammation, and improve organ health.
You’ll find that eating more Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids can be a good way to improve your chances of getting pregnant, plus they will ensure that your baby develops properly once you have conceived. Omega-3 fatty acids, in particular, will promote healthy brain and eye development of the fetus.
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Fish is also rich in Vitamin D, a vitamin that promotes bone health and development in the fetus. Fish contains lots of protein, vital for the development of muscles. You’ll find that fish also has many of the minerals that keeps your baby growing strong, not to mention keeping you strong through the pregnancy.
But with every silver lining, there has to be a cloud!
The Dangers of Fish
Fish may be an EXCELLENT source of protein, Omega-3 fatty acids, and other important fertility nutrients, but unfortunately it’s also one of the most contaminated proteins on the planet.
As you know, fish swim in the ocean, and you’ve no doubt seen how the oceans have become more and more contaminated with each passing year. It’s hard to find fish that doesn’t contain some form of heavy metals (like mercury, a very dangerous toxin that can lead to serious developmental problems in the fetus) and toxins. This is why many people advise AGAINST eating fish during your pregnancy, as the risk of causing problems can be high.
However, the good news is that there are sources of “low mercury fish” sold in supermarkets. For example, wild salmon is one of the safest types of fish around, and it’s very high in the vital nutrients you need. Catfish and shrimp are also fairly safe, and canned light tuna can be a good option. You’ll need to look for the “low-mercury” label on these products just to be sure that they are safe, or buy them from stores that sell only organic and natural foods.
It will be expensive to buy these fish, but it’s the best way to ensure that you are safely getting the nutrients you need to be healthy. Thanks to fish, you can boost your fertility and increase your chances of getting pregnant!
