One of the key factors at the time of beginning an assisted reproduction treatment in order to become pregnant is, without doubt, our diet. The food we consume is the fuel with which our body not only faces our day to day graft, full of challenges and demands but also that something extra which helps us in laying the cornerstone in our quest to forming a family. A balanced diet is essential for setting those bases, and at this time of the year, markets are our faithful friends. Those season autumnal foods rife can help enrich recipes with lots of healthy nutrients and more colour making them more attractive and as such, healthy and perfect for this phase of our life.
Although nowadays the importation of products from other latitudes together with those from greenhouses means that certain products seasons have extended and in turn allow us to enjoy the great majority of them throughout the year, it’s important to pay close attention to the messages the earth sends us which translates into food with maximum flavour and maximum quality. Betting on autumnal foods out of its season does not carry negative consequences as such, but it is within this very season when we can find more variety and improved quality. Here go some recommendations.
Aubergine
A must within the Mediterranean diet. A vegetable with over 90% water, incredibly versatile at the time of including it in recipes and with a whole host of properties which make nutritionists fall in love with it: vitamins from B and C groups, basic minerals like potassium, calcium or iron and the always important fibre. In addition, it possesses antioxidant properties and so much more that it’s practically impossible not to find a pleasing recipe which includes aubergine.
Custard apple
One of the great unknowns of the fruit world. The custard apple, which we can enjoy in abundance during the autumn, is made up to a large extent of fibre and vitamin C, and in addition like the aubergine, it acts as an antioxidant which helps our body prevent infections and protects us from parasites. Many people haven’t even tried it and as if all those positive things about the custard apple weren’t enough, it has a smooth texture and a sweet taste.
Radish
Another classic on our autumnal shopping list is radish. An ingredient which is used on many occasions in our salads and from which we can extract many healthy properties and nutrients perfect for a healthy diet in the context of those looking for that all-important pregnancy: vitamin C, lots of water, easily digested and with antioxidant properties.
Chard
There are few vitamins which exist that are not present in chard. These versatile green leaves, used extensively in their natural state -as a base for salads- cooked -for example, in omelettes or soups- they’re a nutritional marvel: vitamins A, B, C, E and K, fibre, fatty acids Omega 3, iron, calcium, potassium, iron, phosphorous… It helps prevent illness and assists in the correct functioning of the intestines. A 10.
Grapes
Always present in fruit bowls during autumn. Grapes are one of the sweetest and most popular fruits in Spain, it plays a leading role on New Year’s Eve and it’s enjoyed from the end of summer onwards. You can find white, black -or violet-, with or without pips, smaller or bigger, however, what’s universal is its sweet taste, smooth texture, antioxidant properties and benefits for cardiovascular function.
