Athenian women used to eat pomegranate seeds to favor fertility and prosperity. Ancient Romans consumed grapes and drank wine honoring the god of fertility Bacchus. Wheat, milk and honey were also considered sacred to promote new births. Centuries later, in the 1800s, as depicted in the Netflix series “The Empress” dedicated to the life of Elisabeth of Austria, it was customary to make young girls drink raw beaten eggs to increase the likelihood of conception through sexual intercourse. There’s an ancient truth emerging: the key to procreation might just lie on our plates.
Paying attention to what we put on the table is important because our bodies are built from the elements derived from food. In modern times, diseases like obesity are increasingly prevalent. Another ongoing phenomenon is the decline in births: according to Istat Data, in 2021 there were 400,249 births in Italy, while in 2022 there were only 393,333, a decrease of 1.7%.
Could there be a link between diet and birth rates?
Dr. Giuseppe Scopelliti, a nutrition biologist, responds by referring to the correlation between lifestyle and fertility: “Several studies have shown how a balanced diet rich in plant foods, maintaining a healthy weight, and adequate body fat mass can improve fertility. The foods we consume influence hormone levels, the quality of oocytes and sperm, and overall reproductive health”. Therefore, there may not be specific dishes to consume to increase fertility, but rather it’s the overall correct daily habit that can increase or decrease the likelihood of conception.
According to Scopelliti, if one is seeking pregnancy, adopting a Mediterranean diet could be beneficial: “This has been associated with higher success rates for both natural and assisted conception. It is based on the consumption of fresh and unprocessed foods, including fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, whole grains, fish, and lean white meats. It should be emphasized that this is a practice we should all adopt, regardless of the desire to have children.”
High amounts of alcohol and processed or sugar-added foods may have opposite effects. Additionally, excessive intake of saturated and trans fats could reduce the quality of gametic cells. The doctor suggests three helpful tips, starting with maintaining a healthy body weight: “Both overweight and underweight can negatively influence fertility. First and foremost, following a balanced diet helps achieve and maintain an optimal weight. Secondly, incorporating foods rich in vitamins and antioxidants, especially fruits and vegetables, improves the quality of both female and male gametes. Finally, limiting alcohol and caffeine contributes to improving the chances of conception.”
Living in a territory like Italy, which offers quality raw materials, adhering to these guidelines isn’t difficult. It would be useful for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and could help reverse the trend of declining birth rates, which has been ongoing for almost forty years.
Read also: Nascita • Zeta Numero 18 | Marzo 2024
