Why You Should Be Eating Chocolate for Fertility (Yes, Even for Breakfast!)

Why You Should Be Eating Chocolate for Fertility (Yes, Even for Breakfast!)

Trying to conceive can be a challenging and stressful journey.

However, incorporating certain foods into your diet might just make a difference. One such food that's often overlooked but holds significant potential is dark chocolate.

Rich in antioxidants, flavonoids, and other essential nutrients, dark chocolate can indeed help boost fertility in both men and women.

In this article, we'll explore why dark chocolate is a great addition to your fertility diet and provide you with some delicious recipes to get you started.

The Fertility Benefits of Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate, specifically with a cocoa content of 70% or higher, is packed with antioxidants that can improve the quality of both sperm and egg cells.

Antioxidants help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, which can negatively affect fertility. For men, this means healthier sperm with better motility and structure. For women, it means healthier eggs that are more likely to implant successfully during IVF or natural conception.

Moreover, dark chocolate contains arginine, an amino acid that helps arteries relax and improves blood flow throughout the body. Improved blood flow is crucial for reproductive health as it ensures that the reproductive organs receive the necessary oxygen and nutrients to function optimally.

This can also help alleviate conditions like erectile dysfunction in men, which is a common obstacle for couples trying to conceive.

Choosing the Right Dark Chocolate

Not all chocolate is created equal, especially when it comes to fertility.

Milk chocolate, containing only about 30% cocoa, lacks the high levels of flavonoids found in dark chocolate.

Flavonoids are what provide the antioxidant benefits that are so beneficial for fertility.

White chocolate, which contains little to no cocoa, is essentially a different product altogether and should not be considered a suitable option for fertility support.

When selecting dark chocolate for its fertility benefits, look for products with minimal processing.

Raw cacao nibs or raw cacao powder are excellent choices as they retain more of the beneficial antioxidants and minerals like magnesium compared to conventional cocoa powder.

Incorporating Dark Chocolate into Your Diet

While it’s tempting to indulge in a chocolate bar every day, moderation is key.

A small square or two (about 30-60 grams) of high-quality dark chocolate per day is sufficient to provide potential fertility benefits without adding to weight gain or blood sugar issues.

Here are some delicious ways you can incorporate dark chocolate into your diet:

Dark Chocolate Pomegranate Smoothie

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh or frozen organic strawberries
• 1 cup frozen organic spinach
• 1-2 tbsp almond butter
• 1 tsp chia seeds
• 1 tbsp cacao powder
• 4 oz pomegranate juice
• 4 oz of water

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a blender until smooth.
2. Pour into your favorite BPA-free container and sprinkle with hemp hearts or cacao nibs.

Choco-Cherry Superfood Smoothie

Ingredients:

• 1 cup frozen dark sweet cherries
• 1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
• 3-4 tbsp hemp hearts
• 2 tsp raw cacao nibs
• 1 tsp chia seed
• 1 tsp ground flax seed
• 1/2 tsp natural vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients until smooth.
2. Pour into a glass and top with another sprinkle of cacao nibs for garnish.

Chocolate Avocado Mousse

Ingredients:

• Flesh of one mashed, ripe avocado
• Half a ripe banana
• Three heaping tablespoons raw cacao powder
• Half a teaspoon natural vanilla extract
• Three teaspoons honey or stevia extract to taste

Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients until completely smooth.
2. Divide into two parfait glasses or dessert bowls and garnish with fresh berries, mint leaves, or cacao nibs as desired.

Final Thoughts

Dark chocolate can be a delightful addition to your fertility journey, providing both physical and mental benefits. By choosing high-quality dark chocolate with minimal processing and incorporating it into your diet in moderation, you can potentially enhance your reproductive health.

At Conceivable, we understand the importance of every aspect of your fertility journey, from nutrition to mental wellness. Visit us today for personalized guidance tailored to your specific needs and start taking this journey towards conception with confidence.

Our app Kirsten AI can help you figure out exactly what you should and shouldn't be doing and create custom menu plans so every meal is one step closer to baby!

Visit Conceivable

References:

• https://fertilityinstitutesandiego.com/does-dark-chocolate-really-boost-fertility/
• https://www.havingbabies.com/blog-list/why-chocolate-is-good-for-you-in-moderation/
• https://eatrightmama.com/happy-national-chocolate-day-chocolate-fertility/
• https://www.ovulifemd.com/truth-about-chocolate-and-fertility/
• https://guelphnaturopathic.ca/fertility/why-chocolate-is-fertility-friendly-3-recipes/