It’s only natural that you would want to find foods that could improve your fertility when trying to get pregnant. Among the many suggestions, one that often pops up is eating pineapple, specifically the core, after ovulation or an embryo transfer. Is this a true claim or just another fertility myth?

The Pineapple Myth of Fertility: Does Eating Pineapple Help with Fertility?

Bromelain is an enzyme in pineapple that some believe can help with conception. Bromelain has anti-inflammatory (blood-thinning), and anticoagulant properties. Some believe that these properties could increase blood flow and reduce inflammation to the uterus, creating a favourable environment for embryo implantation.

While these properties may sound promising, there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that eating pineapple or its core can improve fertility rates or increase implantation rates. Bromelain has been studied primarily in vitro, or in test tubes. It is therefore premature to conclude its efficacy in human fertility.

Pineapple Nutritional Benefits

The fruit offers several nutritional benefits that can help to support reproductive health.

• Vitamin C Pineapple contains vitamin C, which is an antioxidant and helps to protect the cells against oxidative stress. It also supports the immune system. Vitamin C is essential to good health.
• Manganese. This mineral is important for bone formation, blood clotting and inflammation reduction. It is also important for the metabolism of amino acids, carbohydrates and cholesterol.
• Bromelain. While its direct effect on fertility has not been proven, bromelain can help digestion and reduce inflammation.

These nutrients are good for your overall health and reproductive health.

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Bromelain: The Science Behind It

Bromelain, a mixture of enzymes in pineapple stems and fruits. The potential health benefits of bromelain have been investigated.

• Antiinflammatory Effects. Some research suggests bromelain can reduce inflammation. This is helpful for conditions such as arthritis and sinusitis.
• Digestive Aid Bromelain can help to digest proteins and relieve symptoms of indigestion.
• Anticoagulant Properties Bromelain may have blood-thinning properties, which theoretically could improve blood flow in the uterus.

These benefits have been observed primarily in animal studies or with isolated human cells. Clinical trials have not provided enough evidence to prove that bromelain can significantly impact human fertility or embryo implantation.

Pineapple: How to include it in your diet

Here are some tips if you like pineapple and want to include it in your dietary plan while trying to get pregnant.

• Fresh pineapple is the best. The canning process destroys some of the enzymes that make it healthy.
• Moderation: While the pineapple is nutritional, it also contains sugars. Moderation is recommended as part of an overall balanced diet.
• Variety: Include a variety of fruits and veggies in your diet so that you get a wide spectrum of nutrients to support fertility.

No single food can guarantee conception. Healthy lifestyles, such as a balanced diet and regular exercise, are important for reproductive health.

Five common foods that may help you conceive

Pomegranates

Pomegranates are high in antioxidants.

Oxidative stress is a result of an excess production of free radicals in our bodies. Stress, PCOS, PCOS-related toxins, sugar and stress can all cause oxidative stress. This stress has been shown to hurt fertility.

Antioxidants protect eggs from oxidative stress. It has been proven that a diet rich in antioxidants can boost fertility and the outcomes of fertility treatments. A diet high in antioxidants may be beneficial for women with PCOS and unexplained fertility issues. This is because the antioxidants present in their ovarian follicles are often reduced.

A small study found that the antioxidants in pomegranates improved sperm. Blackberries, blueberries, goji berries, artichokes, walnuts and goji berries are also good sources of antioxidants.

Pineapple

Pineapple is rich in bromelain, which has anti-inflammatory properties and thins blood. Pineapple core contains the highest concentration of bromelain. Studies have not confirmed that pineapple increases implantation through increased blood flow and reduced inflammation. However, we do know that inflammation can be linked to several conditions that negatively impact fertility, including PCOS and Endometriosis.

Foods that reduce inflammation, in addition to pineapples, include foods high in omega-3 fats, such as salmon, turmeric, garlic, ginger and fermented foods.

You may also like: PCOS and Fertility

Nuts

Brazil nuts and walnuts have been praised for their fertility-boosting effects. Brazil nuts contain a high amount of selenium, an antioxidant. Walnuts contain a lot of magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids.

Two small studies have linked early pregnancy loss with low selenium. Studies also show positive effects of Omega-3 fatty acids, including an increase in pregnancy and live births with fertility treatments.

Walnuts are not the only foods rich in omega-3s. Other high-omega-3 foods include salmon, mackerel and sardines, as well as chia seeds and flaxseeds.

Full-fat Dairy

According to a large study, women with ovulatory fertility can benefit from choosing full-fat over low-fat and fat-free. Choose organic and pasture-raised dairy products to keep harmful antibiotics and toxins out of your diet.

Dairy is a subject to be mindful of. It can cause inflammation. Two, 60 per cent of people suffer from digestive problems when they consume dairy. You should pay attention to your body’s reaction after consuming dairy products to decide if this is the right choice for you.

Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruits and lemons are rich in vitamin C and folic acid.

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant. As we have already mentioned, antioxidants protect eggs against damage caused by oxidative stress. According to a study, increased Vitamin C improves fertility among women with luteal defects.

Folic acid has been proven to improve blood flow and prevent fetal anomalies. Folic acid in supplement form is recommended when trying to get pregnant. Peppers, strawberries and broccoli are also high in vitamin C.

Bottom Line

Although pineapple is a tasty and nutritious fruit, there is no evidence that eating the core can improve fertility or embryo implantation. Always approach such claims cautiously and consult a healthcare professional before making any significant changes to your fertility or diet.

Focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle if you are trying to get pregnant. This includes a diet that is balanced and rich in nutrients, regular exercise, and stress management. All of these factors contribute to a healthy reproductive system.