It seems like every other day someone comes out with a new baby-making super food … and today is no different. Brussels sprouts, those often cringe-worthy veggies, are being touted as the new it-food for getting pregnant. But before you go out and stock up for the holiday season, let's look at the facts:
Nine percent of all conceptions happen during December—making the holiday month the most popular, year-round. While that comes as no surprise to us (the booze, the holiday spirit, presents), some are arguing that it's more than just the circumstances.
Neema Savvides, a nutritional therapist at London's Harley Street Fertility Clinic, believes that a lot of why many people get pregnant during December is because of their change in diet—specifically the increase in consumption of brussels sprouts. Not buying it? Well here are a few facts to back up her theory:
- They have tons of folic acid, which boosts fertility in men and women. It also increases sperm levels and "helps line the womb with the right nutrients, raising sperm survival chances."
- Brussels sprouts help decrease the risk of miscarriages and birth defects.
- The little green cabbages also contain a phytonutrient called di-indolylmethane. It helps women absorb levels estrogen.
- The same nutrient also binds to "environmental estrogens, like pesticides and hormones in meat and dairy products, and helps rid the body of excess hormones," which helps boosts fertility.
So, are you convinced? Honestly, if you saute them up with some bacon and raisins, they're actually quite delicious! What's the harm in trying?
