Ovulation is a very important time in a woman’s cycle. It is during this period that an egg is released from the ovary, ready to be fertilised, by sperm. It is when the egg has been fertilised that the period of pregnancy begins. If the egg is unfertilised, it is shed during the next menstrual flow.
Women who are actively trying to get pregnant should pay proper attention to their ovulation period. Sometimes, the egg might not be released during the ovulation window, a condition known as anovulation and it accounts for a large percentage of infertility in women. Although it is easy to think that because a woman observes her period, then that is a sign that an egg was released during ovulation, that is not always so. A woman might experience regular periods without ovulating.
The good thing is, anovulation is not permanent. In fact, most women would experience anovulation at some point in their lives without realising it. Another good that is you can easily boost or stimulate your ovulation by paying attention to your diet.
That is why in today’s article, we would be looking at some Nigerian foods that help to boost ovulation. By eating these foods, you increase your chances of observing ovulation like you are meant to.
1. Yams
Yams have been a meal of choice for women who are seeking to conceive for centuries. Studies have shown that yams contain nutrients that boost ovulation, including phytoestrogens and progesterone. It is thought that the high consumption of yams may be the reason why the Yoruba tribe have the highest rate of twins in the world. Apparently, it could be because it contains phytoestrogen, which increases a woman’s Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), and may lead to a higher rate of ovulation.
2. Whole Grains
Whole grains are grains that have all three parts intact – the bran, germ, and endosperm. Whole grains are considered healthier than regular grains, because they contain more nutrients, as they do not go through any form of processing. Whole grains also contain complex carbohydrates, which are good for the body as they take time to digest, which does not cause a spike in your blood sugar levels.
Examples of whole-grain meals include whole wheat, brown rice, millet, oats, corn, and more. Women who are looking to conceive should consider replacing their regular grains with whole grains to help boost their ovulation.
3. Green Leafy Vegetables
Green leafy vegetables, like spinach, bitter leaf, and romaine, are rich in a range of nutrients that benefit the body in so many ways, and they are also helpful in stimulating ovulation. Nutrients like iron, copper, and folic acid, which these vegetables contain, play a big role in a woman’s reproductive health.
Here in Nigeria, we use these green leafy vegetables in a lot of our cooking, because of how they enhance the taste of meals. But you should also take advantage of the benefits they provide the body with. Some healthy dark leafy green vegetables in Nigeria include bitter leaves, spinach, scent leaf, fluted pumpkin leaves.
4. Beans
Beans and cowpea, both in the legume family, are rich in protein, which can help boost ovulation. Studies have shown that replacing animal protein with plant protein reduces the risk of ovulation infertility. Beans are also rich in folic acid, a nutrient that is important for good reproductive health.
5. Eggs
Eating eggs could also increase your chances of ovulating. The Vitamin D present in eggs helps to improve fertility in women, as studies have shown a link between infertility and vitamin D deficiency. Eggs also contain vitamin B12, Omega-3 fatty acids, folic acid, and antioxidants, all of which would increase a woman’s fertility.
6. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is often used to add flavor to sweet and savory foods, however it can also boost ovulation and improve fertility. Some medical research suggests cinnamon may also help galvanizes irregular menstrual cycles in women affected by a common infertility disorder polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
7. Avocados
Avocados are great for fertility. Avocado can improve fertility in women by providing them with zinc, folic acid, vitamin E and vitamin C. They can also be combined and eaten together with other fertility boosting foods.
Bottom Line
An important part of fertility has to do with eating right. And eating these healthy Nigerian foods that boosts ovulation can help promote fertility in women. There are many other foods that boost ovulation such as walnuts, tomatoes, sardines, pineapple, citrus fruits, and dairy products.
ALSO READ:
- 5 Healthy Nigerian Foods for Pregnant Women
- 5 Nigerian Foods to Avoid While Breastfeeding
- 12 Nigerian Foods That Boost Breast milk Production
- 7 Nigerian Foods That Boosts Sperm Count
- How To Keep Your Cervix Healthy
Collins Nwokolo is a human physiologist, writer and health enthusiast. He loves writing helpful articles on health and fitness, which he enjoys sharing with everyone.
