Tomato and Fertility: Trying to conceive

Tomato is a very healthy vegetable for both men and women who are trying to conceive.

Tomato and men’s fertility

Firstly, tomato has a high content of lycopene. Lycopene has been found to increase sperm count by about 70 percent; it also improves sperm motility and reduce the number of abnormal sperms. This has helped to increase male’s fertility tremendously.  According to a report by Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, 12 studies by different groups around the world has showed that lycopene improve sperms count and sperms swimming speed.

Other studies showed that lycopene in tomato benefits male’s reproductive organs and reduces the disease of prostate.

All this could mean higher chance of conception for couples who are trying to conceive.

Tomato and women’s fertility

For women, lycopene in tomato may be able to prevent formation of endometriosis, which is an important cause of infertility in many women around the world.

Tomato has a high content of folic acid. Folic acid can help to prevent birth defect in babies.

General benefits of tomato in boosting fertility

Lycopene in tomato has also been found to reduce heart disease by reducing cholesterol level and triglycerides in blood.

One tomato can provide about 40% of daily vitamin C requirement. Vitamin C can help to boost both men and women’s immune system.

Tomato is a rich source of minerals. Iron in tomato is beneficial for the blood health as iron is important component in haemoglobin and has been found to decrease the risk of infertility. Potassium in tomato is important for nerve health.

Other than vitamin C, tomato is also rich in other vitamins like vitamin A and K.  Vitamin A is important for eye health while vitamin K is beneficial in reducing blood bleeding.

For couples who smoke, the coumaric acid and chlorogenic acid found in tomato can help fight against nitrosamines which are produced in the body and are the main carcinogens found in cigarettes. The presence of vitamin A in tomato aid the coumaric acid and chlorogenic acid in this fight by reducing the effects of carcinogens and can protect you against lung cancer.

Organic tomatoes are better

If possible, couples should try to eat organic tomatoes. This is because organic tomatoes are not contaminated by chemicals that farmers used, but it is also found to have a higher concentration of antioxidants that could benefit couples who are trying to conceive.