What if superfoods are secretly ruining your fertility in the name of health? Sabja seeds have always been touted as nutrient-rich and a health tonic; however, they have recently been in the debate with respect to fertility.
Do these tiny seeds aid or interfere with conceiving on your part?
This blog will help you identify the myths and facts surrounding sabja seeds and their effects on fertility.
First, let’s get things straight: do sabja seeds cause harmful effects on fertility? Here we go!
Does Sabja Seeds Cause Infertility?
No, Sabja seeds do not cause infertility. In fact, sabja, or basil seeds, are generally safe for consumption in moderation. Sabja seeds contain large quantities of antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and phytoestrogens which support better health, inclusive of reproductive health. Like anything else, excessive consumption or underlying health conditions can sometimes complicate matters.
How Sabja Seeds Affect Reproductive Health?
Nutritional Benefits of Sabja Seeds for Fertility
Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids:
Omega-3s are important for making hormones and maintaining reproductive health. They are also necessary for the conjoint production of prostaglandins, which help with the release of the eggs during ovulation.
Good source of Fiber:
Fiber maintains blood sugar levels and body weight, which is essential for women with PCOS. PCOS causes hormonal imbalances, which may be detrimental solely to ovulation and subsequently fertility.
Protein with Antioxidants:
These help in the maintenance of healthy reproductive functions while also curing oxidative stress, which may damage fertility.
Micronutrients:
Calcium, iron, magnesium, etc., present as micro-elements in sabja seeds, all contribute toward the maintenance of balance in hormones and reproductive health.
Sabja Seeds and Male Fertility
Sabja seeds can be beneficial to men in terms of their diets. Due to their abundance in omega-3s, they support sperm health, particularly motility and morphology, the two critical factors that make a sperm fertile.
Antioxidants in sabja seeds also protect sperm from oxidative damage, thereby improving sperm quality. There is also some evidence regarding the mild estrogenic action of sabja regarding possibly helping male reproductive health, but only limited research has been conducted so far.
Currently, there is no evidence that sabja seeds have any harmful effects on male fertility.
Sabja Seeds and Female Fertility
Sabja seeds have open doors into benefits that can be very helpful for women trying to conceive. High fiber makes blood sugar and insulin levels androgenized, a very important aspect of women suffering from PCOS, as it affects ovulation and raises chances of infertility.
Besides these, the phytoestrogenic properties of sabja seeds could also help hormone balance in women with altered menstrual cycles.
It should be noted that sabja seeds aren’t a magic bullet for infertility. They do assist with reproductive health, but it can be increased when used with a healthy diet and exercise and other fertility enhancing practices.
Can Sabja Seeds Delay Ovulation?
Sabja does not have enough evidence to defer ovulation. Otherwise, it should encourage healthy ovulation, for instance, through omega-3 fatty acids in them to help normalize hormones.
Still, as with anything, moderation is the key. Overeating sabja seeds can upset the nutrient balance and lead to unfavorable consequences regarding fertility.
If you experience delayed ovulation and any other kind of fertility anomaly, then you should look into other possible factors that include stress, lifestyle, and general nutrition.
When to Worry About Fertility Issues?
If you’ve been trying to get pregnant with your partner for more than a year but to no avail, it might be time to seek medical intervention. If you are older than 35, a woman should see a fertility expert as soon as she and her partner try for 6 months with no conception.
Signs that might indicate fertility problems include missed periods, pelvic pain, and prior medical conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis, or thyroid disorders. The above conditions can prevent ovulation and make pregnancy difficult.
What to Do If You Are Struggling to Conceive?
Track Your Ovulation and Hormonal Health
Understanding hormonal values is vital in improving one’s chances of getting conceived. Here is how to go about it:
Ovulation Predictor Kits (OPKs):
Detect a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) in the urine before ovulation, so that you can determine your most fertile days.
Cervical Mucus Monitoring:
Changes in consistency of cervical mucus define the cycle. Clear, slippery, and stretchy is the phase when your cervix is at its most fertile.
Basal Body Temperature (BBT) Charting:
Thermometer; take temperature every morning before getting out of bed. A very small increase in temperature confirms ovulation has occurred.
When Should You See a Fertility Specialist?
Consult a fertility specialist after an extended period of trying to conceive without success or if severe pain or an irregular cycle is experienced. A physician performs tests to determine the safety of conceiving and recommends treatments accordingly.
Fertility Treatments If You Can’t Conceive Naturally
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
A process in which healthy sperm is placed directly into the uterus during ovulation. The procedure is generally the first step of most assisted reproductive techniques and may be combined with ovulation-stimulating agents.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
In this procedure, eggs are retrieved, fertilized in the lab, and the embryo is subsequently implanted in the uterus. IVF treatment may be indicated for obstructive pathology in the fallopian tubes, sperm quality issues, or unexplained infertility.
When Should You See a Fertility Doctor? Signs You Need Expert Help
You should seek the help of a fertility specialist if you experience any of the following:
- You have spent more than a year trying to conceive but have not succeeded (for those over 35, six months suffices).
- Irregular cycles, menstrual cramps, or other signs of reproductive health issues give you cause for concern.
- Your partner has a history of male infertility or an issue that could come in the way of having children.
Conclusion
Sabja seeds are not infertility-triggering agents; rather, they confer various nutritional advantages concerning male and female reproductive health.
In a balanced consumption, sabja seeds promote hormone equilibrium, aid digestion, and boost overall health. Nevertheless, a balanced diet is obligatory, and if fertility is a concern, a specialist should be consulted.
To boost fertility, the root cause of the problem should be treated and individuals should be guided till they achieve their desired results.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
No. Sabja seeds are considered safe to consume in moderation and are known to provide several health benefits, such as balancing hormones and improving reproductive health. There is no proof that they inhibit fertility.
Yes, sabja seeds contain omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and phytoestrogens, all of which help keep reproductive health. They may help balance hormones and promote ovulation, especially in women with disorders such as PCOS.
Yes, sabja seeds may be part of a healthy diet while trying to conceive. With nutrients like fiber, protein, and essential fatty acids, they can serve to enhance general health and fertility. Just take care that sabja seeds are consumed in moderation and along with other foods that contribute to a balanced diet.
