Raspberries give both male and female fertility a boost, they’re fantastic!
How raspberries help
Raspberries have the lowest GI of any fruit, meaning their sugar is absorbed into the body slowly. Therefore, raspberries help to balance blood sugar levels. When trying to conceive, this is important as it is key to balancing sex hormones. If these are balanced you’ll have a better chance of conceiving.
Raspberries contain natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory phytonutrients, two components that greatly improve fertility. They’re also high in vitamin C and folic acid, which can help fetal development after conception.
Several types of berries can help to boost fertility, but raspberries have been linked to protecting sperm from oxidative stress.
In regards to male fertility, the vitamin C is a key nutrient in sperm health and preventing oxidative health and the magnesium raspberries also contain helps to give a further boost with its involvement in the production of testosterone.
In regards to female fertility, it is thought that after conception antioxidants may decrease the risk of miscarriage.
Red raspberry leaf tea
Red raspberry leaf tea is made from the dried leaves of the red raspberry leaf bush. As with fresh raspberries, it also contains vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, and potassium and aids in boosting fertility. The tea can help by:
· Regulating menstrual cycles
· Supporting implantation by strengthening the uterine wall
· Relieving nausea and morning sickness
· Strengthening the uterus to prepare for childbirth
· Helping the uterus recover from childbirth and reduce hemorrhaging.
· Increasing milk production
Many of the women who swear by this tea say it helped them get pregnant or have a smooth, easy birth experience.
5-Minute raspberry sorbet (serves 2-3)
· 1 frozen bananas
· 1 ½ cup frozen raspberries
· ½ cup frozen cherries (9-10 cherries)
· 2/3 cup almond milk + if needed to blend
1. Place all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth. You may need to stop and scrape the sides if you have trouble getting it started. Add more milk if needed to help blend.
2. Enjoy immediately OR place in a tin and freeze. When ready to serve, scoop out and serve immediately.
Low carb raspberry cheesecake bars (16 servings)
For the crust:
· 6 tbsp melted butter
· 2 cups finely ground almond flour
· 1/3 cup granulated erythritol
For the cheesecake filling:
· 16 oz cream cheese
· 2 large eggs
· ½ cup granulated erythritol
· ½ tsp vanilla extract
· 1 tbsp lemon juice
For the raspberry topping:
· 1/2 cup raspberries
· 1 tsp granulated erythritol
Preparing the crust:
1. Preheat oven to 350F
2. In medium mixing bowl combine melted butter, almond flour, erythritol and mix well.
3. Transfer dough into an 8x8 or 9x9 pan that is lined with non-stick foil or parchment paper.
4. Press the dough into the bottom of the pan.
5. Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden brown.
6. Remove from the oven and set aside while you make the filling and topping.
Preparing the cheesecake filling:
1. In a large mixing bowl add the cream cheese, eggs, erythritol, vanilla, lemon juice and mix until well combined with a hand mixer.
2. Place cheesecake filling over cooled crust and spread it out evenly in the baking dish.
For raspberry topping:
1. In a small bowl combine raspberries and sweetener.
2. Use a fork to mash the berries all together.
3. Spoon out dollops of mashed berries over the top of the cheesecake filling and then use a knife to swirl and distribute the raspberries to give it that marble look.
4. Place in 350F oven for 25-30 minutes or until cheesecake is set.
5. Remove from oven and allow to cool, then place in fridge and chill for a few hours before slicing.
