Fertility
Is there a goji-fertility connection? Here’s the 101
Eloise Edington | 30 Jul 2024
Goji berries and fertility – what you need to know
Goji berries, also called wolfberries, have been a staple in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years, praised for their ability to support fertility and even enhance IVF success rates.
At The Ribbon Box, we love digging into the science behind fertility superfoods (check out our founder Eloise’s latest IVF cycle prep for proof).
Today, we’re breaking down the real fertility benefits of goji berries – why they might be worth adding to your routine and how to easily work them into your diet.
Let’s get into it.
Can goji berries help with fertility?
Short answer – yes, potentially! Goji berries are often hailed as a fertility superfood, largely thanks to their powerful antioxidant properties.
They also pack a punch when it comes to key fertility-supporting nutrients, including:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Calcium
- Iron
- Amino acids
- Anthocyanins
- Carotenoids
- Polysaccharides
But antioxidants are the real MVP here. They help combat oxidative stress, a major factor in infertility that can damage both sperm and egg cells. Left unchecked, oxidative stress can lower sperm count and quality, reduce egg health, and even impact IVF success rates.
This is why goji berries have gained attention for their potential role in boosting fertility and overall reproductive health. But let’s take a closer look at the science behind it.
Goji berries for female fertility – the benefits
Goji berries are antioxidant powerhouses – and when it comes to female fertility, that’s a big deal. Antioxidants help protect your eggs from oxidative stress, a major driver behind age-related fertility decline.
They’re also loaded with vitamin C and beta-carotene, both of which support healthy hormone levels. That means better cycle regulation, balanced ovulation, and a more responsive reproductive system overall.
Goji berries bring a decent hit of iron, too – especially important if you’re TTC (trying to conceive), as iron helps prevent anaemia and supports reproductive function across the board.
And while the science is still catching up, goji berries have traditionally been thought to improve cervical mucus quality – helping sperm travel more easily to meet the egg. Worth knowing, even if the research is still early-stage.
What about male fertility?
Goji berries aren’t just for female fertility – they’ve got solid benefits for men, too.
Thanks to their high antioxidant content, gojis can help protect sperm from oxidative damage – a known factor in low sperm count and reduced motility. In fact, some research has linked goji berry consumption to improved semen quality specifically.
They’re also used in traditional medicine to boost blood circulation, which could support erectile function and overall reproductive health. While more research is needed in that area, the potential is promising.
Incorporating goji berries into your diet
Goji berries are very popular additions to breakfast dishes. Sprinkle some dried goji berries into a homemade batch of breakfast bars with some chopped nuts, dried fruit, seeds, oats and golden syrup and bake until golden brown.
Alternatively, you could top your porridge or granola with the berries (dried or fresh), or add some to a smoothie.
You can even make your own fertility tea with goji berries. Or, if making fertility teas is not your thing, then you could purchase some fertility teas that contain goji berries.
We advise that you consult your doctor or fertility nutritionist before adding goji berries to your fertility diet, as some studies suggest they may interfere with medicines digested by liver enzymes, such as medicines for diabetes or hypertension.
Bookmark for later: Navigating the veganism fertility puzzle – these are the micronutrients to chase
The goji berry superfood supplement to try
If you’re looking for a simple way to supplement your antioxidant intake – with a focus on goji berries as a superfood – bookmark the Nutri Advanced Superfood supplement.
Its unique proprietary SuperFruitox™ antioxidant blend contains goji berry, pomegranate and more, and provides the antioxidant power of 20+ servings of fruits and veggies.
We’re not saying this is a replacement for goji berries, or that it should be used instead of a varied and considered preconception diet, but it can be a great way to feel like you’re doing all you can to get the best quality nutrients in – for fertility, wellbeing and beyond.
Looking for the Nutri Advanced discount code? Snag 20% off the entire range with code TRB20.
The bottom line
The antioxidant properties of goji berries can make them a helpful addition to your diet if you’re trying to conceive, but they should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a broader, balanced approach.
Embrace them as one of many tools in your fertility toolkit, rather than the sole focus. By doing so, you can take steps towards optimising your reproductive health naturally and effectively.
Next on your reading list: Pomegranate & fertility – can pomegranate really boost fertility?
