Did you know that the wrong kinds of vegetables and fruits can affect your chances of getting pregnant? Yes really!
You may think that consuming plenty of vegetables and fruits would help your chances of getting pregnant, but if you are consuming the wrong kind, it could actually hurt.
That is according to a recent study, conducted by the Environment and Reproductive Health (EARTH) and published by The Jama Network. It was found that women who consumed more vegetables and fruits that contained high amounts of pesticide residue, were more likely to have a hard time getting pregnant. Also, they will have a lower chance of a live birth following infertility treatments.
Study
The research looked at over 300 women and these women were asked to complete a dietary questionnaire and then underwent cycles of assisted reproductive technologies. The researchers determined participants’ intake of low-pesticide and high-pesticide vegetables and fruits, using data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Pesticide Data Program.
Here’s What the Study Revealed:
Women who consumed 2-6 daily servings of high-pesticide fruits had an 18% lower probability of clinical pregnancy, while a 26% lower probability of live birth. Women who consumed less than 1 serving a day of high-pesticide residue vegetables and fruits had better odds.
The risk of pregnancy loss was increased with each quartile of high-pesticide vegetable and fruit consumption. The probability was 7% for the first (lowest) quartile, 23% for the second, 24% for the third, and 34% for the highest quartile, according to Medpagetoday.
While the women who consumed 1 serving per day of low-pesticide residue vegetables or fruits, instead of 1 high-pesticide serving, was linked with 88% higher odds of live birth and 79% higher odds of clinical pregnancy.
Conclusion:
The research’s authors noted that there has been a growing concern over the permitted levels of pesticide residues in food defined by traditional toxicological testing, which may be too high. This concern applies most especially for susceptible populations, such as infnats or pregnant women.
Also, the authors also noted that while vegetables and fruits are an importnat part of a healthy diet, they are a hub for pesticide residue exposure in the general population.
The pesticides that are being used in agriculture have produced harmful effects on reproductive health outcomes, including spontaneous abortion, decreased fertility, developmental abnormalities and stillbirth, according to the authors.
Vegetables and fruits that contain high amounts of pesticide residue, which are known as the dirty dozen foods, and were examined in the study included: spinach, strawberries, peaches, green peppers, potatoes, plums, string beans, grapes, pears and apples.
Low-pesticide produce included lima beans, peas, beans, onions, avocados, lentils, cabbage and corn.
What Can You Eat to Protect Yourself?
Eat organic foods! Also, you should read labels and make sure your food is pesticide-free. Lastly, you can reach out to government officials and demand for increased regulation on pesticides.
Read More:
1. Avoid These 7 Foods During Pregnancy
2. Lifting During Pregnancy: Beneficial Not Scary
3. Eating This Food During Pregnancy Can Make Your Baby Smarter