I’ve recently been looking into the Ayurvedic perspective on fertility, particularly the foods that are recognized in this tradition as most beneficial for sperm and egg. Ayurveda compares preparing for conception to the process of farming: just as the health of a crop depends on the quality of soil and seed, the timing of sowing, and the amount of watering, the health of a baby depends on the health of its parents.
And essential to the thriving of a healthy pregnancy is the nourishment that is given to the seeds–that would be the sperm and the egg.
In Ayurveda the top foods for optimal nourishment of sperm and egg are: milk, almonds, walnuts, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, saffron, honey, and ghee.
So with that in mind, we’ve put together a recipe that combines five of these eight ingredients (plus a few others) in one delicious, easy-to-eat package. We think you’re going to love them!
Fertility-Optimizing Granola Bars
You’ll need:
1 cup packed dates, pitted (you can soak these in water to soften them – just be sure to drain them afterward)
½ cup honey (substitute maple syrup for a vegan option)
½ cup natural peanut butter, almond butter, or sunflower seed butter
½ cup almonds, loosely chopped
½ cup walnuts, loosely chopped
1 ¼ cups rolled oats (gluten free oats for a gluten free option)
2 Tbsp sesame seeds
2 Tbsp chia seeds (great for Omega 3 and selenium)
¼ cup pumpkin seeds
½ cup carob chips
To prepare:
- Process the dates in a food processor for about 1 minute. It should form a consistency like dough.
- Mix oats, nuts, seeds, carob chips, and dates in a bowl. Set aside.
- Warm honey and nut butter in a small pot over low heat. Stir together, then pour over oat mixture, mixing thoroughly.
- Line a 9-inch square baking dish or small pan with plastic wrap or parchment paper, and transfer the mixture into the pan.
- Press down until even and flat. Cover it all with parchment paper or plastic wrap, and let it set in the fridge or freezer for half an hour to harden.
- Remove from the pan and chop into 10 even bars. Store in an airtight container for up to a few days, or in the freezer for longer.
Enjoy!
