Did you know that there is one nutrient that researchers have studied continuously because it impacts fertility in both males and females? Did you know that this nutrient has been found in high levels in foods used by traditional cultures to enhance fertility? This amazing nutrient is zinc.

Those native foods high in zinc are also high in another nutrient, and science is just beginning to recognize the important part that this nutrient plays in fertility. Zinc's partner nutrient is vitamin A.

Zinc has been shown to be vital to sperm health and thus vital to male fertility. If a man's zinc levels are low often his sperm levels are also low. Healthy sperm are important not just for fertility, but for the health of your future baby.

Chromosomal changes can occur with low zinc, which can increase your risk of miscarriage and negatively impact your future child. Zinc also helps your body to synthesize and use the hormones you need to get and stay pregnant.

Traditional cultures have always valued foods high in vitamin A -- and indeed, vitamin A rich foods enhance fertility and help ensure newborn health. Taking vitamin A in large quantities during pregnancy is not safe. However, researchers have found that natural vitamin A is vital for conception and for healthy fetal development.

So, how do you get zinc and vitamin A in safe, effective ways? The best way is through foods. You body absorbs nutrients in food much better than it does from pills. And food is a much more pleasant way to enhance your fertility!

Cultures in ages past fed women and men special diets in the months leading up to conception. Shellfish were often part of these diets and we know today that shellfish are high in zinc. In fact, fish were a large part of these diets. Fish oils have natural vitamin A in them – you can take a teaspoon of cod liver oil daily to get the same benefits that these cultures enjoyed.

Other cultures depended on cattle for their nutrients. Beef, butter, cheese, and milk are rich sources of zinc and vitamin A. Butter from healthy pasture-fed cows contains vitamin A and many trace minerals – and no dangerous trans-fats. Recent studies have shown that women who drink milk daily during pregnancy have healthier, higher birth weight babies and are less likely to deliver prematurely. Milk is rich in many vitamins and minerals, as well as protein.

Many seeds and bean are rich sources of zinc. Chickpeas and tahini, a butter made from chickpeas, have been enjoyed for centuries and are especially high in zinc. Carrots and leafy greens are good sources of beta-carotene, which your body turns into vitamin A.

Enjoy a varied diet with emphasis on fresh, whole foods. Pay special attention to adding milk or milk products, leafy greens, and shellfish into your diet. Take a teaspoon (or caplet) of cod liver oil daily. Adding these foods will increase the zinc and vitamin A in your diet and in your partner's diet. Your reward will be greater health and greater fertility!