Although several factors affect an individual’s fertility, including age, weight, hormones, and nutrition, when trying to conceive, diet plays a crucial role in maintaining and boosting chances of getting pregnant.

According to studies, some foods can negatively impact reproductive health and should be avoided or minimised. Therefore, it is important to be mindful of your dietary choices to increase the chances of conception.

Without further ado, here are the foods you should avoid when trying to conceive.

• Processed meats

Processed meats like sausages, hot dogs, bacon, and ham have been proven to affect the chance of pregnancy or fertilization rates in their partners.

These meats are often high in saturated fats, sodium, and preservatives like nitrates which lead to inflammation and impaired sperm quality and ovulation.

A study involving men who consumed processed meat found that lower sperm quality, count, and motility are linked to large consumption of processed meat.

So instead of processed meat opt for lean meats like chicken, turkey, and tofu.

• Alcohol

When trying to conceive, it is advisable to avoid alcohol. Consumption of alcohol even light drinking can disrupt hormone levels and reduce fertility.

According to a study, heavy consumption of alcohol can lead to low sex drive, poor sexual performance, and low-quality sperm in men.

In women, ovulation, menstrual cycle, and reproductive hormones can be affected.

Also, alcohol has been linked to having a child with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.

Due to the effects of alcohol during conception and childbirth, it is advisable to avoid it when trying to procreate.

• Bakery products

Bakery products such as cookies, cakes, muffins, and pastries are the major sources of trans fat in the human diet.

Several studies have proven trans fat and saturated fat are associated with poorer fertility outcomes.

In a 2007 study, it was found that consumption of these bakery products can increase infertility and ovulatory disorder by 73%.

It might be hard to let go as they tend to be a go-to snack but you can start small. Start by minimising your consumption then slowly incorporate healthy carbs into your diet.

Healthy carbs include beans, avocados, fruits and nuts.

• Sugar-sweetened drinks

When trying to conceive you need to minimize or cut off sugar-sweetened drinks including soda, beverages, and energy drinks.

Sugar-sweetened beverages, particularly sodas and energy drinks have the worst effect on fertility, compared to diet sodas and fruit juice.

Another study found that high consumption of sugary beverages was associated with a lower total number of mature and fertilized eggs among women during IVF.

• Refined carbohydrates and sugar

Refined carbohydrates like bread, pasta, and white rice are some of the foods that should be minimised during conception.

Eating these foods has been linked to reduced fertility. However, regular consumption of refined carbohydrates is particularly associated with obesity.

Meanwhile, obesity has been associated with a higher incidence of infertility, recurrent miscarriage, and pregnancy complications.

So to enhance fertility, consider changing your diet to healthier, fertility-friendly options.

While it may seem like many foods are off-limits, some nutritious foods can boost your fertility.

Written by Honest Micah

Nigeria’s Food inflation climbed to 40.53% in April 2024, according to the Consumer Price Index report of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

This represented a 15.92% increase from the 24.61% food inflation rate recorded in April 2023.

However, Nigeria’s month-on-month food inflation declined in April for the second consecutive time following five months of consistent increase dating back to October 2023.

Monthly food inflation in April stood at 2.50%, a decline from the 3.62% recorded in March 2024 when year-on-year food inflation reached 40.01%. 

Nigeria, with its diverse cuisine and rich culinary heritage, has seen significant fluctuations in the prices of staple foods over the past year.

Based on the recent data from the NBS, here are the 10 most expensive staple foods in Nigeria as of April 2024: 

10. Rice Agric Sold Loose 

Rice agric sold loose has seen a significant rise in prices with a 135.62% increase YoY, making it one of the top ten most expensive staple foods in Nigeria. The average price of 1kg of rice was N631.50 in April 2023, which increased to N1,487.91 in April 2024. From March 2024 to April 2024, the average price rose from N1,378.84 to N1,487.91, reflecting a 7.91% MoM increase. 

The highest prices were recorded in Niger state at N1,984.18, while Benue state had the lowest at N1,078.73. This rise is indicative of broader trends affecting rice production and distribution in Nigeria. 

 9. Chicken Feet 

Chicken feet, a popular delicacy in Nigeria, has experienced a substantial YoY increase of 138.58%. The price was N1,115.29 in April 2023, which surged to N2,660.90 in April 2024. This represents a 9.04% increase from March 2024, when the price was N2,440.35. 

The highest price was found in Abuja at N5,507.95, significantly higher than the lowest price of N1,005.10 in Bauchi state. This price surge reflects the rising demand and possible supply constraints affecting chicken feet. 

8. Plantain (Ripe) 

Ripe plantains, essential in many Nigerian dishes, have seen a 144.68% YoY price hike. The price was N412.39 in April 2023, increasing to N1,009.05 in April 2024. From March 2024 to April 2024, the price rose from N947.35 to N1,009.05, representing a 6.51% MoM increase. 

The highest prices were observed in Cross River at N1,380.87, whereas Yobe state had the lowest prices at N560.81. The price increase underscores the high demand for plantains and the challenges in maintaining stable supply chains. 

7. Irish Potato 

The price of Irish potatoes has surged by 149.18% YoY. The price was N567.29 in April 2023, rising to N1,413.57 in April 2024. From March 2024 to April 2024, the price increased from N1,254.45 to N1,413.57, reflecting a 12.68% increase from the previous month. 

Ondo state recorded the highest price at N2,000, while Borno had the lowest at N653.73. This significant rise is influenced by seasonal factors, transportation costs, and possibly localized production challenges. 

6. Rice Medium Grained 

Medium-grained rice prices have risen by 151.95% YoY. The price was N609.57 in April 2023, increasing to N1,535.83 in April 2024. From March 2024 to April 2024, the price rose from N1,438.07 to N1,535.83, marking a 6.8% increase from March 2024. 

The highest prices were recorded in Ogun state at N1,899.91, while Kano state had the lowest at N1,164.35. The steady increase in prices reflects broader trends in the rice market, including production costs and demand fluctuations. 

5. Yam Tuber 

Yam, a staple in many Nigerian households, has experienced a 154.19% YoY increase. The price was N444.69 in April 2023, rising to N1,130.37 in April 2024. From March 2024 to April 2024, the price rose from N1,068.78 to N1,130.37, representing a 5.76% MoM rise. 

Cross River state had the highest price at 1,797.15, while Bauchi state had the lowest at N638.64. The price increase highlights the essential nature of yams in Nigerian cuisine and the pressures on supply chains. 

4. Rice Local Sold Loose 

Local rice prices have climbed by 155.93% YoY. The price was N546.76 in April 2023, increasing to N1,399.34 in April 2024. From March 2024 to April 2024, the price rose from N1,340.74 to N1,399.34, a 4.37% increase from the previous month. 

Niger state recorded the highest prices at N1,785.47, while Benue had the lowest at N993.72. The increase in local rice prices underscores the challenges in local production and distribution, impacting affordability. 

3. Broken Rice (Ofada) 

Ofada rice, known for its unique taste, has seen a 158% YoY price increase. The price was N601.61 in April 2023, surging to N1,552.18 in April 2024. From March 2024 to April 2024, the price rose slightly from N1,525.75 to N1,552.18, a modest 1.73% increase. 

Ogun state saw the highest prices at N2,941.81, while Zamfara had the lowest at N987.28. This substantial price rise reflects the growing popularity and limited availability of Ofada rice. 

2. Plantain (Unripe) 

Unripe plantain prices have soared by 168.29% YoY. The price was N372.89 in April 2023, increasing to N1,000.41 in April 2024. From March 2024 to April 2024, the price rose from N933.16 to N1,000.41, a 7.21% increase from the previous month. 

The highest prices were recorded in Ondo state at N1,729.57, while Yobe had the lowest at N470. The significant increase highlights the versatile use of plantains in Nigerian cuisine and the supply challenges faced. 

1. Sweet Potato 

Sweet potato tops the list with an astounding 182.04% YoY increase. The price was N286.26 in April 2023, surging to N807.35 in April 2024. From March 2024 to April 2024, the price rose from N689.47 to N807.35, reflecting a 17.1% MoM increase. 

Delta state recorded the highest price at N1,381.37, while Kaduna had the lowest at N387.68. The drastic price rise of sweet potatoes indicates a significant demand-supply imbalance and highlights the need for targeted interventions to stabilize prices.

Pork is a controversial choice among meats for many reasons, often hailed for its flavor, versatility, and nutritional benefits.

Here are five amazing facts that make pork a top choice for many consumers:

Flavor and fat content

Pork is highly prized for its rich, savory flavor, which is enhanced by its fat content.

Unlike other meats, much of the fat in pork is interspersed within the muscle, a characteristic known as marbling.

This marbling not only enhances the flavor but also contributes to a tender, juicy texture when cooked, making dishes like pulled pork or pork belly particularly succulent and tasty.

It can be cooked in many ways

One of the most significant advantages of pork is its versatility in cooking. It can be smoked, grilled, roasted, sautéed, or braised.

Pork adapts well to a variety of cooking methods and can be used in countless recipes across global cuisines, from American barbecues with pork ribs to Spanish tapas featuring chorizo or Italian dishes with pancetta.

Many nutritional benefits

Pork is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle maintenance and growth.

It is also rich in several important vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins (particularly B1, B6, and B12), which are crucial for a range of physiological functions including energy metabolism and neurological health.

Pork also provides important minerals like phosphorus, selenium, and zinc.

It is economical and sustainable production

Pork production is generally more cost-effective and resource-efficient compared to beef.

Pigs have a higher feed conversion efficiency rate than cattle, meaning they convert a greater proportion of their feed into body weight.

This makes pork a more sustainable option in terms of resource use and environmental impact, considering the global need to optimize food production systems.

Rich in creatine

Pork is one of the richest natural sources of creatine, a compound important for energy storage in muscle cells. This makes it particularly beneficial for athletes and bodybuilders looking to improve performance and muscle growth.

Consuming pork can help increase the levels of creatine in the body, potentially enhancing physical performance and aiding muscle recovery during and after exercise.

These attributes make pork a favored choice among many meat-eaters, blending culinary pleasure with substantial nutritional benefits, and making it an appealing option for a balanced diet.