The idea that certain foods promote fertility is an ancient one, but that doesn’t make it a good one.There is no hard science to back-up claims that any one specific food can rev up your reproductive engine, according to nutritionist Bridget Swinney of BabyCenter. That’s not to say that foods cannot be a part of your reproductive cheering section. If you are deficient on certain vitamins and minerals or if you eat a poor diet in general, changing how you eat altogether can also improve your reproductive system’s health, which in turn, helps you conceive.

Zinc-Rich Foods

It was once thought that oysters boosted fertility, but scientists soon discovered it was actually their zinc content that did the trick. Women who get their 15mg per day of this mineral have better function reproductive systems that women who don’t, according to the American Pregnancy Association. You don’t have to eat oysters to get zinc. You can also find it in almonds, yogurt, fortified breakfast cereals and lean meats.

Vitamin C-Rich Foods

If you’re having trouble conceiving due to a luteal phase defect, you might be able to get pregnant easier if you increase your vitamin C intake. A 2003 study in the journal “Fertility and Sterility” found an increase in successful conception in women with a luteal phase defect who took 750mg of vitamin C per day. You can also get vitamin C from fruits and vegetables.

Foods that Promote a Healthy Weight

Underweight and overweight women may have a more difficult time conceiving, according to MayoClinic.com, due to a fluctuation in estrogen that are affected by body fat. When you are at a healthy weight, you ovulate when you are supposed to, as opposed to sporadically. A healthy ovulation cycle is the key to getting pregnant. Aim to eat the amount of calories recommended for your body size and activity level. Choose foods like lean meats, vegetables, fruits, fat-free dairy, legumes and whole grains. Skip fast food and foods high in saturated fat. Also skip caffeine, alcohol and smoking because consuming these products has been linked with decreased fertility.