Women probably don’t think about their cervical health very often. But like every single part of your body, your cervix is made of cells, and they need to stay healthy to keep everything running smoothly.
Vitamins for Healthy Cervix
A balanced diet is essential to keep your body in good shape, but a few specific nutrients can help promote cervical health.
Vitamins with high antioxidant power like vitamins E, A, and C help keep your cells and cervix healthy. Healthy levels of B vitamins, especially folate and B12, may also help support a healthy cervix.
Find out how to include more of these nutrients in your daily diet:
- Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin found in plant oils, nuts, seeds, and some fruits and vegetables. Sunflower seeds, wheat germ oil, almonds, hazelnuts, peanut butter, and broccoli are all great sources.
Studies suggest that tocopherols found in dietary vitamin E food sources may have a beneficial effect on cervical health.
- Vitamin A
There are two forms of vitamin A:
Preformed vitamin A (retinol). This is the active form of vitamin A and is found in animal products like dairy, fish, and meat.
Provitamin A carotenoids (beta-carotene). Beta-carotene is a yellow-orange plant pigment that is converted to the active form of vitamin A in the body. Carrots, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, spinach, kale, and squash are all rich sources of beta-carotene. Choose colorful fruits and vegetables, especially those with bright yellow and orange hues – that’s a clue that they’re packed with beta-carotene.
Research suggests that women who eat antioxidant-rich foods with beta-carotene, such as papaya and sweet potatoes, may have healthier cells in the cervix.
- Vitamin C
Vitamin C is famous for boosting immunity. But vitamin C-rich foods can also help support cervical health. While the list of vitamin C foods is seemingly endless, you’ll find mangoes, bell peppers, citrus fruits, kiwi, and strawberries near the top.
- B Vitamins
Folate (vitamin B9) and vitamin B12 both play a crucial role in supporting cervical health. Studies show that folate and Vitamin B12 may help support healthy cervical cells due to their role in DNA repair and synthesis.
Include leafy greens, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and peanuts for a healthy dose of folate. Vitamin B12 is found mostly in animal products, like meat, fish, and dairy products. Some plant-based foods, such as breakfast cereals or nutritional yeast, are fortified with vitamin B12.
If you’re vegan or vegetarian, you may consider adding a vitamin B12 supplement to your daily routine if you’re unable to get enough vitamin B12 from your diet.
Healthy levels of vitamin B6 are important for a healthy cervix. It contributes to enzymatic reactions in the body, and many of these relate to protein metabolism and keeping cells healthy. Chickpeas, chicken breast, and salmon are rich sources of this vitamin.
Your diet and lifestyle habits make an impact on your cervical health. Choose plenty of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables (especially cruciferous varieties), sip on green tea, and work on creating balanced meals to nourish your body and support a healthy weight.
Taking care of yourself daily is just one piece of the puzzle – routine screenings are still important to catch any problems early.