Ensuring you keep healthy by eating a proper diet filled with nutrients is the general advice. A proper diet would also include foods that contain antioxidants, the latter being important to prevent the degradation of cells in the body, caused by free radicals.

While eating foods that are high in antioxidants is still important, scientists think there may also be a link with female fertility.

Professor Nava Dekel of the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel decided to test the theory that antioxidants are also the natural way to slow the aging process. However she found that they may also be an aid in helping women become fertile.

Professor Dekel injected a group of mice with the luteinizing hormone (LH) which is released from the pituitary gland, and is important in ovulation. She injected a second group of mice with Hydrogen Peroxide, an antioxidant.

The results were startling. The Hydrogen Peroxide mimicked the hormone, inducing ovulation in the mice.

Professor Dekel and her colleagues believe that antioxidants are important in ensuring a woman stay s fertile.

As a result of this initial finding, the Israeli scientists intend to continue with their investigations. One commentator said: “[they intend to] investigate the exact mechanics of antioxidants in relation to ovulation and to examine their effect on mice when administered in either food or drink. In addition, they plan to collect human data on the possible link between antioxidant supplements and difficulty conceiving.”

Professor Dekel also told reporters: “On the one hand, these findings could prove useful to women who are having trouble getting pregnant. On the other, further studies might show that certain antioxidants might be effective means of birth control that could be safer than today’s hormone-based [pregnancy] prevention.”

Antioxidants are found in a variety of foods including fruit, vegetables, nuts, cereals and spices.