Hormones regulate our body processes and maintain homeostasis. These chemicals are involved in the body’s repair, reproduction, and growth. When our hormones are balanced, we feel vibrant and healthy. However, when they’re out of whack, it can lead to a host of issues like fatigue, weight gain, mood swings, and more.
Avocado:
Avocado tops the list of superfood nominees. This fruit is low in carbs and contains plentiful good fats. It helps stabilize insulin production, which is responsible for maintaining energy levels and abrupt hunger pangs. Moreover, the fats in avocados facilitate the production of both male and female sex hormones. It can balance estrogen levels. Imbalance in its level is associated with weight gain, mood swings and fatigue in women.
It contains monounsaturated fatty acids that improve fertility and ovulation. So do try to include avocado in your diet. Kickstarting your day with a sliced avocado over toast will make a great deal!
Salmon:
Salmon is a fatty fish that helps to regulate hunger hormones. It is a splendid source of vitamin D and it prevents depression. According to the American Heart Association, 3.5 ounces of fatty fish a week is great for having glowing skin and hair. It also nurtures your heart health (1).
Salmon is also high in iodine and zinc, which are essential for the thyroid’s functioning. Thus, salmon is a terrific therapeutic food for hypothyroidism patients.
Flaxseeds:
Flaxseeds are a powerhouse when it comes to balancing estrogen levels. They’re the richest dietary source of lignans, a type of phytoestrogen that plays a dual role in hormone health. Lignans help boost estrogen levels when needed, but they also aid in eliminating “spent” or excess estrogen from the body. This balancing act is crucial for maintaining overall hormonal harmony and can be especially beneficial for women dealing with estrogen-related issues like PMS or menopause.
Turmeric:
Turmeric is famous in traditional medicine because of its amazing active ingredient; curcumin. Curcumin is a natural hormone balancer and it also promotes fertility. Moreover, its anti-inflammatory properties enable it to detoxify the liver. It is superb for women to cope with their premenstrual symptoms. 1 tsp of turmeric in lukewarm milk can support the healing of our body. It is proved through research, that curcumin can increase progesterone, estrogen, and FSH levels in women (2).
Turmeric is the strongest food for fighting inflammation. You can add it to curries, soups, or teas, which can help maintain hormonal harmony.
Chia seeds:
Chia seeds are in the limelight nowadays because of their plethora of health benefits. You all have seen many reels or cooking videos featuring these seeds in smoothies, drinks, puddings, and breakfast bowls. Hype for chia seeds is well justified because they are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and protein. All these components are essential for maintaining stable blood sugar levels and reducing inflammation.
Cruciferous vegetables:
Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, kale, cabbage, brussels sprouts, radish, and cauliflower create a phytochemical called indole-3-carbinol when they are chopped, chewed, or cooked. Indole-3-carbinol supports liver function and hormone balance. These vegetables help in the metabolism of estrogen in the liver.
These are also laden with vitamins, antioxidants, and phytonutrients. Thus, these can provide immense health benefits.
Maca root:
This superfood is a hidden gem!
Maca root is also known as Peruvian Ginseng and natives of Peru have used this as food. However, in other countries, it is mostly consumed in the form of a supplement. It grows out from a root and belongs to the family of broccoli and turnips.
This herbal food contains a lot of calcium, amino acids, and iron. It supports the activities of the pituitary and hypothalamus, aiding in hormone homeostasis. It releases chemicals that tell the pituitary gland how much hormone to make to meet the body’s demands. It’s also believed to support adrenal gland nourishment.
Research has shown that its administration has significantly alleviated menopause symptoms like hot flashes and night sweating (3). It is also recommended for menstruation regularity, erectile dysfunctions, and libido.
Eggs:
When it comes to balancing hormones, eggs are your conveniently available superfood. Packed with vitamin D and B6, they’re perfect for supporting estrogen metabolism. But that’s not all—eggs are also loaded with HDL cholesterol, the “good” kind your body craves for hormone production.
These also help to regulate insulin levels and control appetite by decreasing ghrelin production (hunger hormone).
So, next time you’re whipping up breakfast, remember that those sunny-side-ups are doing a lot more than just starting your day right!
Sweet potatoes:
Sweet potatoes contain beta-carotene and phytoestrogens. These can relieve the menopause symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal drying. These are capable of fixing hormonal imbalances.
This vegetable can turn out as a scrumptious snack. Try out baked sweet potato chips, waffles, or balls!
We are sure these will make your evening snack a joyful experience.
Berries:
Berries family includes strawberries, cranberries, blueberries, and raspberries. These are jam-packed with antioxidants and play a heroic role in managing inflammation and oxidative stress. You can top up your oats bowl, blend them in your spice, or eat them raw. Besides this, you can make homemade berries jam or marmalade for satisfying your sweet tooth.
You might not be familiar with chaste berries. These are also known as monk’s pepper vitex. It contains diterpenoid compounds. It targets the prolactin hormone and controls its increased production. This attribute of this food can help women who are suffering from PCOS and infertility. Vitex oil can ease menstrual pain, breast tenderness, and menopause symptoms(4).
Takeaway note:
All these superfoods can help to balance your hormones. But remember this for maintaining your body’s harmony it is important that you eat organic and fresh food. Ultra-processed and high caloric diets disturb your body. Also, try to avoid environmental toxins and stress.
Take out some time to breathe in fresh air and let your body bloom!
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