5 Amazing Foods to Balance Hormones
Hormones help to control myriad body functions such as growth and development, metabolism, sleep, energy, and many more. Here are 5 Amazing Foods to Balance Hormones and help you feel your best.
5 Amazing Foods to Balance Hormones
Although some factors influencing the hormone levels, including aging and genetics are beyond our control, we can try and manage determinants such as diet and stress which also have roles to play in balancing the hormonal levels throughout the body. Any imbalance in the secretion of these chemicals leads to issues such as decreased sex drive, weight gain, diabetes, muscle weakness, infertility, anxiety, depression, acne, etc.
It must be noted that various macro and micronutrients which we primarily obtain from a healthy diet like protein, carbohydrates, fats, minerals, and vitamins have profound effects on the synthesis and functioning of hormones. On the other hand, unhealthy and processed food high in trans fats, sugars, preservatives, and other chemicals can have adverse effects on our hormones.
So, if you’re wondering about how to balance your hormones naturally, try including these 5 amazing foods in your daily dietary regime.
Read more about hormone imbalances:
Essential Oils for Hormones and PMS
Causes of a Hormone Imbalance and Symptoms You May Have One
Can hormonal imbalance cause weight gain?
Green tea
Green tea is loaded with antioxidants that neutralize the harmful free radicals in the body and reduce oxidative stress. In addition to this, a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that compounds in green tea extracts could reduce fasting insulin levels, enhance metabolism, and helps in fat burning.
Additionally, the green tea contains theanine, a compound that blocks the secretion of cortisol, whose excess, has shown to have an increased tendency of fat deposition around the abdominal region.
Broccoli
Broccoli is a super-food that can help to maintain healthy estrogen balance in the body. Moreover, isothiocyanates, like indole-3-carbinol, help to neutralize harmful estrogen metabolites that promote tumor growth. Studies have shown that this compound can offer protection against the spread of cancer.
However, other cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower, bok choy, kale, Brussel sprouts, turnips, have also shown similar kinds of effects.
3. Pomegranate
Various researches have indicated that pomegranate extract has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory as well as anticancer properties.
It has been noted that estradiol, the powerful estrogen in the body plays a noteworthy role in the development of breast cancers. Pomegranates contain natural compounds in its content which blocks the enzyme that converts weak estrogen called estrone to estradiol, which plays a role in inducing hormone-dependent cancer.
4. Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds are full of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants. But, most importantly they are an excellent source of phytoestrogens, especially lignans.
Lignans have both estrogenic and antiestrogenic properties. This compound is proven to have protective effects against certain cancers like breast and colon.
5. Organic Soy
It is widely believed that compounds in soy can mimic estrogen in the body and increases the risk of breast cancer by causing disruption in hormone levels. However, on the contrary, it has been found that a diet regime rich in soy can actually reduce the risk of breast cancer.
Also, a daily controlled serving of soy can improve heart health, lowers cholesterol, and ease the symptoms of menopause. These effects are mainly due to the phytoestrogens naturally occurring in their constituents.
Lastly, it must be noted that along with dietary habits various other factors such as quality of sleep, physical activity, certain medications, etc. affects the natural balance of hormones in the body.
Consciously choosing to eat clean and avoiding unhealthy foods may help you keep your hormonal levels in check. However, if you are experiencing serious symptoms it is wise to consult a physician.