9 Foods Which Help to Balance Female Hormones Naturally
By:Sarah Williams
The woman's body is a magnificent vessel in which the ebb and flow of hormones allow her to flourish in her femininity and carry out her purpose in life. The role of the female is a beautiful and remarkable thing, and it is very important to remain sensitive to what she ingests, as foods have a powerful impact on the balance of the body and have the direct ability to increase or decrease the doshas.
In the female, maintaining a balance of the hormones coursing through the body will allow her body to function as perfectly as possible. It may seem difficult in this day and age, with all of the synthetic chemicals and additives coursing through our environment, to protect the natural production and balance of one's hormones, but by paying close attention to what is put into the body, it is possible to do so naturally. Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of eating healthily to maintain wellness and keep hormones in natural alignment. Below are nine foods which will help keep the female hormones beautifully balanced.
1. Coconut Oil:
Coconut oil contains the necessary building blocks for hormone production and thus has an incredible effect on hormone health. It has antibacterial properties that help protect the body against infection and it has been shown to reduce inflammation and assist weight loss. Just a couple of tablespoons of coconut oil a day will dramatically improve hormonal balance and keep the body functioning at its peak. Use it in place of canola oil to cook your food or whip up a cup of coffee and enjoy the reaping the benefits of the delicious oil.
2. Broccoli:
Broccoli, like all cruciferous vegetables, contains indole-3-carbinol (I3C) which helps modulate estrogen in the body. When estrogen is kept in balance it can help ward off cancer (especially breast cancer) which is a huge health risk to women. Whether eaten raw or steamed with butter, this vegetable is easy to eat and packed with the power to help keep the female hormones in check.
3. Cinnamon:
One of the world's most popular spices, cinnamon is a powerful nutrient and can have tremendously positive effects on the body. Due to its ability to slow the movement of food through the small intestines, cinnamon helps lower insulin resistance. Keeping insulin levels in check is necessary to maintain good hormone health and can even keep symptoms of hormonal disorders such as Policystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) at bay. Sprinkle cinnamon on oatmeal, cereal, or use it in baked goods.
4. Eggs:
Eggs are packed with Vitamins D, E, and B6 which are known to help balance the female hormones. Eating eggs as a regular part of a diet can help ward off symptoms of PMS as well as aid in optimal brain function. Enjoy an omelet for breakfast or boil eggs for an easy snack choice to help make bloating, cramps and mood swings a thing of the past.
5. Raw Honey:
Honey has been praised for hundreds of years for its medicinal qualities and health benefits. Sometimes praised as a type of liquid gold, honey is flowing with antioxidants, vitamins and enzymes that have a positive effect on hormone levels. Unlike refined white sugar which is made of sucrose, raw honey contains fructose and glucose which help maintain healthy levels of glycogen in the blood stream. When glycogen levels are out of synch, the production of the cortisol and adrenaline hormones is triggered resulting in PMS.
Stir honey into your hot tea and use it as a substitute for sugar in recipes to reap its healing benefits. Honey is a great way to satisfy the "sweet" taste that Ayurveda advises should be incorporated into the diet.
6. Liver:
Iron, folate and Vitamin E are just a few of the many vitamins that can be found in a serving of liver. Ironically, eating liver can help one maintain a healthy liver of their own by flushing out toxins and eliminating excess estrogen. Try out some creative chicken liver recipes or, if you just can't stomach it, consume liver in the form of capsules.
7. Salt:
Many women believe that eating salt will contribute to their bloating each month, but in reality it actually helps balance hormones and regulate the amount of water in the body's cells. Salt lowers cortisol and adrenaline levels, and helps keep your body from losing too much magnesium and potassium - both vital for regulating hormones. Instead of turning to table salt, look for mineral rich, unrefined salt such as pink himalayan sea salt, which hasn't lost it's nutrients due to being overly processed.
8. Flaxseeds:
Flaxseed is full of phytoestrogenic compounds that help keep hormones aligned and ward off maladies such as breast, colon, and prostate cancer. By adding just a couple of teaspoons of flaxseed to your smoothies oatmeal, cereal, or baked goods, you will reap incredible health benefits and help keep your hormones balanced.
9. Almonds:
Almonds are praised for their heart healthy fiber and protein content, but they also contain sterol beta-sitosterol, a compound that helps regulate cortisol. They are also believed to help restore DHEA, a hormone produced by the adrenal gland. Given the stresses of daily life, this is a huge benefit. Grab a handful of almonds as a snack or use almond butter in place of peanut butter on your toast.
Ayurveda teaches that, "Food is the substance through which we bring nature's intelligence into our bodies." Instead of turning to synthetic hormones offered through modern hormonal replacement therapies, look first to natural medicine that earth offers us by way of food and nourishment. By consuming healthy, natural foods, women can easily maintain a healthy hormonal balance within their bodies.
Sarah Williams is a writer, healthy lifestyle enthusiast and regular contributor to Wingman Magazine. Her mission is to help busy men and women of all ages create a stronger body and mind, and find true happiness in their social interactions.
'AYURVEDIC HERBOLOGY'Today while learning and practicing Ayurveda and alternative medicine ; the knowledge of the Healing Herbs described in Ayurveda is very important.
|  We are offering this ebook as an easier way to learn about the medicinal Herbs."Ayurvedic Herbology" is a set of 5 Volumes in E-Book form!! CLICK HERE TO READ MORE AND TO PURCHASE THE EBOOK
If you are interested in doing ----Interactive Online Herbology Course- with certificate from International academy of Ayurveda |
MADHULIKA, India says--Marvelous article! Very useful information! Hormone imbalance is a major problem in women, specially during menopause. Hope,this article will help me and my friends.