For women, hormones play an important role in helping to keep their bodies functioning as they should, and can also aid in alleviating pain and even reduce the risk of certain health conditions. Following a good diet with the right types of food is a key component to maintaining healthy hormone levels.
As women begin their menstrual cycles, they are at risk of certain health conditions if their hormones are not kept at the correct level. Oestrogen imbalances are fairly common and can lead to conditions such as dysmenorrhea (painful periods), endometriosis, and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
To help women manage their hormone levels more effectively, women’s health experts at Forth have put together their top vegetables that can help with hormone balance.
As with most healthy eating tips, the best way women can keep their hormones well-maintained is by eating more greens. To be specific, eating more cruciferous greens. These are vegetables whose flowers consist of four petals that resemble a cross.
Whilst there are over 3,000 different species under this family, the experts have highlighted these vegetables as being particularly important for hormone balance:
- Rocket
- Watercress
- Swiss chard
- Bok Choy
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Kale
- Raddish
- Turnip
These super veggies are known to aid in hormone balance. Some compounds in them have even been shown to protect against chronic health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, which is particularly important for women entering the menopause who are more at-risk of developing heart conditions as they lose muscle strength.
Alongside eating these vegetables, the experts at Forth also recommend consuming foods that are high in:
- Omega 3 (found in oily fish)
- Fibre
- Vitamins D, E, and B
- Zinc and Magnesium
- Probiotics (such as natural yogurts)
- Calcium-D-glucarate
- Isoflavones (found in soya, flaxseeds, and legumes)
- Phytoestrogens (plant-based oestrogens)
These food groups, alongside a good amount of cruciferous greens can help to promote a healthy oestrogen production cycle and aid in the prevention of a range of health conditions. The experts recommend at least one serving of greens per day to see the full effect.
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