Hormonal problems have become extremely frequent these days and for a series of reasons. Most commonly, people are invaded by chemicals. Food is no longer what it used to be years ago, not to mention stress and pollution. Fortunately, a good diet can help you overcome the dangers and effects of hormonal imbalances. So, what are the best foods for the hormones and how can they help you out?
Best Foods for Antioxidants
Any vegetable that is dark green is supposed to help you. Do not even check the label or the product, but the color. From this point of view, make sure you always have cilantro, cucumbers, spinach, asparagus or broccoli around your house. Even if you do not cook too much or you have no idea what recipes to try, toss them in a blender and enjoy a healthy smoothie a day.
Bright colored vegetables are just as handy – bell peppers, red cabbage, tomatoes, red onions and carrots. Plus, do not forget about the starchy alternatives – beets, butternut squash or sweet potatoes. All these foods are rich in antioxidants and will help your body fight stress and pollution.
Best Foods for Protein
Protein is essential to keep your hormones under control and prevent unnecessary affections. Wild caught fish, grass fed chicken, beef, elk or turkey are excellent. What do you do if you are vegan or vegetarian then? Your options are even better and healthier. Sprouted nuts are extremely rich in protein, not to mention beans and quinoa. Rice and lentils are just as handy, along with pretty much all seeds.
Most people find it hard to believe, but there is more protein in vegan alternatives than in meats if you compare the same quantity. Therefore, you do not have to exaggerate with all kinds of meats, but opt for some light veggie meals. On another positive side, you will not feel like needing a nap after having a heavy vegetable meal. Instead, you will feel energetic and ready to go back to your daily activities.
Best Foods with Healing Properties
Whether you do intense workouts or you recover after an injury, particular foods will help your hormonal issues with their healing properties. When your body feels good, your hormones feel good too. It is an indirect effect over your hormones, but it should definitely not be overlooked.
Cinnamon and turmeric are some of the foods with the most intense healing properties. Cumin and cayenne are close behind, while garlic and ginger can be used in a series of recipes for both their amazing properties and excellent taste.
Best Foods for Hormonal Imbalances
While the above mentioned foods do not affect your hormones directly, but indirectly, certain options will go straight to your hormones. Coconut products represent a great choice because of the high amounts of lauric acid. Whether you drink coconut water or you use coconut oil as a healthy alternative to vegetable oils, the lauric acid has exquisite healing effects over your skin. It boosts the natural hormonal production in healthy limits as well, plus it targets viruses and bacteria. It will speed the metabolism, stimulate detoxification and digest in no time. What else can you ask for?
Avocados represent the primary choice of healthy fats for lots of people, but especially for vegans and vegetarians. They are extremely rich in fats – healthy fats though. Their main role is to help the body absorb other healthy elements from other foods. Furthermore, avocados have plenty of vitamins, folic acid, magnesium, potassium and fiber. All these elements are mandatory to keep the hormonal balance within healthy limits.
Egg yolks are some of the healthiest choices in the attempt to maintain your hormonal balance. They have plenty of vitamins, as well as many minerals – potassium, calcium, iron and choline, just to name a few of them. They are ideal for a healthy reproductive system, but also for a glowing skin. If you have problems with thyroid hormones, the iodine and choline will help you treat them or at least keep them under control.
Often referred to as ghee, raw butter is not to be overlooked either. Whether you use it as a spread in the morning or as a base for your sandwiches, you will supply your body with multiple vitamins. Vitamins are critical for a healthy hormonal production. Some might be worried about it – what about the high amounts of fat? Fortunately, you have fatty acids, which are highly recommended for a healthy immune system. They also speed your metabolism up.
Last, but not least, seeds and nuts can go into salads or can be eaten raw. When eaten in salads, they will give you a feeling of satiety. You will feel full much faster. When eaten raw, they make great snacks between meals or during a film. Certain oils coming from nuts are just as healthy.
How Dietary Choices Affect Hormones
There are three major macronutrients you need to keep an eye on – protein, carbohydrates and fat. While plenty of people try to ditch fat out of their diets, it is actually one of the most important elements for a healthy hormonal balance. All those fat free or low fat products on the shelves – nothing but nonsense. Healthy fat is mandatory for a healthy life.
How come? Simple! Hormones are made of cholesterol and fatty acids. If you miss one of them, some hormones will end up missing. This is when hormonal issues show up. The problem is more severe in women than in men, as their reproductive system is more sophisticated.
Conclusion
Bottom line, these foods mixed in proper amounts will work wonders on your body. Remember that no matter how healthy they are, some of them can become harmful if you exaggerate. For example, having ten eggs a day and eating meat for breakfast, lunch and dinner may not really provide the desired effects. A balanced diet based on healthy foods is the secret to hormonal balance – simple as that.
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