10 Foods To Balance Hormones

Hormones are our body’s control system. But when they are disrupted with chemicals that lurk in through processed foods, scented fresheners and candles, our health gets affected. Unhealthy hormone levels will therefore increase the chance of many chronic diseases and some type of cancers.

Nature offers us the best foods for hormonal balance that make us feel satisfied, lose extra fat and combat disease conditions. Let us know them:

1. Green Tea

Green tea extract improves the metabolism and fat burning process. The tea offers soothing effects as it contains a natural compound called theanine, which blocks the cortisol release. This is amazing for burning tummy fat. Consuming 4 cups of tea everyday helps to lose weight, without a change in exercise and diet.

2. Extra Virgin Olive Oil

This is a monounsaturated fat that when included in regular diet improves hormonal balance. It stimulates the release of leptin, the appetite suppressing hormone. Avoid other monounsaturated fats like margarine and include only extra virgin olive oil in food.

3. Avocados

Avocados are rich in fiber, magnesium, potassium, folic acid, vitamins B and E, all required for maintaining hormonal balance. They also help to balance the hormones, cortisol (stress hormone) and DHEA (adrenal gland hormone). They are also rich in healthy fats which improve the body’s absorption power.

4. Organic Apples

Apples contain a flavanoid antioxidant, quercetin that has phytoestrogenic nature. Eating an apple every day keeps most of the chronic disease risks at bay. It also improves the age and reduces the risk of heart diseases, stroke, osteoporosis, cancer and type II diabetes.

5. Chia and Flax Seeds

They are rich in omega fatty acids and phytoestrogens which are essential for reducing inflammation. This can therefore lead to hormonal balance and production. Omega 3’s contain linolenic acid that coverts omega 3’s to GLA, which improves progesterone production in the body. They also improve insulin sensitivity, blood sugar and blood pressure.

6. Whey Protein

Whey protein is a good source of tryptophan that aids in improving serotonin levels. This protein is proven to enhance immunity, promote weight loss, aid insulin sensitivity and preserves muscle tissue. It is a natural supplement available and an amazing source of protein. It can be a great addition to shakes and smoothies.

7. Cinnamon

An amazing source for balancing insulin levels in the body. This therefore stimulates the liver and muscle cells to respond quickly to insulin, thus improving sugar levels in the body system. The great way to add cinnamon into your diet is to add to food and hot drinks.

8. Coconut Oil

Including all coconut products, they are the topmost source for attaining hormonal balance. They contain lauric acid that is extremely beneficial for producing hormones. It also aids in killing the bad bacteria and viruses, therefore providing a quick source of energy. Also, the digestion process and metabolism are improved.

9. Plain Yogurt

Yogurt encourages weight loss as it aids in sending a string message to the brain saying that you are full. It is a natural source of probiotics that helps to promote digestion, aid metabolism, restores bacterial balance in the stomach and improves immunity.

10. Dark Chocolate

A Finnish study revealed that infants born to women who had dark chocolate during pregnancy laughed and smiled more and were active. Also infants born to stressed women who had chocolate during pregnancy showed less fear. Dark chocolate contains serotonin and phenylethylamine, a brain chemical which improves the feelings of love, excitement and attraction.

Along with these foods, you need to follow healthy lifestyle tips as well to balance hormones in your body.

• Stay active by including exercise everyday
• Sleep well to get a good night’s sleep
• Manage your stress levels by taking up meditation, yoga and deep breathing.

Now that you know the best foods to get the essential nutrients for hormonal balance, try to include them. They have an incredible ability to nourish your body with required hormones.

Author Bio: Surela Mukherjee is a passionate blogger, a foodie and a fitness freak. She is a content writer who loves writing about beauty, lifestyle, food, health and wellness. She believes in spreading a word of happiness through her writings.

Image source