The Best Foods For Hormones.
Cruciferous Vegetables
Cruciferous veggies are a diverse group that includes broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, bok choy, arugula, Brussels sprouts, watercress and radishes.
They all contain powerful compounds like DIM (diindolylmethane) and indole-3-carbinole that help to balance the ratios of good oestrogen to other hormones like testosterone and progesterone. DIM, in particular, has become a popular supplement over the years for countering hormonal acne and PMS. Research suggests it may have some breast cancer-protective effects as well, but more study is needed to confirm this potential benefit. These vegetables are also packed with other things like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fibre, which also plays a role in balancing oestrogen.
Beef
Beef is rich in iron and iron is necessary to produce healthy red blood cells. Without healthy red blood cells, your body doesn’t get enough oxygen and this can lead to sexual dysfunction, low body temperature, and fatigue. – fatigue and lack of energy will lead to moving less, therefore burning less calories. It’s also a source of carnosine, carnitine, creatine, and CLA, all of which are often sold as sports supplements. While you won’t be getting the same amount of those from food as you would a supplement, a ready supply is enough to see some benefit.
Tahini
Tahini is a popular condiment used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cooking. It’s a paste made up of ground, often toasted, sesame seeds. While tahini may not seem familiar to you, if you’ve ever eaten humous, then you’ve most certainly had tahini (as it’s an essential ingredient for making it). An average two-tablespoon serving has 5 grams of protein, 8% magnesium, 22% phosphorus, 14% iron, and 12% calcium, as well as plenty of heart-healthy mono and poly-unsaturated fats. It also contains lignans, which are substance with breast cancer-protective properties. So far, animal-based studies have shown that lignans can bind to oestrogen receptor sites and prevent the growth of cancerous tumours.
Sea Vegetables
Here’s a reason to get interested in sea vegetables: they’re extremely rich in minerals, especially iodine, which is needed for thyroid hormone production. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck that controls our metabolism. People with slow-acting thyroids (hypothyroid) typically experience weight gain and poor metabolism. On the other hand, people with quick-acting thyroids (hyperthyroid) tend to lose an unhealthy amount of weight due to an extremely fast metabolism. Both extremes come with additional consequences, such as autoimmune disease, irregular poops, infertility, poor mental health, and either heavy, painful periods or absent ones. Sea vegetables also contain a variety of B vitamins, which are very important for keeping hormones balanced and breasts healthy.
Here are some examples of sea vegetables – Kelp, Nori, Spiriluna, Dulse, Wakame
Let me know what you have heard and what has helped shape your diet with regards to balancing hormones.