Knowing about the key principles of hormonal health gives you the power to improve your mood, reproductive health, digestion, metabolism, immune system, and many other aspects of your health. If you’re still learning its ins and outs, be sure to read on. I’ve put together 7 of the healthiest foods you can eat regularly to naturally balance hormones.
1. Almonds
Eating a serving of almonds every day will boost your adiponectin hormone levels. This hormone is crucial to blood sugar level regulation. It helps prevent the excessive production of insulin and the hormonal imbalance it creates. For women, eating almonds can help reduce the levels of hormones like testosterone and promotes healthy and vibrant-looking skin.
2. Avocados
You’ll find all the healthy fats you need from avocados. Just like olive oil and coconut oil (which you can get here), avocados promote healthy levels of cholesterol, which is essential to hormone synthesis. Regular consumption of healthy fats leads to proper hormone release and circulation, and in turn, improves the health and appearance of your skin. Snack on half an avocado a day, and you’ll get plenty of the fatty acids, fibre, and vitamins your body needs.
3. Greens Spinach, brussels sprouts, kale, broccoli, and alfalfa and other super greens…
Are some of the leafy greens that help balance hormones. They all have high concentrations of the most important vitamins and minerals like magnesium, iron, and zinc. Magnesium plays a number of key roles in over a hundred enzymatic processes such as hormone synthesis, and you can get it for day and night use.
4. Garlic
In addition to its excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, garlic is super rich in allicin, an organosulfur compound which aids in the metabolism of iron which is crucial to hormonal balance. Chives, onions, scallions and shallots also contain allicin, but the concentrations are less than that of garlic.
5. Wild-caught Salmon
Just like other cold-water fish (mackerel, tuna, trout and sardines), salmon is a great source of protein, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids, which are all essential to maintaining healthy hormone levels. Salmon can also do wonders for your brain and heart health.
6. Eggs
Egg yolk may not have a good reputation because of its high cholesterol content, but the type it contains (HDL) is actually what your body needs to create hormones. Adding just one whole egg to your meals and snacks will give you the vitamins, amino acids and hormone-healthy fats your body needs to function optimally every day. Just be sure to choose free-range eggs.
7. Quinoa
Aside from its high concentrations of magnesium, phosphorus, and protein, quinoa is known for its hormone-stabilising properties. Because of its low glycemic index and awesome macronutrient profile, it doesn’t cause a blood sugar spike. It doesn’t make you produce unnecessarily high levels of insulin and abnormally high levels of androgen. If white rice or white bread is a staple in your diet, try replacing it with quinoa.
