10 foods every woman should eat at least once a week

Closeup of a cheerful young couple picking some fruit and veggies from the fridge to make some healthy breakfast on Sunday morning. Shot from inside the working fridge.
Closeup of a cheerful young couple picking some fruit and veggies from the fridge to make some healthy breakfast on Sunday morning. Shot from inside the working fridge.

So what is the best way for women to eat? Unfortunately, there’s still no single right answer to this question. What we do know is that what you eat regulates many aspects of body functioning, including the secretion of certain hormones.

Your diet can actually help you maintain a healthy body weight and slow the aging process.

Below is a list of foods to eat that will help you maintain a healthy hormonal balance:

Low-fat yoghurt

 As a health food, yoghurt is almost as old as, well, good health itself. But experts say evidence continues to accumulate that reveals its benefits in many new and exciting ways. And not just yoghurt. Any fermented dairy product – including kefir – contains healthy “probiotics” — bacteria with the power to protect you in myriad ways.

Avocado

An avocado a day keeps the doctor away. Seriously, these superfruits might be a better daily staple than an apple – or any other fruit, for that matter. Avocados give your body heart disease-fighting healthy fats and add a creaminess to smoothies that just can’t be beat. They help with absorption of other nutrients, lower bad cholesterol, and provide a hefty dose of folate.

Poultry, fatty fish, and soy proteins

All of these protein sources do more than just help you maintain lean tissue. Research has found that menopausal women lose more weight when most of their protein comes from these ingredients. Some evidence suggests that consuming soy foods may also help alleviate hot flashes, though evidence here is mixed. Fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines, also protect against blue moods, heart disease, and cancer.

Asparagus, melons, and watercress

These foods help combat one of the most annoying midlife symptoms: bloating.

Bananas

Bananas are potassium-rich and naturally sweet – so are good substitutes for when those sugar cravings kick in. They also combat depression better than some antidepressants. 

Beans

Low in fat, beans are a good source of protein and fiber and may have protective effects against heart disease and breast cancer. Beans may also play a role in stabilising female hormones.

In studies published in the International Journal of Cancer, researchers found that beans in general, and lentils in particular, may have some protective effects against breast cancer. 

Berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, cranberries)

In a way similar to wine, these fruits may protect your body with powerful anti-cancer nutrients known as anthocyans, which are believed to play a role in cell repair. Research shows anthocyans may decrease the risk of several cancers, including those in the breast and gastrointestinal tract.

Bread?

Bread is really good for you, especially when you buy the whole-grain version. Whole-grain bread contains fiber, which may lessen your breast cancer risk by reducing high estrogen levels in the blood.

Cruciferous vegetables

Broccoli, cabbage, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and bok choy may fight excess estrogen to lower the risk for breast cancer. Excess estrogen can occur pre-menopause in women who are overweight or obese.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon contains proanthocyanidins and cinnamaldehyde, two compounds with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that could help to prevent Alzheimer’s and other neurological disorders, according to some studies.

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