When most of us shop at the grocery store, we end up looking at the ingredient lists of foods, their calorie contents, and even the freshest fruits or leafiest veggies that we can find on shelves. However, what almost all of us neglect to look at are hormone-balancing properties in those food items.

Surprised? We bet you are.

A majority of us are unaware that the correct type of food consumptions can have a fantastic effect on our hormonal levels. And for those of you who don’t know what to eat, don’t worry! We have your back!

Foods That Balance Hormones in Females

Here’s our top list of foods that help to balance hormones in females.Make sure you include at least 3 items from the list mention below in your daily diet.

1.      Whey Protein

Apart from giving your body a dose of protein, whey protein happens to be a wonderful source of tryptophan, which helps reduce stress and anxiety felt by the body by increasing your serotonin levels.

2.      Flaxseeds

Rich in compounds like phytoestrogen and lignans, flaxseeds not only help maintain your hormonal levels but also fight against cancers like colon, prostrate and breast.

3.      Avocados

Avocados are hands down one of the best foods that balance hormones in females. Listed below are some of their many wonderful properties:

• They balance the production of cortisol, also known as the stress hormone.
• They lower blood cholesterol levels due to the presence of beta-sitosterol in them (avocados).
• They help increase the production of a hormone called DHEA, which is produced by the adrenal gland.

4.      Green Tea

Green tea contains a naturally occurring compound known as theanine, which inhibits the release of cortisol. This in turn keeps your stress and anxiety levels to a minimum.

5.      Coconut Oil

Try and opt for coconut oil as your cooking medium. Don’t believe stories that it’s bad for your heart. Quite the opposite – not only does it work wonders for your hormonal levels, but also keeps your blood sugar under control, increases your immunity, helps with weight loss and improves your metabolism.

6.      Broccoli

Broccoli contains high amounts of isothiocyanates, including indole-3-carbinol, which makes broccoli an excellent option for keeping your hormones under control. How? Well, they help your body in breaking down harmful metabolites that otherwise encourage the growth of tumors, especially in your breast area, which also happens to be sensitive to estrogen. Apart from broccoli, veggies like kale, Brussel sprouts and cauliflower give you the same benefits as broccoli does.

7.      Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are one of the best sources of omega-3 out there, as well as fiber. Apart from lowering your blood sugar levels, these seeds help you with your blood pressure and insulin levels as well. When it comes to foods that balance hormones in females, none is as versatile as chia seeds – you can add them to practically any food item, whip up a new dish, and consume it on the go!

8.      Organic Apples

Did you know that continued consumption of apples reduces not only your chances of developing medical problems (osteoporosis, heart disease and cancer), but also help keep Type 2 Diabetes in control? It is all thanks to the flavonoid quercetin present in apples, which happen to be naturally occurring antihistamines. Apples also, you know, contain Phytoestrogens, which are more commonly known as plant derived estrogen.

9.      Chaste Berry

By stimulating the pituitary gland, chaste berries mimic the effect that progesterone has on the human body. It helps in the regulation of progesterone and estrogen production in your body, which is why it’s considered to be a great natural remedy for the treatment of problems related to PMS.

Other Ways to Naturally Balance Hormones in Females

Apart from consuming foods that balance hormones in females,here are other things you can take care of to maintain a healthy balance of hormones inside your body:

1.      Making Changes in Your Food Habits

These are all pretty standard and obvious things, but they still need to be said:

• Eat 4-5 small meals instead of 3 big ones.
• Eat smaller portions of food.
• Include green veggies and fresh fruits in your diet. If fresh fruits aren’t an option, then stock up on frozen fruits.
• Packaged foods/meals are a big no.
• Drink lots of water. Never skimp on it.
• Eat food at regular intervals.
• Never skip your breakfast.
• Maintain a meal diary to see where you’re over eating, and where you’re lagging.

2.      Use Herbs as Condiments

Just make sure you’re opting for phytoestrogenic herbs, as they contain compounds that are high in estrogen. When consumed, they lower your body’s pressure of producing more estrogen by providing the aid hormone directly to your body via food.

3.      Limit Your Caffeine and Alcohol Intake

Apart from having diuretic properties (aka making you dehydrated), such drinks provide an instant boost to your mind and body at a cost – by permanently changing the way your brain uses your body’s hormones. Plus, drinking alcohol heavily leads to an overproduction of estrogen by your body.

4.      Exercise Regularly

Why? Because your body releases endorphins ie the happy hormones when you work out, and true to their name, these endorphins help instantly lift your mood and make you feel better. They also keep your cortisol levels (a hormone known to increase stress) at bay.

5.      Other Tips

• Increase vitamins and minerals in your diet. Vitamins like Zinc, B6, magnesium and vitamin D help your body maintain healthy hormone levels.
• Have a regular sleep cycle. This will help restore your hormonal cycles by allowing your body to function normally, so much so that you don’t have to completely be dependent on foods that balance hormones in females.