Broccoli for Menopause Relief!
By Natural Change with Sally Cross.
Life, Health & Menopause Coach, Master Herbalist.
Dark, cruciferous vegetables like Broccoli contain nutrients that help sustain a healthy hormone balance, reducing the severity of symptoms associated with oestrogen imbalance like menopause. Oestrogen levels in both women and men can fluctuate for different reasons. Both genders can experience imbalance as a result of stress, exposure to pollutants, obesity and tainted meat products. However women’s oestrogen levels will also become erratic as a result of peri-menopause and menopause.
Like all dark green vegetables, broccoli is full of phytochemicals. (i) Broccoli contains the compound dindolylmethane (DIM) and indole-3-carbinol. Both of these compounds affect the healthy metabolism of oestrogen. Broccoli also contains sulforaphane. Sulforaphane acts as a liver detoxifier and metabolises oestrogen levels. (ii) It also decreases oxidative stress in our tissues.
Menopause occurs when the ovaries of women, usually around their mid-forties to late fifties, stop producing the reproductive hormone oestrogen. It marks the end of the menstrual cycle and the process can take years, during which a range of uncomfortable symptoms are experienced. Hot flushes, weight gain, mood swings and night sweats all become part of the day to day norm.
Food as medicine has history dating back to ancient times, today more and more people are becoming aware of the benefits of our food and herbs for health and wellness the world over. Broccoli is a powerful superfood that can alleviate the discomfort felt during this mid-life hormonal shift.
Broccoli is an excellent source of fibre, which is important for digestion and healthy bowel movements. 2 cups of cooked broccoli contains approximately 30% of our daily recommended fibre intake.
Menopause can often result in loss of bone density.
Broccoli is a great source of calcium, magnesium and potassium, all nutrients that support bone health. Daily consumption of broccoli is a great means of strengthening bones and lessening the risk of osteoporosis. Broccoli is also a great source of vegetable protein.
Menopause does not have to be a torturous experience. A happy, healthy life should not be put on hold for what is ultimately a natural process women are designed to go through. There are endless ways to incorporate broccoli into your diet, getting creative in the kitchen to benefit your health and that of your family.
For education, guidance, advice, tips and support to ease symptoms and transition of Peri-menopause and menopause, please check out my FemPower12 program:
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