The body contains so many hormones that are charged with a lot of functions. For a person to feel okay, all of the hormones must be balanced. Many things could cause our hormones to get out of balance. From the food we eat to the kind of lifestyle that we keep and so forth. When this happens, you will feel the symptoms or signs which could include insomnia, weight gain, depression, energy loss, digestion issues, and many more. That is why properly maintaining your hormonal balance is very important.
The good thing is, it is not a difficult thing to do. Merely including some foods in your diet can help balance your hormones and get rid of the adverse symptoms you are feeling. In this post, we would be looking at some of these foods. Here are some common Nigerian foods that balance hormones.
Beans and Legumes
Beans and legumes are very rich in protein. Proteins are especially important to your diet and body. However, foods that contain high amount of people can help balance your hormones. Eating too much food and adding weight can be due to the hormones that you have. But protein influences the release of hormones that control appetite and food intake. Eating protein-rich foods decreases the levels of the “hunger hormone” called ghrelin and stimulates the production of hormones that help you feel full and satisfied.
Avocado
If you already love eating avocado, there is even more reason to love it as it is one of the foods that can help with hormonal balance. Avocado contains beta-sitosterol which helps to balance the stress hormone Cortisol and also affects blood cholesterol levels. Avocado contains the healthy kind of cholesterol, which reduces your chances of having a stroke or other heart issues. This is in addition to the many nutrients packed in the fruit that benefit the body in other ways.
Eggs
If you have not been including eggs in your diet, you should consider doing so now. Eggs contain choline which helps to produce the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is very important for brain health and the nervous system. It also contains Omega 3 fatty acids, the good kind of fat that supports the brain. Eggs contain other nutrients like selenium and calcium which, among other things, help to balance hormone levels.
Nuts
Another food you would have to include in your regular diet is nuts. Nuts like walnuts and almonds nuts are very helpful in helping to maintain hormone levels. They contain Omega 3 acids which do a lot of things including reducing bad cholesterol levels, improving moods, reducing inflammation, and much more. Nuts also offer heart protection and protect it from a range of diseases and issues. We have a list of the healthy Nigerian nuts you can eat
Leafy Vegetables
Those of you who are not fans of leafy vegetables should try to make it a part of your diet, at least. Leafy vegetables like spinach are packed with antioxidants which help to reduce inflammation. It is also rich in iron and magnesium which prevent fatigue and headaches. Consuming Nigerian foods that are rich in fibre can also help in balancing your hormones.
Grains
Including grains in your diet is something that can help with your hormonal balance. Grains like rice and oatmeal can do your body a lot of good. Oatmeal is rich in soluble fibre which aids digestion and it also contains other essential vitamins and minerals. Rice, especially brown rice, contains phytoestrogens that can help balance estrogen levels. It also contains vitamin B which helps the liver to properly metabolise hormones. Millet is also another grain you need to eat more of. It contains magnesium and fibre which help to balance blood sugar.
Other Nigerian Foods That Balance Hormones:
- Fish
- Pepper soup
- Sardines
- Millet
- Garden eggs
- Cinnamon
Pro-Tip
Avoid foods that contain too much sugar, especially soft drinks. Instead of soft drinks, eat more fruits. Also, watch the kind of carbohydrates you eat as many of them contain high sugar levels. Cut down on your alcohol and coffee intake as well.
