5 Foods That Are Best Suited To Balance Your Hormones

We've all heard about hormones, but what exactly do they do to our bodies after we've hit puberty and why is it so important to keep them balanced? We caught up with hormones expert, nutritionist and founder of Happy Hormones for Life, Nicki Williams to learn more about what hormones do and which foods can help keep them in check.So exactly how can you balance hormones naturally? Consuming a diet full of hormone balancing foods, regular exercise, and more can help treat your hormonal imbalance naturally. Find out how to balance hormones naturally in the following five ways.

* Coconut

The humble coconut is not on many superfood lists, but it’s a true food hero for me. Like chocolate, everything tastes good with a bit of coconut in there! Whether it’s in milk, water, oil or butter form, coconut acts as a metabolism booster – giving you extra energy and encouraging your cells to burn fat. Coconut oil can be helpful in stabilising blood sugar too, helping to balance our hormones.

* Cacao

Chocolate in its raw form is not only the most delicious food on earth (in my humble opinion!) but is one of the most healthy too (there is a chocolate God). High levels of antioxidants are its main anti-ageing and liver supporting strengths. And the high levels of magnesium help to improve our mood and relieve stress. replace with: Studies have shown that high-flavanol cacao can help reduce stress, support insulin control and increase endorphins, our feel good hormones. Try Aduna Super-Cacao which has 2x the flavanol content of regular cacao powder.

* Flax seeds

A great super seed for hormones. Flaxseeds contain lignans, which have been shown to help regulate oestrogen levels and reduce risk of cancer, diabetes and heart disease. They are also high in soluble fibre – this is the type that absorbs water to form a gel. Soluble fibre can help slow the release of sugar from foods which helps control insulin levels. The gel helps you feel full, controlling your cravings and keeping blood sugars stable.

* Moringa

Known as Africa’s Miracle Tree, the moringa leaf is packed with vital hormone balancing nutrients and is a great source of plant protein. It's also rich in fibre which helps with detoxification and elimination of excess oestrogen. Aduna Moringa Superleaf Powder has a delicious spinachy flavour, perfect for using as a hormone balancing "superfood seasoning" on savoury dishes.

* Maca

Maca has been used for centuries for energy, stamina and hormone balance. It acts as an ‘adaptogen’, which means that it helps increase hormones if they are low, and bring them down if they are high. It’s known as ‘nature’s Viagra’ in Peru!