“Essential Nutrients For Period Health”

Nutrition can make a BIG impact on your period health. How you are fueling your body and the amount of essential nutrients you are getting through diet can make a big difference in a variety of different essential hormone pathways.

When looking at reasons for low thyroid function, painful cycles, PMS, and other hormonal concerns, we should always be assessing diet and lifestyle to see if someone is getting the building blocks they need for healthy hormone production and clearance.  And in some cases, even with a good diet you might not be getting everything you need which is when it might be appropriate to bring in targeted supplements.

A number of stereotypes are frequently associated with periods, including feeling lethargic, sobbing, eating chocolate, and a general need for comfort. The key to truly feeling your best may lie in providing your body with the nutrition it requires during menstruation.

Regular menstrual cramps and agony may make it difficult to function normally and also affect one’s mood. Menstrual pain negatively affects a person’s ability to function efficiently, their attitude, and a variety of other aspects. The foods that one eats have an impact on menstrual pain in addition to one’s exercise regimen and lifestyle.

Dealing With Period Cravings

In order to influence hormone production and secretion, nutrients from the diet directly affect the gut and the brain system. Your diet during periods, how much you eat, and how frequently you eat all have an impact on the health of your hormones as well.

Period cravings are totally normal and natural. However, munching on anything could keep you from achieving your health goals. Swapping out what you crave during your periods for healthier alternatives can help your body get what it needs without making you feel worse. Here’s a few options of food to eat during period and their associated nutrients.

Food To eat on around Period Time

Focus on the following nutrients during menstrual cycle: –

Iron: – Beans are a rich source of iron and an excellent option for period time foods. Consuming beans is crucial for the healthy production of hemoglobin, a red blood cell protein that transports oxygen throughout the body. Iron supports blood building, which is essential after losing blood during cycles.

Photo credit to Yulia Gusterina

Vitamin B12: – Vitamin B12 is found in abundance in cashews. It is crucial for maintaining hormone balance, as evidenced by the fact that many diseases linked to hormone imbalances are also linked to vitamin B12 deficiencies. For females who have frequent or lengthy periods, these minerals are especially critical. Moreover, vitamins B2, B6, and B12 can have an adverse effect on reproductive outcomes through altering reproductive hormones. Vitamin B6 is especially found to help reduce mood associated PMS.

Photo Credit: LumenSt

Magnesium: – When it comes to choosing the best food during periods, avocados are an excellent pick. They are filled with the goodness of magnesium aiding in relaxing the uterine smooth muscles (menstrual cramp). The diet can include chocolates, nuts, flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, and green leafy vegetables.

Zinc: – As a cofactor for estrogen and progesterone receptors, zinc is employed to deal with menstrual cramps and discomfort. Both of which could be reduced by the ingestion of zinc. It is essential for thyroid hormone production and testosterone. There’s plenty of zinc found in seafood like oysters. Other options for food to eat during period are pumpkin seeds, grains, beans, and legumes.

Calcium: – Yoghurt is one of the calcium-rich meals to eat on your period. The functional role of calcium in the treatment of menstrual discomfort symptoms. The nutrient relieves water retention and behavioral changes during the premenstrual phase. Calcium-rich foods include almonds, yoghurt, ragi, Channa, paneer, drumsticks, and seeds.

Photo Credit: bit245

Omega 3 Fatty Acids: -The body’s inflammatory chemical, prostaglandin, which causes headaches and cramps, is counteracted by diets high in anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids. Eggs are one of the major sources of Omega-3 fatty acids. However, it can also be found in fish, walnuts, flaxseeds, and soy.

Photo Credit: bit245

Fibre: – The amounts of estrogen are reduced when you consume fibre rich food, which considerably lessens menstrual cramps. Other fibre-rich foods include oats, whole grains, and sprouts. Therefore, limiting processed foods and incorporating nutritious foods rich in micronutrients can assist in relieving menstrual discomfort.

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Folic Acid: – Citrus fruits like grapefruit, citron, and sweet orange contain plenty of citrus fruits to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This nutrient aids in overcoming anemia and menstrual cycle maintenance.

So, these were some of the best foods for menstruation. In particular, magnesium, folic acid, and iron are essential nutrients for the female body. They are crucial for the production of blood, balancing blood loss and relieving menstrual cramps.

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CONCLUSION

In conclusion, our period diet significantly affects every aspect of health, including our menstrual cycle and symptoms. You can try a few iron rich dishes to increase your iron level, which will ultimately ease your menstrual cycle issues.

Along with the food to eat in periods, we also advise you to steer clear of several others that may be making your cramps worse. You can also give some workouts a try to see if they can ease your period cramps or affect your health during menstruation in a positive way.

 

 

 

 

 

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Mango Shrikhand

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Mango Shrikhand

  • Author: Banhishikha Roy
  • Prep Time: 10 Minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 to 3 Hours
  • Total Time: 3 Hours 10 mins
  • Yield: 3
  • Category: Indian
  • Cuisine: Dessert

Description

Mango Shrikhand, popularly known as Amrakhand is a delicious mango flavored twist to the traditional plain Shrikhand recipe. Shrikhand is a popular Indian dessert made with Greek Yogurt, also called hung curd. It can be served plain, but when prepared with mango, it is called Amrakhand or Keri Matho. It is usually made using 5 simple ingredients – yogurt, mango puree, saffron, powdered sugar, and ground cardamom.

This mango sweet dish is quite popular in Gujarati and Maharashtrian households and is served as a dessert after everyday meals. It is also prepared for special occasions and festivals like Gudi Padwa, Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali, etc. Mango Shrikhand is one of the summer desserts to make when mangoes are in season. The combination of yogurt, sweet mangoes and the aroma of cardamom and saffron makes this an irresistible dessert! The recipe has been made without using sugar to make it a healthy recipe.


Ingredients

  • Curd or yogurt1 Cup
  • Mangoes (medium-sized, peeled and chopped) – 1/3 rd
  • Green cardamoms (seeds removed and lightly crushed in mortar-pestle) – 1 to 2
  • Saffron strands – 2 to 3
  • Honey (Optional) – 1 tsp
  • Almonds (Chopped) – 4 to 5
  • Raisins (Chopped) – 3 to 4

Instructions

  1. First, take 1 cup of home-made curd or yogurt in a muslin or cheese cloth or a cotton kitchen napkin.
  2. Now tie the cloth tightly and hang the curd for 2 to 3 hours. You can choose to hang the cloth under a faucet in the kitchen wash basin. You can also hang the curd in the fridge. Let, the whey drip, keep a bowl or pan below to collect the whey. You can also choose to keep for more time like 5 to 6 hours.
  3. After 2 to 3 hours you will get to see a thick curd is left behind.
  4. Peel and chop 1/3 rd of a medium-sized mango and make puree out of it in a blender.
  5. In the same blender with the mango puree, also add the thick hung curd.
  6. Collect it in a bowl. Add 1 to 2 powdered green cardamoms seeds and 2 to 3 saffron strands.
  7. Blend till the mixture is smooth and even.
  8. Chill the Mango Shrikhand in the refrigerator and serve in bowls. You can also add some chopped almonds and raisins as a garnish while serving.

Notes

Note: If you plan to use greek yogurt move on to step 5.

Tip: If using greek yogurt, add about 1 to 1.25 cups of it to the mango puree and flavorings. Blend till smooth.

Tips: Try to avoid adding sugar, instead you can use 1tsp of honey for this recipe. Tinned mangoes or mango pulp can be used instead of mango fruit.

Tips: Hung curd (yogurt): Use fresh curd, not the one that has gone sour. While hanging the curd, choose a large bowl so that the bottom of the muslin or cloth doesn’t come in contact with the bottom of the bowl. Make sure to refrigerate the hung curd in a lidded bowl if you are not using it right away.  Variations: You can make a vegan Shrikhand by substituting your dairy milk with coconut milk yogurt, non-dairy Greek yogurt or any plant-based milk yogurt.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1
  • Calories: 130 - 135 kcal
  • Sodium: 33 - 35 mg
  • Fat: 1 gm
  • Carbohydrates: 15 - 18 gm
  • Fiber: 1.5 - 1.8 g
  • Protein: 5 - 6 gm

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Minty Oats Vegetable soup

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Minty Oats Vegetable soup

  • Author: Mubarra
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
  • Total Time: 46 minute
  • Yield: 1 1x
  • Diet: Diabetic

Description

This Minty Oats Vegetable soup is one of the easiest recipes to put together for a quick breakfast or even as a dinner option. It is a Fibre rich soup which is not only filling, but also delicious, healthy and nourishing.


Scale

Ingredients

  • 3 tbsp quick cooking rolled oats
  • 2 tbsp chopped carrot
  • 2 tbsp chopped cabbage
  • 1 tbsp chopped mint leaves
  • ½ tsp chopped green chillies
  • ½ tsp chopped garlic (lehsun)
  • ½ tsp chopped ginger (adrak)
  • ½  tsp oil
  • ½  tsp soy sauce
  • Salt (As per taste)
  • Turmeric ( 1/4th tsp)
  • 2 tsp lemon juice

For Garnishing

  • Sprig of Mint
  • 1 tsp of roasted Pumpkin, 
  • 1 tsp of roasted Sunflower seeds and 
  • 1 tsp of roasted Sesame seeds

Instructions

  • Dry roast the Oats on medium high flame for 1-2 minutes.
  • Heat the oil in a deep non stick pan. Then add in chopped green chillies, garlic and ginger and saute on a medium flame for a few seconds.
  • Follow this by adding in the chopped carrots, cabbage (and any other vegetable of your choice) and saute on a medium flame for 1-2 minutes till cooked.
  • Add the oats, saute them for another 1-2 minutes.
  • Add the soy sauce, mix well and bring to a boil. 
  • Finally add the spices (Salt, turmeric and any other spice and herbs of your choice), lemon juice and mint leaves, mix well and continue to cook for 1 minute.
  • Serve immediately and garnish with a sprig of mint and tbsp of mixed seeds on top.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1
  • Calories: 308.31
  • Fat: 10.56
  • Carbohydrates: 37.8
  • Protein: 10.37

 

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Home made Chhena

Chhena

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A bowl of Healthy Chhena

Chhena

  • Author: Banhishikha
  • Cook Time: 15 Minutes
  • Total Time: 15 Minutes
  • Yield: 350 grams

Description

Chhena is cheese curds (Cottage cheese) from the Indian subcontinent, made from cow milk by adding food acids such as lemon juice and calcium lactate. It is pressed and further processed to make paneer and used to make desserts such as Khira Sagara, Chhena Kheer, Ras malai, and sweets such as Chhena jalebi, Chhena Gaja, Pantua, Rasgulla, and Sandesh.

Chhena is an incredible source of healthy fat calories with protein, calcium which helps to have healthy strong bones, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B1, which protects nerves, helps carbohydrate metabolism, prevents heart diseases, and helps produce red blood cells. This is ideal to consume during breakfast or snack time. It is loaded with dietary fibres which help in digestion by improving the metabolism and rich sources of protein, slightly higher than Paneer. 


Ingredients

  • Milk – 1 litre
  • Lemon Juice – 15 – 20 ml

Instructions

  1. Bring milk to boil in a saucepan.
  2. Add lime juice. Keep on stirring and until the milk gets curdled.
  3. Ideally, the milk should get curdled at once after you stir lime juice or vinegar. Just keep extra lime juice ready, in case milk does not curdle.
  4. When the greenish liquid (whey) separates from the milk, pour the curdled milk into a pan with the help of a sieve or muslin cloth.
  5. Usually from 1 liter of whole fat milk, yield 350 grams of chhena.

Notes

Instead of lemon juice, you can also use 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of vinegar or 3 tablespoons (45 g) of Curd or 1 tsp of Citric Acid powder (5 g).

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 468 - 470 kcal
  • Fat: 14 - 15 g
  • Carbohydrates: 48 - 50 g
  • Protein: 16 -18 g

Keywords: #HEALTHY

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Baked Carrot Delight

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Baked Carrot Delight

  • Author: Banhishikha
  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 10 mins
  • Total Time: 25 mins
  • Yield: 4 - 5 pcs

Description

Baked Carrot Delight, a carrot flavored sweet can be consumed by diabetic, weight loss, weight management, obese, overweight, and any age group will enjoy the taste and flavor of the healthy sweet. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene and lutein, which lowers the chances of cataracts and other eye problems.

This dish is ideal to consume as a sweet dish or dessert item at lunch or dinner and can also be served as a homemade healthy sweets to our guests.


Ingredients

  • Cottage cheese (low fat) – 100 gm
  • Carrot – 150 gm
  • Almonds/ Pistachios (finely chopped) – 8 pcs

Instructions

  1. Peel and grate the carrot.
  2. Keep aside 2 tsp of the grated carrot.
  3. Use the rest grated carrot to make juice.
  4. Heat the juice until it becomes ¼th
  5. Hang the cottage cheese for few minutes and squished.
  6. Then the carrot syrup and grated carrot were added to it.
  7. Mash the cottage cheese till smooth texture.
  8. Use butter paper to avoid oil greasing, and put the mixture in a baking tray and level it.
  9. Bake it at 1500c for 5 minutes.
  10. Cut it into a square shape.
  11. Garnish with finely chopped almonds or pistachios. Serve it cold.
  12. Storage life of 5 days if kept in a refrigerator.

 


Notes

Make sure chhena mixture becomes smooth.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1
  • Calories: 38 - 40 kcal
  • Fat: 0.95 - 1 gm
  • Carbohydrates: 2 - 3 gm
  • Protein: 3 - 4 gm

Keywords: #HEALTHYSWEETS

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Sweet Potato Salad

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Sweet Potato Salad

  • Author: Meenu Agarwal
  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Cook Time: 10 mins
  • Total Time: 15 mins

Description

Sweet potato salad is a salad, made typically of sweet potato, olive oil, salt, ground pepper, black pepper, cinnamon sticks, raisins, coriander, sugar, and water. Sometimes  fruits can be used. It is very popular in the Arab world. Sweet potatoes are rich in complex carbohydrate, dietary fiber and beta- carotene (a provitamin A Carotenoids), with moderate contents of other micronutrients, including Vitamin B and Manganese. Sweet potatoes are rich in complex carbohydrate and dietary fiber so it is good for diabetes and weight loss.


Scale

Ingredients

Sweet potato – 1 (boiled & peeled and cut into cubes)

1 medium Onion (finely chopped)

2 Green Chilies (finely chopped)

1 tablespoon Lemon juice

3 sprig Coriander Leaves (finely chopped)

1 teaspoon Chat Masala Powder

Pomegranate – to garnish

Salt to taste


Instructions

  1. Firstly, mix all the ingredients in a bowl. Boiling the sweet potato and having it in the refrigerator for an hour which helps in making this salad more delicious.
  2. Serve chilled with chopped freshly coriander leaves on top.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1
  • Calories: 120 - 130 KCAL
  • Fat: 1-3 GM
  • Carbohydrates: 30 - 40 GM
  • Protein: 2-4 GM

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image sourse: health.com

Healthy vs Fad Diets

image sourse: health.com

image source: health.com

Good Health comes with a healthy weight, neither too more nor too less. The Key to healthy weight is what we eat and how much we eat along with moderate to high exercise.In recent years, there has been a proliferation of fad diets which are sold as low fat diets and the best way to lose weight. Enough research evidence exists that low fat diets don’t work as these replace fat with easily digested carbs.They try to restrict select nutrients from our daily intake, which results in short term weight loss which ultimately leads to nutrient deficiency .

Hundreds of diets have been created, many promising fast and permanent weight loss. Remember the Atkins diet? The grapefruit diet? 3 day water diet? Low carb.. Blood type diet.. and various celebrity diets?
Fact is that any diet will work which gives us fewer calories than what we intake.
The best diet for losing weight is one that is good for all parts of your body, from your brain to your toes, and not just for our waistline. It should also be one which we can manage for a longer period of time without too much issues. Ideally a good diet plan is one that offers plenty of good to taste and healthy choices, excludes only few foods, and is easy on wallet and availability.
The Most common diet that fits the above bill is a Mediterranean-type diet.
Mediterranean diet and its variations which typically consists of
· Several servings of fruits and vegetables a day
· Whole-grain breads and cereals
· Healthy fats from nuts, seeds, and olive oil
· Lean protein from poultry, fish, and beans
· Limited amounts of red meat
· Moderate wine consumption with meals .

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