Herbs & Foods Beneficial for Women’s Health & Wellbeing

Happy International Women’s Day, m'dears!

We thought we'd celebrate this year by shining a torch on a subject we are passionate about. Women's health. As a woman-owned company run by a female-dominant team, we are fully aware of just how capable women are at kicking arse and achieving great things. But as we live in a society that makes little to no effort to work with our natural cycles, a hormone-supportive diet can make the world of difference. There are so many herbs and foods that can help women maintain their health, wellbeing and energy levels, prevent certain conditions and ease symptoms of menopause, PMS and pregnancy.

Here are some of the top nutritional and organic foods and herbs that are beneficial for women's health, all of which are available in store, or via our online shop:

Leafy Greens

Leafy green vegetables, such as kale and spinach, are packed with vitamins and minerals. They are particularly high in iron, which is important for women to maintain healthy blood levels, and for managing heavy periods. These greens are also a great source of calcium, which is important for maintaining healthy bones.

We receive a weekly delivery of fresh, organic fruit, veg and salad every Monday from Riverford, our Devon-based supplier.
 

Avocado

This superfood is excellent for balancing hormones and supporting female reproductive health. Avocado can help manage cortisol, a stress hormone which can affect blood cholesterol levels. Avocado also contains plant sterols that have a positive effect on estrogen and progesterone, two important female hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle.

Cruciferous Vegetables

Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, cabbage, turnip and kale are known hormone cleansers and have powerful detoxifying properties that help get rid of excess hormones.

Enjoy cruciferous vegetables steamed to gain their full nutritional benefit.

Turmeric

Turmeric is a spice that has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine. It has anti-inflammatory properties and may help to reduce pain and inflammation associated with conditions such as arthritis. Turmeric is also being studied for its potential to prevent certain types of cancer.

Maca Powder

Maca powder is a root vegetable that has been used for centuries in South America for its health benefits. It is particularly beneficial for women as it may help to balance hormones and improve mood, as well as assisting with fertility (for both males and females), libido, and energy levels. Studies have also found it to help with symptoms of the menopause.

Maca powder is a versatile ingredient that can be easily added to smoothies, cereals, or baked goods.

Flaxseed

Flaxseed (also known as linseed) is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for heart health. It is also high in fibre, which can help to regulate digestion. Flaxseed also keeps your hair shiny and healthy, and your skin clear, helps to regulate the menstrual cycle and helps with PCOS. They also help with focus and cognition and weight management.

These flavourless, gluten-free seeds are easy to incorporate into your diet and can be added to smoothies, oatmeal, or yogurt. We sell brown flaxseed both online and in-store and we currently sell golden flaxseed exclusively in-store.

Garlic

Garlic is a popular herb that is used in many different cuisines around the world. It is known for its heart-healthy properties and may help to reduce the risk of heart disease. Garlic is also believed to have anti-cancer properties and may help to prevent certain types of cancer.

Berries

Berries, such as blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries, are packed with antioxidants and other nutrients that are beneficial for overall health. They are particularly high in vitamin C, which is important for maintaining healthy skin and immune function. Berries are also a great source of fibre, which can help to regulate digestion.

We sell berries both dried and frozen, and, during the summer season, fresh. Check out of online shop, or pop in store to see our full range.

High Protein

While protein is renowned as a food source for building muscle, there are countless other reasons why it is such a vital part of our diet. Protein regulates appetite for weight management, maintains bone health and balances hormones. Eating protein provides your body with amino acids that are used to produce specific hormones, like estrogen, insulin, and thyroid hormone.

Lentils, seeds (especially flax, chia & sunflower), hemp, nuts, eggs and protein powder are all excellent sources of protein.

Walnuts

Hormone balance is about having the right balance of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory while omega 6 fatty acids are pro-inflammatory. Walnuts are rich in omega 3 fatty acids. They are rich in antioxidants, protect those healthy gut bacteria to keep our microbiome looking good, decrease the risk of certain cancers including breast cancer, protect brain health and help with weight management.

There are so many ways to add walnuts to your diet. Try them sprinkled on a salad, cereal or yogurt, ground into dips and sauces, baked into bread, or use walnut oil as a vinaigrette dressing.

Peppermint

Peppermint, typically consumed as a tea, is anti-inflammatory, and studies have found it to help with period pain, eases hot flashes by cooling the body, boosts energy levels and supports healthy digestion.

Hibiscus

Hibiscus tea has been shown to regulate blood sugar, lower hot flashes, support liver health, relieve depression, lower inflammation, fight oxidative stress, support weight loss. Studies have also found it highly beneficial for helping with the menopause.

Chamomile

Chamomile is a herb that is commonly consumed as a tea, and used for its calming properties. It may help to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation, making it a great choice for those who suffer from insomnia or other sleep disorders. Chamomile is also thought to have anti-inflammatory properties and may help to reduce pain and inflammation associated with conditions such as arthritis.

Marjoram

Early research on marjoram in humans and animals has evaluated how it could reduce stress and help people with PCOS. Marjoram tea has been linked to significant reductions in fasting insulin hormone levels, which could indicate improved blood sugar management.

Cinnamon

According to studies on PCOS, cinnamon may help to improve insulin resistance and support regular menstrual cycles. Furthermore, cinnamon is anti-inflammatory, helping to ease menstrual pain and other signs of inflammation.

For centuries, cinnamon has been used to treat period cramps, heavy periods, nausea and vomiting. We sell cinnamon both in powdered form, as well as cinnamon sticks.

'Relax with Me' Tea

For women with body lives, we highly recommend our 'Relax with Me, no Anxie-tea'. A blend of lemon balm, skullcap, rose and liquorice, it's perfect to help you to take it easy after a long day. A great tea for worriers and those with anxiety.

Warning: do not consume with barbiturates, benzodiazepines or convulsants.

Nigella Seeds

The flowers of Nigella sativa (also known as kalonji or fennel flower) produce tiny black antioxidant-rich seeds. Researchers are investigating nigella seed’s protective and therapeutic effects in those living with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), with positive results.

Nigella seeds have a distinctive savory flavour, that works well in curries or soups.

Sauerkraut

Medical research has found that many hormones are actually produced by the beneficial bacteria in the gut (the microbiome). Fermented foods such as sauerkraut, but also kefir, kombucha, miso and kimchi have been shown to increase the number of friendly bacteria in your gut.

Our organic sauerkraut is currently available exclusively in store.

Eleanor’s Mango Smoothie:

• 120g Mango
• 1 peeled orange
• 1tsp turmeric, chopped
• 1cm chunk of ginger, chopped
• 1 banana
• 1/2 tbsp maca powder
• 2 dates, chopped
• 1tbsp ground flaxseed
• Handful of oats
• Oat milk (to desired thickness)
  
  

Divine Feminine Breakfast Topper

• Freeze-dried strawberries
• Four seed mix
• Ground flaxseed
• Walnut pieces
• Maca Powder
• Dried cranberries
• Chocolate Protein Powder