A woman’s nutritional needs are quite different from that of a man.
These requirements change with age as she goes through menstruation,
pregnancy, lactation, and menopause.
Naturally, a woman’s body is more prone to wear and tear, with every
stage of life requiring a focus on their diet. Women, in their
round-the-clock routine, balancing the dual responsibility of a career
and family, often forget to take care of themselves.
Here are some superfoods, that
are packed with extra nutrients, which can ensure that a woman gets that
extra boost of energy and nutrition that is essential for her
well-being.
#1 Quinoa
Anciently believed to be ‘the mother of all grains’, this superfood
has risen to global fame in the last few years. It is gluten-free and a
complete protein. Quinoa contains twice as much fiber as other grains
(almost 17 to 27g per 100g), and helps cut down the risk of
hypertension, heart disease, and diabetes. It is rich in copper, iron,
magnesium, and phosphorus and is a good source of manganese, an
antioxidant, which helps manage PMS. Quinoa is an excellent source of
lysine that helps restore tissue damage. It primarily contains two
flavonoids, quercetin and kaempferol, which are known to have good
anti-inflammatory, anti-cancerous, and anti-viral effects.
#2 Chia Seeds
Originally from Mexico, chia seeds have come to be highly regarded
and valued for their nutritional and medicinal benefits. Chia seeds are
an excellent source of fiber and omega-3s making them highly beneficial
for the heart and the digestive system. They are rich in alpha lipoic
acid or ALA, an omega-3 fatty acid, which is highly effective in
preventing breast and cervical cancer. High in antioxidants, they are
also good for the skin and prevent premature ageing. They are rich in
calcium, magnesium, and potassium thereby helping build healthy muscles
and strong bones. Regular consumption of chia seeds helps reverse
oxidative stress by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol. These seeds
have a wide spectrum of nutrients packed into them making them an ideal
diet inclusion for expectant and lactating mothers.
#3 Amaranth
Also known as ramdana in hindi, ‘amaranthus’ in Greek means
non-wilting. Amaranth’s gluten-free status has earned it the reputation
of being a life and health enhancer. It is rich in calcium, iron, and
phosphorus and is remarkably high in protein offering roughly 28g per
100g. Packed with double the amount of calcium as compared to milk, this
superfood helps prevent osteoporosis. Amaranth is a complete protein.
It also contains lysine, which helps strengthen hair follicles, and
prevents premature graying and hair loss. It is also a good source of
heart-friendly unsaturated fatty acids (upto 77%). High in dietary
fiber, amaranth helps ease constipation, cramping of stomach muscles,
gastric and peptic ulcers, and aids smooth digestion. It is also a good
source of vitamin C and has a functional role in the production of
collagen, which keeps skin healthy and young.
#4 Buckwheat
A seed that is both high in protein and fiber, buckwheat is also
called groats. It is power-packed with many nutrients and antioxidants
including tannins, rutin, and catechins. What makes buckwheat unique is
its amino acid composition that helps in lowering cholesterol and blood
pressure and assists in digestion. Buckwheat also has a good amount of
heart-healthy fats. Buckwheat is composed of complex carbohydrates that
have a low glycemic index, and aids in balancing blood sugar levels. It
is also a good source of B-vitamins, zinc and folate, all of which are
essential for a healthy circulatory system. Besides, these minerals also
help fight depression, headache and anxiety.
#5 Black rice
Also known as ‘forbidden rice’, it was consumed thousands of years
ago by Chinese royalty. Black rice may not be as well known as brown,
red, or wild rice, but it has a rich profile of nutrients. It is the
best form of rice when it comes to protein, antioxidants, fiber, and
phytonutrients. Black rice also contains high amount of iron and copper
and is one of the best-known sources of anthocyanin, which is a powerful
antioxidant that helps fight free radical damage and inflammation.
Although black rice contains high levels of arsenic, employing proper
cooking methods can bring down arsenic levels to safe limits. Apart from
this, black rice also helps in keeping the heart healthy and aids in
maintenance of cholesterol levels. It brings down oxidative stress and
helps detoxify the body.
THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE
HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.
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Labels: amaranth, black rice, buckwheat, chia seeds, detox, high fibre, Iron, lactation, lowers BP, magnesium, menopause, menstruation, omega 3 fatty acids, pregnancy, quinoa, superfoods, Vitamins B & C