Health & Life

The Golden Quartet for Longevity in Women: Secrets to Hormonal Balance

Uncover the secrets of the Golden Quartet - the golden formula for women's health, balancing hormones and preserving youthfulness.

Administrator

2 March, 2024

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Hormones play a critical role in maintaining health, beauty, and the aging process, particularly for women. The most important and common hormones include estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, and thyroid hormones.

Imbalance of female hormones can significantly affect the functioning of the ovaries and uterus, increase the risk of gynecological infections, impact fertility, and alter the appearance of the skin. It can also lead to negative psychological states such as prolonged stress, which can severely affect the quality of life, according to nutritionist and traditional Chinese medicine expert Wu Mingzhu from Taiwan, China.

Wu also emphasizes that in addition to lifestyle adjustments and medical interventions, diet plays a crucial role in balancing hormones in women. There are four golden “superfoods” known to help regulate hormones and combat aging, which women should take advantage of.

Soybeans

Dr. Wu suggests that women can incorporate soybeans into their daily meals using various methods. Soybeans can be prepared through boiling, roasting, drying, making soup, making porridge, or grinding into powder for consumption. Derivative products such as tofu or soy milk are also beneficial to women’s health. This light yellow legume is known as the “king of estrogen” from nature.

“Soybeans are rich in estrogen and phytoestrogen, especially isoflavones. The isoflavones in soybeans have the ability to mimic the natural activity of estrogen in the body. This is important because estrogen is a crucial female hormone that affects women’s health and the aging process,” explains Dr. Wu.

In addition to reducing the risk of breast cancer, isoflavones in soybeans can also help control menopausal symptoms, regulate cholesterol levels, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Soybeans also provide plant-based protein, a variety of vitamins and minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, helping to maintain youthfulness.

Pumpkin

Dr. Wu emphasizes that in traditional medicine, pumpkin is not only considered a nutritious food but also a herbal medicine that helps regulate endocrine hormones in women. According to modern medicine, pumpkin, with its vibrant yellow color, is packed with essential nutrients for women’s health and has the ability to slow down the aging process.

“Pumpkin is rich in iron, copper, and zinc, essential minerals for nourishing blood and qi, which are key factors in maintaining women’s health and youthfulness. Notably, pumpkin is high in vitamin E, which stimulates estrogen production, thereby balancing endocrine hormones, improving elasticity, firmness, and reducing wrinkles on the skin. Vitamin E also affects the functioning of the ovaries, a vital organ in the production and regulation of female hormones, as well as maintaining women’s reproductive health,” explains Dr. Wu.

Wu also reveals that pumpkin seeds are beneficial for hormonal regulation, not inferior to pumpkin flesh. Pumpkin seeds contain lignans, a form of plant-derived phytoestrogen, along with magnesium, zinc, and iron, supporting natural hormone balance.

Bananas

Dr. Wu emphasizes that in maintaining the balance of female hormones, it is not only important to focus on estrogen but also progesterone. To ensure women’s good health and slow down the aging process, there needs to be a balance between these two hormones.

In her list of four golden foods for women’s health, Dr. Wu highlights bananas as the third yellow food that deserves special attention. She notes that bananas are rich in vitamin B6, an essential component that helps the body produce progesterone, thereby contributing to hormone balance. Vitamin B6 also enhances progesterone and effectively reduces estrogen.

In addition to these benefits, consuming bananas can help alleviate uncomfortable symptoms before and during the menstrual cycle. Therefore, bananas are considered a priority food for women. Bananas also provide an abundance of other essential nutrients for the body. Regular consumption of bananas can support weight loss, improve skin condition, prevent cancer, and protect the body from cardiovascular issues.

Crisp Apples

Dr. Wu suggests that crisp apples are an essential part of the golden quartet for women’s health. She states that crisp apples contain various vitamins, including vitamin A, beta-carotene, lutein, lycopene, and cryptoxanthin, which act as powerful antioxidants, helping combat aging from both inside and outside the body and contributing to hormonal balance in women.

Apples are also rich in B-group vitamins, including pyridoxamine, folic acid (vitamin B9), and thiamine, which are essential for enzymatic processes and metabolic functions in the body. Additionally, apples contain phytoestrogens and minerals such as iron and copper, supporting blood formation and improved blood circulation, which are beneficial to women’s health.

Nevertheless, Dr. Wu warns that apples should not be consumed on an empty stomach, and overeating should be avoided to prevent digestive problems. Furthermore, apples should not be combined with seafood, milk, eggs, or alcoholic beverages to prevent the risk of intoxication or potential health issues.

Frequently asked questions

An imbalance in female hormones can disrupt the functioning of the ovaries and uterus, increase the risk of gynecological infections, impact fertility, and affect skin appearance. It can also lead to prolonged stress and other negative psychological states, severely impacting one’s quality of life.

In addition to lifestyle changes and medical interventions, Dr. Wu emphasizes the crucial role of diet in hormone regulation. There are four “superfoods” that are particularly beneficial for women’s health and combating aging: soybeans, pumpkin, bananas, and crisp apples.

Soybeans are rich in estrogen and phytoestrogen, especially isoflavones, which can mimic the natural activity of estrogen in the body. This helps reduce the risk of breast cancer, control menopausal symptoms, regulate cholesterol, and maintain youthfulness.

Dr. Wu suggests that women can include soybeans in their daily meals through various cooking methods: boiling, roasting, drying, making soup or porridge, or grinding them into powder. Tofu and soy milk, derived from soybeans, are also beneficial.

Pumpkin is rich in iron, copper, and zinc, essential minerals for nourishing blood and qi. It also contains high levels of vitamin E, which stimulates estrogen production, balances endocrine hormones, improves skin elasticity and firmness, and reduces wrinkles. Vitamin E also supports the functioning of the ovaries.

Yes, pumpkin seeds are beneficial for hormone regulation. They contain lignans, a form of plant-derived phytoestrogen, along with magnesium, zinc, and iron, which all support natural hormone balance.

Bananas are rich in vitamin B6, which helps the body produce progesterone, contributing to hormone balance. Vitamin B6 also enhances progesterone and reduces estrogen. Bananas help alleviate uncomfortable menstrual symptoms and provide essential nutrients for overall health, weight loss, and improved skin.

Crisp apples contain various vitamins and powerful antioxidants, helping to combat aging and contributing to hormonal balance. They are rich in vitamins A, beta-carotene, lutein, lycopene, and cryptoxanthin. Apples also provide B-group vitamins essential for enzymatic processes and include phytoestrogens and minerals that support blood formation and improved circulation.

Dr. Wu advises against consuming apples on an empty stomach and overeating them to prevent digestive issues. She also recommends avoiding combining apples with seafood, milk, eggs, or alcohol to prevent potential health risks.