Avocados for Hormone Balance

The avocado has reached superfood status because it is one of the most nutrient-dense foods available. Ounce for ounce, they are among the richest in nutrients and antioxidants, such as folic acid, Omega 3, magnesium, potassium, lutein and fiber among all fruits. Avocados are rich in A, C, D, E, K vitamins and B Group vitamins too. And don’t forget copper, manganese and iron. This is why this superfood is a staple not only in trendy breakfast joints and Mexican canteens but also in healthy eating households.

One important but little known benefit of the avocado is its ability to naturally balance hormones. How does eating avocados help in hormone balance? Avocados are relatively high in plant sterols. These are naturally occurring plant compounds that have the ability to block estrogen absorption in the body and increase testosterone levels. 

Estrogen imbalance can be caused by many things such as: stress, illness, unhealthy eating habits, poor sleep, high cortisol levels, and the phases of puberty, perimenopause, or menopause. An excess of estrogen can cause some serious health problems if the levels stay elevated for a long period of time. Aside from the reasons previously mentioned, a spike in estrogen levels can also be caused by exposure to pollutants in the environment, toxins, chemical estrogens in plastics, hormones from food, and toxic cleaning products.

In females, excess estrogen can lead to:

• weight gain, especially around the hips and waist
• heavy or light periods
• worse PMS than usual
• fatigue
• fibroids in the uterus
• fibrocystic lumps in the breasts
• low sex drive
• low mood or anxiety
• bloating
• headaches
• disrupted sleep
• hair loss

In males, they can cause:

• enlarged breasts, known as gynecomastia
• difficulty getting or maintaining an erection
• infertility

Not only can avocados balance estrogen production, it also contains beta-sitosterol, a compound that helps reduce blood cholesterol levels to help improve your heart health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Beta-sitosterol can also help reduce cortisol to help you manage stress and improve your overall well being.

Avocados can be eaten as a fruit or can be consumed as avocado oil. Avocados, in any form, is a great source of hormone balancing nutrients that can help you manage your hormone health.