February 18th, 2020

It's no secret that a healthy diet is important, but when it comes to nutrition, women have very different needs than men.

From your body composition and diet, to your hormones and monthly cycle – your body requires specific foods to maintain optimal health.

We’ve rounded up the top five foods that can help improve your gut, protect your heart, nourish your skin, and much more!

Did you know? Women are more likely to develop gastrointestinal disorders than men. (Lucky us!) Gut issues such as constipation, acid reflux, and IBS affect nearly 100 million women. Luckily, there are plenty of natural ways to improve your gut health, and eating berries is one of them.

Berries are prebiotic-rich foods that increase friendly bacteria in the gut and improve digestive health. They can also help eliminate inflammation in your gut and reduce chronic fatigue and irregular periods.

And the benefits keep getting sweeter... These bright, colorful fruits contain powerful antioxidants that can help fight chronic disease and protect skin from signs of aging. Talk about a SUPER fruit!

Need another reason to satisfy your chocolate cravings? How about four? Chocolate is made from cacao – a bittersweet fruit rich in antioxidants and flavonoids. Multiple studies show that cacao can help improve your mood, reduce cravings, prevent heart disease, and improve brain function. So if you love chocolate, know chocolate loves you right back!

But before you run to the grocery store, you should know that it isn’t candy bars you should be eating more of. (That stuff is made with a lot of sugar, processed ingredients, and dairy.) The best way to reap the benefits of cacao is by consuming it in its purest form. Our Chocolate Lover Mix contains organic cacao, chia seeds, and 3 nutritious superfoods – that’s it! Enjoy it in your favorite baked goods, smoothies, and more.

You probably already know that beetroot is good for you, but what makes it especially beneficial to women? This bright root vegetable is packed with vitamin C – a nutrient that helps fight common signs of aging and improves the health and texture of your skin. But that’s not all...

Beetroot is rich in many other essential nutrients that can help improve digestion, support healthy hair, ease period symptoms, and even boost libido. Not a fan of the bitter taste of beets? No problem! We added beetroot to our Moon Balance Mix – a superfood blend designed to balance hormones and improve PMS and menopausal symptoms.

What do nuts and seeds have in common? They’re an excellent source of iron – a mineral that most women need more of. Due to loss of blood during menstruation, iron deficiency is the most common deficiency among women. Because of this, the recommended daily allowance is 18mg of iron for women between the ages of 19-50, and 27mg for pregnant women. (That’s over triple the RDA for men!)

So, why does your body need iron? Your body uses iron to make hemoglobin – a protein that carries oxygen from the lungs to other parts of the body. It also needs iron to make certain hormones.

One of the healthiest ways to get more iron in your diet is to eat nuts and seeds. Almonds, cashews, and pine nuts contain 1-1.6 mg of iron per ounce, while pumpkin, sesame, hemp, and flax seeds contain between 1.2-4.2 mg of iron per two tablespoons. Whether you’re sprinkling on top of salads, adding to your favorite smoothie bowl, or enjoying a healthy snack bar – nuts and seeds are a diet must-have.

Beans don’t seem to get enough credit these days. This versatile plant-based food boasts lots of essential nutrients, such as fiber, protein, iron, and zinc. But white beans in particular are high in a nutrient every woman needs more of – calcium.

Calcium is essential for healthy bones, teeth, heart, and muscles. However, most women don’t get enough in their diet, putting them at risk for osteoporosis. Luckily, you don’t need milk or cheese to protect your bones, just add a serving of white beans to your lunch or dinner.

Written by Reigna