Fueling Up with The Chalkboard: 8 Superfoods Women Should Eat

Summer (hopefully) has allowed you to slow down, take a breath in between the usual juggle of work and family life, and hang up your cape. And now that you’ve pressed pause on being superwoman, you have a moment to think about a dreamy vacation, a good beach read, and, well, you!

There are many effective ways to replenish your mind, body, and soul — and food should top that wellness priority list. Reward yourself by giving The Chalkboard’s list of eight female-friendly superfoods a try. Here, they share why these dietary must haves really pack a punch…

As women, we have unique needs. Our bodies are unique – designed to bear and rear children, manage the stress of both work and family life, all with grace, beauty and maybe a little style. That is why we must honor our needs and give ourselves the best support we can. The best way to do this is with superfoods: Foods that optimize our hormone production, stabilize our emotions, increase our fertility and strengthen our bodies. The more we nourish with the foundational building blocks, the more efficiently we can perform…and truly do all we want to. Take note of the list below and try to incorporate these foods into your diet daily.

The 8 Best Foods Women Should Eat Daily

1. BEE POLLEN. Bee pollen contains almost all nutrients needed by the body. It is 40% protein, including the eight essential amino acids. Amino acids are needed by the body to build tissue, to produce hormones, including growth hormone, and to maintain lean muscle mass. Bee pollen is also rich in over 12 vitamins, almost 30 minerals and a whole range of enzymes and co-enzymes. For women, bee pollen is essential to optimizing liver health, which is needed for detoxification and balancing hormones. Pollen also stimulates ovarian function, increasing ovulation and fertility. Finally, pollen is a great source of bioflavonoids. Bioflavonoids are antioxidants that strengthen veins, the bladder and uterus, helping to prevent spider veins, excessive menstrual bleeding, while preparing the uterus for pregnancy.

2. SEAWEED. Seaweed is one the best sources of minerals, specifically iodine, calcium, iron, magnesium. This is especially important for women, since women often require higher levels of these minerals to prevent osteoporosis, anemia, menstrual cramps, constipation and depression. Iodine is especially important as it is needed for normal thyroid functioning. A deficiency can lead to hypothyroidism. Iodine can also help to protect against radiation exposure. Radiation can be an underlying cause of conditions of the thyroid and parathyroid, and is known to cause cancer and birth defects

3. BROCCOLI. Broccoli is an excellent source of a host of nutrients including vitamin K, vitamin C, chromium, and folic acid. These specific nutrients are needed to maintain proper bone and skin health, blood-sugar levels and a healthy pregnancy. Broccoli is also a powerful detoxification agent. It contains DIM, diindolylmethane, a compound that clears xenoestrogens from the body. Xenoestrogens have been shown to lead to cancer, including breast and ovarian cancer, and to cause hormone imbalance. Broccoli also helps to lower inflammation levels in the body, reducing pain, PMS and risk of inflammatory disease. Finally, a study from Johns Hopkins University has shown that broccoli contains high amounts of the compound sulforaphane, which has anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, and anti-microbial benefits. Don’t like broccoli? Opt for another cruciferous vegetable such as kale or Brussels sprouts, as they have very similar properties.

4. CHIA SEEDS.Chia seeds are one of the top sources of plant-based calcium, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, potassium and protein. This is what makes chia such a superfood for women. It helps to prevent osteoporosis, while lowering inflammation and building lean muscle tissue. Chia also balances blood sugar and keeps bowels moving, which is essential for maintaining a healthy weight. Chia can also ease symptoms of PMS and menopause, prevent osteoporosis, cardiovascular conditions and can help promote beautiful skin, hair and nails.

5. GOJI BERRY. Ounce-for-ounce, goji berries contain more vitamin C than oranges, more beta-carotene than carrots, and more iron than soybeans and spinach. This makes them vital for clear skin, a strong immune system, good vision and healthy blood. Goji berries also contain zeaxanthin, betaine, polysaccharides. Zeaxanthin protects against macular degeneration, betaine supports liver and cardiovascular function, and polysaccharides have anti-infective properties. Goji berries also have one the highest antioxidant capacities, making them the ideal anti-aging and cancer-preventative food. Goji berry is singularly the most popular tonic herb used throughout Asia. It is renowned for its mood-supporting effects, for strengthening sexual functions in women, and for its adaptogenic qualities. Being an adaptogen, it helps the body to function at a higher level despite current states of mental or physical stress.

Hop over to The Chalkboard to learn the three other multitasking foods that should be on your grocery list….