PCOS is significantly affected by lifestyle, and hence your daily dietary decisions are critical. In short, what you eat and when, can have a huge impact on how severe your PCOS symptoms are. To start, you absolutely want to limit sugar intake – as discussed in our previous article: PCOS DIET – HOW SUGAR AFFECTS INSULIN RESISTANCE & WEIGHT LOSS.
But, your daily diet with PCOS doesn’t have to dreary and bland, there are many healthy alternatives to keep you feeling good. Here are six inspiring and delicious foods, available in South Africa, that will not only tickle the taste buds, but help your PCOS too:
PCOS Diet: Best foods to eat
1. Avocados
Avocado’s are high in good fats. They also regulate hormones, reduce the body’s sensitivity to prolactin – a hormone which can suppress ovulation and helps regulate your menstrual cycle. These fruits are powerful allies for women with PCOS, they are also available year round in South Africa.
2. Broccoli
Broccoli is high in fibre, helps lower inflammation, balances hormones, detoxes liver of excess hormones, builds collagen, and decrease insulin resistance.
3. Oats
Oats can assist PCOS sufferers with weight loss, lower blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. They also lower blood pressure, inflammation and can relieve constipation.
4. Almonds
Almonds are low in carbohydrates, but high in healthy fats, protein and fibre. They control blood sugar, lower blood pressure, improve insulin resistance and boost metabolism.
5. Salmon
Salmon decreases inflammation, lowers blood pressure, reduces the risk of cancer and improves the function of cells. Eating Salmon also protects bone health and maintains muscle mass during weight loss and the aging process.
6. Spearmint tea
Spearmint tea aids ingestion and flatulence, decreases testosterone, reduce hirsutism, increases female hormones necessary for ovulation, improves memory and lowers blood sugar.
Other lifestyle tips for women with PCOS
Other lifestyle interventions, as well as regular, natural supplementation are critical to keeping your PCOS in check. Using a good, natural, wholesome PCOS Supplement can have dramatic, positive affects on your well-being and enable your to live a normal life with PCOS.
For more reading on lifestyle tips, read our article: 5 lifestyle tips for women with PCOS in South Africa
