Quinoa and Spinach to the Rescue: Plant-based Foods Aid PCOD Control in Women
Dubela, Chhoyee Ghosh: Polycystic Ovarian Disease or PCOD can be called a silent killer for women of reproductive age. PCOD is not just a physical condition but also an emotionally one because women tend to have irregular periods, weight gain, mood swings, fatigue and unbearable pain. According to National Institute of Health, PCOD affects about 13% of women in the world, which means that 1 in 10 women are affected by PCOD. To tackle PCOD in women, lifestyle coach and the founder of Justbe, a plant-based vegetarian restaurant, Nidhi Nahata suggested two foods that can help manage the hormonal imbalances in the body and nourish it – Quinoa and Spinach.
Quinoa is rich in protein, fiber and minerals. It gains more importance as it’s a complex carbohydrate that does not interfere with your blood sugar. Women with PCOD struggle with insulin resistance that triggers hormonal imbalances. If one keeps her insulin levels in check, quinoa indirectly helps balance the two most important hormones that triggers PCOD – testosterone and estrogen. Quinoa is gluten-free and anti-inflammatory, which in turn helps to support the gut. Spinach is seen in almost 80% of the Indian kitchen. It’s richness in folate, magnesium, iron, and chlorophyll has made spinach a necessity while coping PCOD and other diseases, or to maintain hormonal balance in the body. Magnesium eases anxiety and cramps, folate supports healthy ovulation while iron replenishes what’s lost during irregular or heavy periods. Spinach also supports the liver. When the liver is clean and supported, hormonal balance takes place naturally.
According to Nidhi Nahata, animal-based foods are loaded with hormones like estrogen and progesterone, which were meant for the animal’s reproductive system, not human. When we consume them, these hormones interfere with our body’s endocrine system and can worsen PCOD in women. Whereas plant-based foods do not cause any hormonal imbalances. She explains that plant-based foods offer fiber — which helps flush out excess estrogen — along with antioxidants, minerals, and nutrients that help the body reset.
Plant-based foods should be consumed keeping in mind a few things. For example, people who have kidney issues should properly watch their spinach intake due to oxalates. Quinoa should always be rinsed thoroughly to avoid digestive irritation. Even people with thyroid issues should lightly cook spinach to reduce goitrogens.
