Keeping Your Hormones in Check

Molasses

The antioxidants in molasses can help protect you against oxidative damage linked to cancer, cardiovascular diseases and other degenerative diseases. The magnesium found in molasses is useful for supporting your nervous system. A deficiency of magnesium in the body can lead to hypertension, muscle cramps and general body fatigue. Calcium found in molasses is needed for the health of your bones, teeth and muscles. This mineral is also needed for the normal removal of toxins from your colon, as well as for normal cell membrane functions. The manganese found in molasses supports the healthy production of sex hormones. This is important for normal sexual health. Manganese also plays an important role in the functioning of the nervous system as well as the production of energy. Molasses is especially beneficial to pregnant ladies because of its rich iron, vitamin B (folate), and calcium content. These nutrients are needed for the normal growth and development of the baby. Hence, blackstrap molasses is sometimes known as “pregnancy tea”.

Maca Root

Shaped like a turnip but the size of a beet, the maca root was considered by ancient people to be a magical food. Used by the ancient shamans of Peru, the root is known to enhance the stamina of warriors during battles. Today, maca root is sometimes used by athletes as a natural alternative to steroids to improve stamina, strength and performance. As an excellent bio-available source of calcium (and hence is great for vegans!), consuming maca root can also help you build strong bones. A very important health benefit of maca root is in helping to rebalance your endocrine system (e.g. your adrenal glands, thyroid, thymus, pancreas, pituitary gland, hypothalamus and ovaries). The adaptogenic functions of this miraculous food mean that it can help promote hormonal production when and where it is needed, and inhibit production when there is excess. As such, maca root has been used traditionally to increase libido, as well as by menopausal women for rebalancing their hormones.