5 Must Eat Foods For Women

As a wife, as a mother, as a daughter-in-law and in various different roles, you have acknowledged your responsibility and duty towards your family and in keeping them healthy amidst your career responsibilites. But in the midst of all this, you tend to forget about your own health and nutrition, and tend to fall prey to sudden bouts of weakness and tiredness while working at home and in office. So, if you are not doing it already, which, most probably is the case, it is time now to start taking care of your own health, so that you are in a better position to care for your family, and while you start eating healthy and nutritious food, do not miss out on the five very important ones we have listed below:
Here are five foods loaded with nutrients that will keep you healthy and happy always.
      Flaxseeds
These have been with us ever since the dawn of civilization, but it is lately that flaxseeds have assumed growing importance for their health benefits. Flaxseeds or Alsi seeds are commonly available, are not grains but have a nutrient composition similar to that of grains. They contain good amounts of Vitamin B, fiber, iron, calcium, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids, hence, they make for an essential food for women. The combination of fat and fiber in flaxseeds helps in weight loss by increasing satiety. They also help in reducing cholesterol and maintaining a healthy heart due to the omega 3 fatty acid. The fiber in flaxseeds helps in the regulation of blood sugar levels and increases the levels of energy and stamina. The phytochemicals present in flaxseeds act as antioxidants and help regulate female hormones.

Flaxseeds are available in the oil form, in seed form or in the capsule form over the counter. Flaxseed oil is commonly used in salads and the seeds are used in yogurt and cereals. Preferably, one must consume one tablespoon of flaxseeds daily.
      Nachni/Ragi
Have you considered replacing your rotis made of wheat with rotis made from ragi? If you have not yet, , think now. Ragi, also known as finger millet, contains high amounts of essential nutrients including proteins, fiber, essential amino acids, Vitamin A, B, iron, calcium and phosphorous. Easily available in the Indian market, Ragi proves to be a great cereal for pregnant and lactating women due to its high calcium and iron content. Also, as fiber helps in regulating the blood sugar levels and in lowering cholesterol, Ragi, containing high amounts of fiber, proves to be a boon for women as it also aids in weight loss. It also regulates the digestive system and prevents constipation. According to Ayurveda, Ragi helps in improving blood production and can be consumed in the form of rotis or bhakris, biscuits, khakra, chivda or cookies. Include Ragi in your diet preferably thrice a week.
            Green Tea
It is difficult to switch over from your regular milk tea to another form of tea, as you are used to drinking tea with milk and old habits die hard. But when you know the benefits that green tea can provide to your body, you may feel like having it right now. For a start, green tea, being rich in antioxidants, plays a key role in treating headaches and depression. Besides, it reduces cholesterol and blood sugar levels, increases the body’s metabolic rate, balances female hormones and fights infection.
So, next time, your body asks for tea, make sure you prepare the green one, but remember too much of it can cause insomnia. Ideally you must have two cups of green tea everyday and avoid it at night.
Broccoli

Increasingly, broccoli has come to assume increasing importance at the local vegetable market in India. Reason: the very many health benefits associated with this food, and the even more nutritious advantages that broccoli offers to the health of a woman.
To begin with, broccoli is low in saturated fat (bad fat), cholesterol and calories and high in dietary fiber, essential vitamins and minerals. The folic acid in broccoli helps women sustain normal tissue growth and is often used as a supplement when taking birth control pills and during pregnancies. It aids in digestion and is high in ability to promote heart, vision and skin care due to its antioxidant properties. Research shows that broccoli aids in maintaining the heart of post-menopausal women. It also helps balance female hormones. Consume it raw, or have it stir-fried. But be sure it is completely green when you buy it.
Soy and soy products
The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) claims that 25 grams of soy protein per day, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease by reducing blood cholesterol levels. Soy is a very rich source of proteins and also contains good amounts of fiber, Vitamin B complex and essential minerals. You can consume soy through different forms – soybeans, soymilk, tofu, etc.
Soybeans can also be eaten by way of ingredient in salads or any vegetable delicacy, Soy milk, readily available in India, is lactose-free and comes in different flavors, Tofu (like paneer) is a bland-tasting product, which absorbs the flavor of other ingredients .  Soy lowers cholesterol, prevents breast cancer, regulates female hormones that are beneficial during menopause and prevents osteoporosis. Soy protein appears to lower triglyceride levels while preserving HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol).
So ladies include these foods in your diet and stay fit and healthy!