International Women’s Day is celebrated on March 8 every year to remember women and the achievements they have achieved. While we often give the special women in our life chocolates and roses on other occasions, why not give them a dose of health on this special day? Women, who are standing side by side with their male colleagues in the workplace and home affairs, today have more gender-specific issues to address. Issues like irregular periods, pregnancy complications, medication use, hormone therapy, among others, can affect their overall health. While it may feel impossible to solve these problems, it’s nothing that some healthy lifestyle changes and diet can’t solve.
The good news is that with a few dietary changes, women can progress toward improved health, inside and out. We’ve all heard about the many benefits of a healthy diet, but what exactly do these healthy foods give you? Confused? Here is a list of fruits and their benefits for women’s health. Include these in your daily diet and work towards a healthier tomorrow:
(Read more: Celeb fitness trainer Yasmin Karachiwala shares 5 health tips for women)
Heart health: Make seasonal fruit a part of your daily diet
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5 fruits are a woman’s best friend:
1. Apple:
Woman, man or child, there is no gender or age where an apple is not beneficial! However, if we just scaled back the benefits of apple on women’s health, it is known to help with weight loss, heart health and diabetes. According to a study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, women who regularly eat apples have a 13 to 22% lower risk of coronary heart disease than those who do not bite into the crunchy fruit.
2. Amla:
Dr. Yuvakshi Juneja, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Moolchand Hospital, reminds that the most important thing for women is to regulate their iron intake. One of the most common reasons women become iron-deficient is the loss of iron in the blood during menstruation. Dr. Juneja adds, “Women are more susceptible to iron deficiency due to the way we Indians prepare our food. Most iron is lost and destroyed during cooking; therefore, it is important to Include berries like amla in your regular diet.”
3. Pomegranate:
Among the many benefits that pomegranates offer for most people, the one that benefits women is that they also improve skin health and are the answer to your hot flashes and night sweats. during or before menopause. Actress Bhagyashree is also known to believe in the power of pomegranates and has a video explaining why on her Instagram profile. Although the antioxidants found in food offer many benefits, in the video Bhagyashree can be heard saying that it is especially great for skin health. “Pomegranates can be called the elixir of youth,” says Bhagyashree.
4. Cherries:
Low energy is another concern that begins to affect women during and after the age of 30; cherries could be the answer to situations like these. Cherries are known to work against a number of health problems common in middle-aged women such as gout and arthritis. Plus, they’re a rich source of energy-boosting anthocyanin antioxidants. Eat a dozen cherries or drink a glass of unsweetened juice three or four times a week. Better yet, eat fresh cherries with yogurt to ensure the absorption of beneficial vitamins.
(Read more: 9 fruits and vegetables with more vitamin C than oranges)
5. Fruits rich in vitamin C:
Oranges, lemons, and grapefruits are known for their immune-boosting Vitamin C content. Along with these, other citrus fruits also help control cholesterol levels which helps us ward off cardiovascular diseases. The book ‘Healing Foods’ published by DK Publishing says: “Citrus fruits contain hesperidin, which can reduce the symptoms of hypertension, arteriosclerosis, ‘unhealthy’ cholesterol” (LDL) in the blood. The antioxidant flavones may also reduce the risk of stroke in women.”
So ladies, what are you waiting for? Start adding these fruits to your diet to enjoy their benefits. Happy Women’s Day 2022 to each and every one of you!
