Mother’s day
On May 29, mothers are in the spotlight. How do you take care of yourself as a young woman, mother or grandmother? First and foremost, by understanding the life cycle of women and the specific nutrient requirements in order to be able to shine at any age.
ADOLESCENCE
During adolescence, physical and physiological changes are observed in young women leading to menstruation. During this period changes in eating habits, weight and slight disorders during menstrual cycles may appear. There are plants known to contribute in well-being and comfort in the context of premenstrual syndrome.
PREGNANCY
During pregnancy, the needs of women are increased in order to ensure the good development of the fetus and the maintenance of the mother’s health. In particular in vitamins A, B9, iron, iodine and fatty acids. In addition, pregnant women following a vegan diet may be subject to deficits or deficiencies in vitamins D and B12, the main sources are animal origin.
BREASTFEEDING
Breastfeeding women will have an increased intake to replace the extra nutrients and energy used. A good alternative can be to take a food supplement in order to compensate this constant depletion and to optimize the quality of breast milk.
MENOPAUSE
Menopause results in a hormonal fluctuation that can have side effects on daily life, such as fatigue, a change in body composition and weight or hot flashes. In this context, mixes of plants can be effective by participating in hormonal balance and reducing possible symptoms
POST MENOPAUSE
Bone and muscle density decreases in women over time, especially following menopause. To respond to this fragility, there are food supplements that help maintain the mobility and flexibility of the joints, in order to prevent the risk of osteoporosis, for example.
A distinction is made between two groups of substances with a nutritional or physiological effect that can be used in food supplements. These are “nutrients” and “other substances” with a nutritional or physiological effect.
PLANT FOCUS
Chaste tree
Latin name: Vitex agnus castus, shrub that grows in Greece and Italy
Part of the plant used: Dried berries
Active compound: Flavonoids, linoleic acid
Health axis: Immunity, energy, feminine health
Chasteberry and female health: Chasteberry is particularly known to help maintain physiological well-being and comfort during the menstrual cycle or to contribute to the balance of hormones.
Mechanism: Chaste tree acts on the hormonal system, for example by acting on dopamine receptors which decrease the levels of thyrotropin and prolactin release, alleviating the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.
Contraindication: Use in breastfeeding women is not recommended + warning disadvising use in women with a personal or family history of breast cancer. Why this last mention? The consumption of chaste tree in people who suffer or have suffered from breast cancer is not recommended because of its action on the hormonal system, in particular by having an estrogenic effect.
A distinction is made between two groups of substances with a nutritional or physiological effect that can be used in food supplements. These are “nutrients” and “other substances” with a nutritional or physiological effect.
FUN FACT
The expression “eating carrots makes you lovable” comes from the time when eating carrots was a “trick” to have a tanned complexion and therefore a better appearance. Thus people felt more “lovable”.
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