So, this is a thing: a new food subscription service, Moon Cycle Bakery, delivers hormone-balancing sweets just when you need them each month. Their mission is to help women steer clear of processed sweets during their cycle and opt instead for crave-able, but mindfully-made baked goods like coconut-covered matcha balls and cacao-packed clean brownies. All of their PMS-pacifying snacks are made with strategic ingredients to nourish and balance the body — and they’re delivered like clockwork at that time of the month. Genius? We thought so. Discover a few key ingredients shared with us from Moon Cycle Bakery’s founder, Devon Porrino Loftus…
Cacao: When we crave chocolate during our cycle, it may be a good indicator we are lacking in the micronutrient magnesium. Our magnesium drops when our progesterone rises, causing some not so great side effects including headaches, bloating, low blood sugar, constipation, sugar cravings and fluid retention. Cacao comes to the rescue and is a helper in replenishing magnesium, administering antioxidants, relaxing our bodies and tasting delicious.
Ginger: Research has shown that ginger contains carbohydrates, free fatty acids, amino acid, proteins, and gingerols, which all have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiemetic (preventing an upset tummy) effect, but ginger doesn’t stop there. It’s also known for its anti-pain property. Studies have found that ginger may even help ease dysmenorrhea, or pain associated with menstruation or menstrual cramps. In one study, results showed a significant difference in the severity and duration of pain between ginger and placebo groups when the ginger supplement was given two days before the onset of menstruation and continued through the first three days.
Honey: Honey is good for the soul and body and can help reduce pain. Studies showed that in the first three days of menstruation, honey and a NSAID (Advil, etc.) led to the same amount of pain relief in women with pain during menstruation. It is suggested to be used for pain relief due to its lower side effects and pharmacological complications.
Sweet Potatoes: Period expert extraordinaire Alissa Vitti explains the physiological reason behind craving carbs. When the carb monster sets in, it’s usually because your body needs more B vitamins. She continues by explaining how important it is to have adequate intake of complex carbs to stabilize serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain and help prevent mood swings. To avoid the cravings and PMS symptoms, Vitti recommends eating healthy amounts of cooked quinoa or sweet potato every day during the luteal phase. Vitamin B1 also helps decrease cramping pain — sweet celebration.
Matcha: Matcha is a powerhouse of a tea. It contains the antioxidants of 10 cups of green tea, doesn’t harsh your adrenal glands like coffee does, supplies an “alert calm” due to a natural substance it contains called L-theanine (which induces relaxation without drowsiness) and owns one of the coolest colors out there. Studies have shown that including matcha in your diet could increase your antioxidant intake, which may help prevent cell damage and even lower your risk of several chronic diseases.
Discover more of the best foods for managing PMS here.
The Chalkboard Mag and its materials are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. All material on The Chalkboard Mag is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health related program.
