Cold-Pressed Juice and Hormonal Balance: What Science Says

With the growing interest in cold pressed juices and juice cleanses, more and more supposed health benefits pop up. One such hypothetical benefit is hormone balancing. 

Hormones play an important role in making sure our body functions the way it should, as well as keeping our metabolism and digestion in check. This is the reason why we’re going to talk all about that today - that and how juicing can affect it, if at all.

For some, they can’t say hormones without thinking about how they affect women in particular. Hormones, women, period.. Even in these changing times, those words are often spoken in the same breath. It’s a disappointing realization, we know, but that’s why we’ll also provide a little insight on that, too.

What Is Hormonal Balance and Why Is It Important?

Hormonal balance is also known as the optimal levels of hormones in the body, where each hormone is working hand in hand with the others to maintain health and well-being. Hormones are chemical messengers produced by glands like the thyroid, adrenal glands, pancreas, and ovaries. 

Just what are the functions that hormones regulate?

• Mood and Mental Health: The most familiar would be this one. Serotonin, dopamine, and cortisol are all hormones that affect your mood and mental clarity.
• Metabolism: Thyroid hormones, insulin, and cortisol are essential for regulating metabolism, blood sugar levels, and energy production.
• Reproductive Health: Hence why we often associate hormones with women. Estrogen plays crucial roles in regulating menstrual cycles, fertility, and sexual health.

Balance your hormones and fuel your day with nature’s best. Discover our energy boosting cold-pressed juices.

What happens when there’s hormonal imbalance?

• Weight gain
• Fatigue and other sleep issues
• Irregular periods and other menstrual problems
• Mood swings
• Acne and other related concerns
• Anxiety and depression… It’s not a fun list, we know.

Why is Cold Pressed Juice Part of the Conversation?

Cold pressed juices, especially the right ones, are packed with nutrients that can support various aspects of hormonal health. The key word would be support. Cold pressed juices will not magically cure hormonal imbalance or any other sickness, for that matter. 

One must take a look at your overall lifestyle, diet and exercise being two important facets of it. Cold pressed juices can become part of the former, offering a quick and easy way to get all those essential nutrients. 

We’d also like to take this time to remind you that not all juices are good juices. Stay away from those made with concentrates or filled with sugars and sweeteners. If juicing for hormone imbalance is your goal, then cold pressed or fresh juices should be your top priority.

Juicing for Hormone Imbalance: What Can Help?

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is practically an MVP with how often it makes an appearance on our lists. But the importance of this antioxidant can’t be denied. Drinking cold pressed juice that’s rich in vitamin C (like good ‘ol orange juice) may help support adrenal function and reduce the harmful effects of prolonged stress on hormones. 

That’s because vitamin C supports the organs that produce cortisol, aka the stress hormone. Even if it’s called that, the production of stress hormones shouldn’t be feared. It’s actually a normal part of the body's stress response. It’s when there’s too much of it that’s the problem - that would be known as hypercortisolism. 

Phytoestrogens

We haven’t talked about this at Little West, and we’re sure many of you might not be familiar with it. To put it simply, phytoestrogens are naturally occurring plant compounds that are similar to estrogen. If there are cases when you have estrogen excess or deficiency, cold pressed juices with the right fruits and veggies can help balance it out.

Apples, pomegranates, carrots, and celery are all good sources of phytoestrogens. However, your best bet would be ingredients like flaxseeds, sesame seeds, wheat, barley, and oats. All of them are quite easy to add to your diet! 

Magnesium

Cold pressed juices containing leafy greens like spinach and kale are excellent sources of magnesium. Magnesium itself has been shown to support hormonal balance by helping to reduce symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (aka PMS), regulate blood sugar, and support thyroid function.

Regarding the latter, thyroid imbalances (like hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism) can lead to symptoms like fatigue, weight change, and mood swings. That’s why magnesium is key when juicing for hormone imbalance!

Check Out - Cold Pressed Juice and Mental Health: The Role of Nutrients

Inspire and Nourish With Little West Cold Pressed Juices

Remember, cold pressed juice isn’t a cure-all for hormonal imbalance. Add them to your diet because it’s good for your overall health, but don’t expect miraculous results without taking care of your overall health.