The benefits of antioxidants during the menopause

The menopause is a natural process that women gradually undergo between the ages of 45 and 55. After 12 consecutive months without a period, the ovaries stop working for good, marking the end of fertility.

This process is caused by a gradual decrease in the main female sex hormones: oestrogen and progesterone.

Since oestrogens are involved in many other processes in the body, such as the metabolism of fats and cholesterol, changes in the skeletal system, etc., lower oestrogen levels lead to a number of symptoms and complications in the body:

• Weight gain.
• An accumulation of abdominal fat, increasing the risk of cardiovascular problems and type 2 diabetes.
• A higher risk of getting breast cancer.
• Osteoporosis.
• Changes in lipid levels, leading to an increase in cholesterol, triglycerides, etc.
• Hot flushes and mood swings.
• Sleep disorders and night sweats.
• Joint and muscle soreness.
• A lack of sexual appetite.

There are many ways to alleviate these symptoms, such as following a balanced diet, exercising, avoiding smoking and alcohol, increasing your calcium and soy intake and drinking less coffee. Of all of these, we are going to focus on consuming antioxidants during the menopause.

The benefits of consuming antioxidants during the menopause

In Persian culture, pomegranates were traditionally used as a remedy to treat hormonal imbalances due to their high antioxidant (punicalagins) content. These and other antioxidants like vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol), help to:

• Reduce the intensity of hot flushes especially in the peri- and post-menopausal stages.
• Improve kidney function.
• Prevent urinary infections.
• Increasehormone production.
• Strengthen bones, reducing bone loss.
• Lower cholesterol.
• Improve protein synthesis, strengthening the muscles.
• Combat oxidative stress.
• Prevent cell ageing.

Therefore, the daily consumption of natural antioxidants will help to counteract the effects of the menopause, improving the quality of life of women in this stage of life. It is therefore essential to follow a balanced diet and, if necessary, to boost it with natural supplements like Keriba Duo.