For all your liver luvin needs!
Broccoli and brussels sprouts, the King and Queens for supporting oestrogen metabolism within the liver.
Some of you may know estrogen, your yummy hormone, helping you to feel alive, magnetic, spicy and outgoing in first half of your cycle .
It is estrogen that helps to build and thicken the uterine lining, promote the health of your bones and stimulate the growth of an ovarian follicle so that an egg can be released (to name just a few..)
HOWEVER, once estrogen has done its job during the first half of the cycle, it needs to be adequately metabolised and REMOVED from the body.
HELLO LIVER.
With the wealth of chemicals, toxins and endocrine disruptors present, our liver cops A LOT and is one of the bodies main detoxification organs.
If estrogen is not adequately metabolised, it can lead to issues during the second half of your cycle such as:
Tender breasts
Mood changes
PMS
Headaches
Heavy, painful periods
Weight gain
Fatigue
So how can we support our liver?
Cruciferous vegetables- I'm talkin' broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, bok choy, cabbage, rocket and collard greens.
They contain Indole-3- Carbinol to help our little livers to process and metabolise estrogen more efficiently!
This roasted broccoli and brussels sprout salad is the perfect addition to your diet, especially after ovulation and the first half of the luteal phase.
Here is the recipe!
Ingredients
1 head broccoli, chopped into florets
2 cups of Brussels sprouts, sliced in half
2 cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
3/4 cup of chopped almonds
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
3 tbs extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
1 tabs maple syrup
Pinch of salt and pepper
*Optional: add some form of chilli sauce e.g. sriracha
Extra olive oil for drizzling the vegetables
Method
Pre-heat the oven to 200c
Line a baking tray with parchment paper and evenly spread the broccoli and Brussels sprouts
Generously drizzle with olive oil and bake for 45 minutes, or until crispy.
In a small pan on medium heat, add the almonds and toast for 5-8 minutes, or until golden
Combine the lemon, EVOO, maple salt and pepper in a bowl
Remove the vegetables from the oven and place in a large bowl
Add the beans, nuts and dressing
Toss gently and serve!
This is super delicious beside grilled salmon or you can add quinoa to turn it into more of a main meal!
Serves 3-4 as a side dish
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