On March 8th, we not only celebrate the date, but also honor a history of struggle and resilience of women around the world. It's a journey marked by challenges overcome and victories achieved, where the pursuit of equality, dignity, and recognition is a constant. And, amid this journey, the importance of health and nutrition is undeniable.
Women's health is like a complex puzzle, where physical, hormonal, and emotional factors come together, all influenced by our diet, lifestyle, and environment. From adolescence to menopause, and after age 60, we face a series of unique challenges that require a holistic approach at each stage of life.
In addition to the physical, metabolic, and emotional challenges, we face double and sometimes triple shifts of work and attention to family and home, which require more energy, vitality, and good health so that we can overcome all the demands.
In this context, self-care becomes fundamental, and what we eat plays a significant role in this regard. Thus, the concept of regenerative nutrition emerges, a tool and approach that reclaims our ancestry, the simplicity and power that connects our microbiome (us, our essence, microbiota, and cells) with the macrobiome (the vast, syntropic Earth ecosystem) in which we are embedded and on which we interdependent, creating possibilities that embrace and strengthen us as individuals who are part of an abundant and protective whole—and that not only nourishes the body but also helps regenerate the environment represented by the Earth, the Forests, and the Soil, which I like to call the "placenta of life." In short, the feminine.
By prioritizing natural, whole, local, seasonal, and organic foods straight from the earth, we not only regenerate our health but also support agricultural practices that conserve biodiversity and regenerate the soil, thus contributing to the health of the planet—or macrobiome.
Foods grown in our forests and agroforests have a higher content of phytochemicals and antioxidants that play crucial roles in all stages of a woman's life, helping to combat free radicals and reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, and some types of cancer. During reproductive age, these nutrients are even more important, protecting fertility and supporting hormonal balance.
As we progress through life and face new stages, such as menopause and aging, our nutritional needs also evolve. It is during these times that antioxidants become even more important, helping to alleviate menopausal symptoms, promote bone health, and protect against age-related diseases. Nutrients such as calcium, vitamin D, B12 and B complex, magnesium, zinc, omega-3, and adequate protein and fiber intake also require attention.
In addition to health care, self-care is directly linked to self-esteem, and our mental health directly depends on good nutrition. Skin, nail, and hair care, which aren't limited to cosmetic procedures, are intrinsically linked to nutrition and an adequate supply of essential nutrients. We need an abundance of vitamins A, C, E, and B complex, iron, protein, and antioxidants to keep these tissues and structures healthy and vibrant.
Balancing a healthy diet with a life where we multitask and play multiple roles is challenging, but it's important to prioritize food choices that sustain our energy and well-being.
On this intense journey, forest superfoods help meet this demand for antioxidants, providing essential nutrients to face daily challenges with vitality, but also contributing to the preservation of biodiversity and the unique ecosystems of the Amazon biomes.
“A well-nourished woman is strong, happy and beautiful, and does not want war with anyone.”
- Ale Luglio
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Alessandra Luglio is a nutritionist (CRN 3 6893), a specialist in vegan nutrition, trained in circular economy, a teacher and speaker, an animal and environmental activist, a part-time athlete, a yogini, a mother of two, and, of course, a feminist. Ale is a consultant for Mahta in nutrition and regenerative forest systems.