Hot Flush Smoothie

Phytoestrogens (plant oestrogens) are substances that occur naturally in plants. They have a similar chemical structure to our own body's oestrogen (one of the main female hormones), and are able to bind to the same receptors that our own oestrogen does. Flaxseeds and tofu are rich in phytoestrogens so can be really helpful to balance our hormones. In a perimenopausal or postmenopausal woman, when your own body's oestrogen is low, phytoestrogens may help ease the symptoms of low oestrogen in about one in three women. This is because about a third of the population has the specific gut bacteria that can metabolise the isoflavones (a type of phytoestrogen) in soy to a more potent phytoestrogen called equol. Linseeds are also a rich source of fibre, a healthy bowel motion is important for escorting oestrogen metabolites out of the body.

Ingredients:

2 tbsp ground flaxseeds

100g silken tofu

100g blueberries or blackberries

Half a banana

1 tsp of FOS (Fructooligosaccharides) a prebiotic powder that increases the absorption of calcium

Whole soy bean soy milk

Add ice & blend