Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) affects millions of women Australia-wide and is one of the most common forms of hormonal imbalance in women of childbearing age. It varies in symptoms and degree from woman to woman but can significantly disrupt life. Thankfully, there are herbal, nutritional and lifestyle choices that can get your PMS into balance.

Antioxidants defend against cell-damaging free radicals, which increase your risk of disease and premature ageing. Including a variety of antioxidant-rich foods in your diet is one of the best ways to optimise health and longevity.

Chicken provides amino acids needed to build and restore the body. Eating protein helps stabilise blood sugar levels and gives you a sense of satiety after eating. Chicken also supplies plenty of zinc, an important nutrient needed for wound healing, healthy immune function and male and female fertility. Including dark green leafy vegetables like spinach in your daily diet is one of the best things you can do for your health. These nutritional powerhouses are rich in B vitamins, including folate, B6 and B12, which are all needed for good heart health.

This hearty risotto is a great source of dietary fibre. Brown rice contains around seven times more fibre than white rice per serving and has a lower GI (glycaemic index), which means it takes longer to digest and won’t cause sharp spikes in blood sugar levels. Fibre is important, not only for keeping blood sugar levels stable but also for cardiovascular health, as it helps to lower cholesterol levels.

Tahini, made from sesame seeds, is particularly rich in healthy polyunsaturated fats and the antioxidant vitamin E, both of which have a protective effect against heart disease and stroke. Dark chocolate is a great source of polyphenols that also promote heart health by helping dilate blood vessels and in turn reducing blood pressure.

Tahini is a good source of beneficial polyunsaturated fats that help improve brain function and memory. Tahini is also a rich source of magnesium for strong bones and reduced risk of osteoporosis, which makes it beneficial for balancing blood sugar levels.

Cranberries are rich in protective antioxidants, vitamin A and K — all-important nutrients needed to promote healthy eyes and good vision. Cranberries are also known for their ability to prevent bacteria from binding to teeth and the urinary tract, making them beneficial for preventing gum disease and urinary tract infections.

Including protein-rich foods like chicken in meals will provide amino acids to build and restore the body, along with helping keep blood sugar levels balanced and to give you a feeling of satiety after eating. Chicken provides plenty of zinc, which is an important nutrient needed for wound healing and to support healthy immune function, […]

Eggs make a valuable addition to your diet; they’re rich in protein and vitamin B12 for making red blood cells and maintaining a healthy nervous system, and vitamin D, which is essential for healthy bones and immune health. Eggs also contain choline, needed to make the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is vital for healthy brain function and memory. Always buy organic eggs when you can.

Okra has been used traditionally as a food and medicine for hundreds of years in South America, Africa and the Middle East. Okra provides a good dose of vitamin K, calcium and magnesium for strong, healthy bones and blood clotting, and B vitamins, including folic acid, which is important for pregnant women.

Brassica vegetables such as cauliflower are nutrient-rich powerhouses that are loaded with disease-fighting vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals. Most of brassicas’ beneficial effects are linked to their unique phytochemicals which have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and lipid- and blood-sugar-lowering effects. This makes cauliflower an excellent food choice for helping to prevent chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.

Given their stunning array of health benefits, most of us are probably not getting enough of this versatile and delicious family of vegies.