Jane McClenaghan talks about her favourite Linwoods product from our range of cold-milled flaxseed, chia seeds and hemps seeds.
“It is hard to pick just one Linwoods product, as I like them all for different reasons, but the one that tends to feature more in my diet these days is Menoligna.
“At my age, I am doing anything I can to help support female hormone balance at perimenopause, and lignans are an important ingredient in my nutritional toolkit to help support female hormone balance at this time.”
Here are some of the reasons why I love this Linwoods product
It adds a daily dose of phytoestrogens to my diet
“Phytoestrogens are an important addition to any woman’s diet, especially if you, like me, are hitting perimenopause.
“Linwoods product, Menoligna, has been specially formulated to have higher levels of phytoestrogens called lignans, naturally found in the inner layer of the flaxseed hull. This is one of the reasons why I always choose milled flaxseed rather than whole flaxseed.
“Lignans have been shown to help support oestrogen balance and may help manage menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats, which I have not experienced yet, I am grateful to say! Could it be thanks to my daily dose of Menoligna?
It adds a pop of protein to my breakfast
“As my hormone levels change, I need higher protein levels than I did earlier. At perimenopause, I am at increased risk of sarcopenia (muscle wastage and bingo wings!), so I work hard to include strength training a couple of times a week, and I am upping the ante on protein in my diet. We should increase our protein to about 1.2g per kg body weight at perimenopause. A portion of Menoligna contributes about 6g to my daily diet.
“I find additional protein at breakfast helps me to feel fuller for longer and stops me from snacking between meals, which is better for managing my weight.
It is packed with fibre to support a healthy gut microbiome
“The soluble fibre in Menoligna does a good job of helping keep my digestion regular, and I am safe in the knowledge that my gut microbiome loves it too. Studies show that lignans may help increase the population of probiotic bacteria like lactobacilli and bifidobacteria in our gut, which has all sorts of benefits for my health at this age.
“Brain function, skin health, immunity, and mood have all been linked to a healthy gut microbiome, and we also know that these friendly bacteria are essential for the healthy metabolism of sex hormones.
It contains nutrients to help support my bones
“Strong bones need calcium, vitamin D and K2, among other nutrients in a healthy diet. Linwoods have added a little extra of each of these nutrients to Menoligna to help support bone density for women like me in perimenopause.
“As levels of oestrogen and progesterone start to decline, we have less bone protection from these hormones, so I am conscious of making dietary choices to support bone density. More leafy greens, a focus on good quality dairy products (kefir, natural yoghurt and good quality cheese) and plenty of nuts and seeds.
It helps support healthy cholesterol levels
“I recently had a blood test, and I am happy to say that my total cholesterol, LDL and HDL are all in good shape. Oestrogen and progesterone have protective effects on our heart and cardiovascular system. Hence, as levels change, adding Linwoods products, such as Menoligna, to my daily diet is a little health insurance to help keep my cardiovascular system healthy.
It is so easy to use
“I often add a decent portion of Linwoods product, Menoligna, to my natural yoghurt, low-sugar granola and berries. Still, I pop into my day differently if I have a different breakfast. Maybe sprinkled on top of homemade gazpacho in the summertime, a portion stirred into curries or added to salads. It has a lovely nutty flavour that is easy to take.
“I hope my daily habit of adding Menoligna to my diet will help ease my way through the perimenopause years without too many side effects.”
