Improve Ovarian Health And Reduce Ovarian Cysts Naturally

Natural Secret to Ovarian Health

You won't hear this from your doctor, but exciting new research is revealing that plant pigments may improve the health of your ovaries and help normalize their function.

If you're not eating your veggies, this article should give you a compelling reason to get started!

Many plant foods are high in red, yellow and orange pigments called "carotenoids". They are especially abundant in yellow-orange vegetables and fruits, and dark green, leafy vegetables. Of the more than 700 naturally occurring carotenoids identified thus far, as many as 50 may be absorbed and metabolized by the human body.

Carotenoids provide antioxidant protection, improve cell-to-cell communication and support the immune system, in addition to other functions. We'll just mention two of the carotenoids here.

• Beta-carotene: The corpus luteum that appears on the ovary at ovulation contains the highest level of beta-carotene in the body.
• Lutein: Lutein appears to play a role in ovarian function. Originally lutein was isolated from the corpus luteum, hence the name "lutein." The corpus luteum of the ovaries contains high concentrations of lutein as well as other carotenoids.

The role of carotenoids in the ovaries is not entirely known. However, carotenoids appear to protect the ovaries against damage from free radicals, which are unstable elements in your cells. One study has noted that women with more consistent levels of carotenoids were more likely to become pregnant with in-vitro fertilization (IVF) than women who had more varying levels of carotenoids.

Several studies have suggested that a free radical activity may interfere with the corpus luteum's ability to produce steroid hormones such as progesterone. Carotenoids may help to control some of this free radical activity since they are well known as antioxidants.

It's also possible that increased intake of carotenoids may help to increase progesterone production. In a study of dogs at Washington State University, administration of supplemental beta-carotene increased their progesterone levels.

Carotenoids may also be helpful for controlling insulin levels and reducing risk of diabetes. A study by the Centers for Disease Control has shown that people had the highest levels of carotenoids were the least likely to develop diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance (which is a risk for women with PCOS).

Carotenoids also appear to reduce your risk of ovarian cancer.

The available research clearly indicates that optimal levels of dietary carotenoids will contribute to improved ovarian health and function.

Refer to chapters 8.8 and 8.10 of The Natural Diet Solution for PCOS and Infertility ebook for lists of vegetables and fruits that are high in beneficial carotenoids.

We urge you to try for five servings of vegetables every day, especially the ones with colors (pigments). Also, some carotenoid-rich fresh fruit is a good idea.

Your ovaries will thank you! And your PCOS problems should diminish.

Source: PCOS News

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Food sources of carotenoids include carrots, sweet potatoes,spinach, kale, collard greens, and tomatoes. To maximize the availability of the carotenoids in the foods listed above, the foods should be eaten raw or steamed lightly.