Menopause is characterized by the permanent stopping of the menstruation cycle, which generally occurs in women between 40 to 50 years of age. Since the normal menstrual cycle ceases, the women in the menopause stage experience certain hormonal fluctuations and the onset of several other diseases. With the estrogen levels falling and the disrupted cyclical changes of progesterone and estrogen, most women suffer from increased levels of cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Hence, women are highly advised to maintain a strict diet during menopause. The following food items help to keep the hormonal fluctuations at a normal rate and also helps in combating the diseases as well.

• Whole grains
  Loaded with fibers, nutrients, and vitamin B components, whole grains are primarily necessary for the normal functioning of the body. The fiber in whole grains helps in maintaining normal bowel functioning and maintains a healthy gut. The range of vitamin B complexes cater to the diverse needs of the body and helps in restoring normal body metabolism, thereby keeping various diseases at bay. Thus, whole grain foods need to be included in the diet during menopause .
• Oatmeal
  Oatmeal work wonders in lowering blood cholesterol levels and is thus considered as one of the best foods to consume during menopause. It also helps in weight loss and improves heart health in women.
• Fruits & green veggies
  Fruits, as well as green vegetables, are undoubtedly one of the best foods to eat during menopause. These are loaded with fiber, nutrients, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants which are necessary for the normal functioning of a healthy gut and heart. The antioxidant prevents the formation of free radicals and maintains normal body metabolism. Where fruits like berries help in lowering blood pressure, broccoli helps in preventing cancer in women.
• Dairy products
  Menopause results in a huge decrease in body minerals which makes osteoporosis a common condition. To prevent this, dairy products should be included in the diet during menopause, as it helps in restoring calcium, Vitamin D, magnesium, phosphorus, and Vitamin K, which keeps the bones and teeth strong for the long run.
• Green tea
  Not just for weight loss, the antioxidants in green tea preventing free radical formation and restoring normal body metabolism makes it one of the best foods to eat during menopause.
• Omega-3 fatty acids
  Omega-3 fatty acids in food replace unhealthy fats accumulated in the body. Unhealthy fats get accumulated in the arteries, veins, and capillaries which causes heart blockage, and various other diseases. It also helps in lowering blood cholesterol levels.
• Soy products
  Soy products are one of the best foods to eat during menopause. This is because soy products are rich in nutrients, vitamins, and fiber which are extremely necessary for the metabolism of the body. Soy products are highly recommended to women undergoing menopause or postmenopausal phase, thus fulfilling the needs and demands of the body.
• Chicken
  Chicken especially stews are the best for restoring strength in postmenopausal women. It helps in strengthening the skeletal muscles and restore normal volume and density of the bones.
• Egg protein
  Rich in iron, eggs the best to consume during menopause. Egg protein is preliminary required by the body to help repair the broken or damaged tissues and strengthen muscles and bones.
• Flax seeds
  Flax seeds are rich in phytoestrogens, Vitamin B complexes, fibers, and nutrients which helps in combating various diseases in humans and thus help the postmenopausal women to lead a happy and healthy life.