This sayote turmeric soup combines the diuretic effects of sayote, the anti-inflammatory effects of turmeric, and the extra boost of iron found in alugbati
Let’s start at the very beginning of a woman’s cycle—the first day of the menstrual cycle. Before the start of menses, the body’s estrogen and progesterone start to lower, in preparation for the uterine lining to shed. Some women experience fatigue, or generally feel unwell, due to the changes in hormone levels. The skin is also more sensitive at this point, leading to more bruising or marking, so make sure not to schedule any invasive treatments at this time.
Food rich in iron such as lentils, peas, red meat, fish, and broths are important to nourish the body, while leafy greens provide vitamins. It’s important to eat what your body needs to remain strong during an otherwise difficult time for many women. If you experience bloating, squash, pumpkin, and mung beans (red or green) are good to eat, as they help to relieve bloat. Make sure to soak the beans for at least five hours before cooking. Ginger, cinnamon, chamomile, and peppermint make excellent teas to consume, to relieve cramping and reduce belly bloat.
Read: Eating right for your cycle: Days 1 to 10
Staying away from junk and sweets is also essential. Sugar causes inflammation to the body in general, but even more so during menstruation. Consuming sweets at this time can lead to more cramping, mood swings, spikes, and crashes in blood sugar, which aren’t helpful when your body is already feeling sluggish.
A favorite comforting drink for me is golden milk. Made with plant milk (coconut for a rich taste or almond for a lighter one), it combines the anti-inflammatory effects of turmeric, cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger.
Sayote, which is in the same family as squash, is a great diuretic and is easy to find and is affordable.
My sayote turmeric soup combines the diuretic effects of sayote, the anti-inflammatory effects of turmeric, and the extra boost of iron found in alugbati. Make this soup during the first 10 days of your cycle for instant comfort.
Sayote Turmeric Soup
Ingredients
3 whole sayote, cubed
3 cloves garlic
1 tsp turmeric powder, or 1 thumb-size knob of turmeric
1 cup alugbati leaves
Procedure
- In a soup pan, boil the sayote, garlic, and onions.
- If using fresh turmeric, add the knob in the mixture. If using powder, stir it in.
- Cook until the sayote is tender.
- Remove the mix and puree in a blender till liquid.
- Pour puree back in the pan, and throw in the chopped alugbati leaves.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.