According to studies, there are certain foods that can help to decrease the discomforts of menstruation. Two of these are ginger and fennel. Consuming ⅛ teaspoon of ground ginger three times a day during your period can reduce menstrual bleeding by 50 percent, and eating fennel seeds can be as effective at alleviating cramps as pain-relief drugs like ibuprofen (probably because of fennel’s ability to relax muscles). —EvE
SERVES 1
1 banana 1 orange
1 cup (150 g) frozen strawberries
¼ tsp fennel seeds
¼ tsp ground ginger
¼ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground turmeric
⅛ tsp black pepper
1–2 cups (235–470 ml) nondairy milk, fresh juice or water
Blend everything together until smooth and delicious.