Diet plays a significant role in any health-related issues. PCOS is one such condition that can be managed by the right diet plan and a few other lifestyle changes. Women who suffer from PCOS should keep their blood sugar levels in check, maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly.

Dietary changes can help to a greater extent as PCOS makes the body insulin-resistant, which can be managed by a proper diet plan. If insulin is not produced, it results in additional production of androgens worsening the PCOS condition. Managing insulin levels is very important for those who have PCOS, and that is possible only through a PCOS diet plan.

PCOS Diet for Women

A few special types of diets, such as an anti-inflammatory diet, low GI or low-carbohydrate diet, are helpful in controlling cholesterol levels and improving insulin metabolism. A diet with mono-saturated fats is better than one with saturated fats. Plant-based food is also useful in PCOS treatment. Similarly, the diet that helps to manage blood pressure or hypertension is able to work in PCOS as well.

Here is a list of different types of food that gives good results in treating PCOS:

Fibrous Food - The foods that help to provide antioxidants and reduce inflammation are listed here:

• Include seeds like chia seeds, flax seeds and sunflower seeds that help in the production of good bacteria in the gut.
• Berries such as strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries.
• Whole grains like Quinoa, Brown rice, Oatmeal and Bulgar (Bolghar).
• Legumes like Chana, Lentils and Rajma.

Protein-Rich Food - Protein keeps you full and helps in managing weight. Eat more protein by including

• Fish- Prawns, fatty fish including salmon, tuna, sardines, and mackerel (river fish and sea fish).
• Poultry- Chicken and Turkey
• Plant Protein - Tofu, Paneer, Beans and Peas.

Antioxidants - You can receive ample antioxidants from the following sources of food.

• Vegetables - Broccoli, spinach, cauliflower, beans, kale and other dark leafy greens.
• Unsaturated fats - Olive oil, Nuts, Avocado, Coconuts, Pine nuts, Almonds and Pistachios.
• Fruits like Raspberries and Strawberries and whole grains like oatmeal, quinoa, whole wheat, etc.
• A moderate amount of Dark Chocolate in moderation
• Spices like Turmeric and Cinnamon

What Must be Avoided by People on a PCOS Diet?

Women who are following the optimal PCOS diet chart must avoid,

• Carbohydrates - Pizza, pasta, white bread, white rice, etc.
• Beverages with Sugar - Fruit juices, soda, cold-pressed juices and bottled smoothies, energy drinks etc.
• Sweet and Processed Foods - Candies, cakes, cookies, sweetened cereals, sweetened yoghurts and ice creams.
• Dairy Products - Cheese and Milkshakes
• Saturated Fats like Red and Processed meat such as hamburgers, hot dogs, sausages, and luncheon meats and trans fats like french fries, doughnuts and frozen pizza, and solid fats, including margarine, shortening, and lard.

It is believed that eating habits make a lot of difference in managing PCOS. It is for the benefit of those who suffer from PCOS to know which food should be taken and which should be avoided.

A PCOS diet which is prepared for a particular patient by an expert is a more effective part of PCOS treatment and should be given due emphasis. You can also visit the nearest fertility doctors or dieticians to get your personalized diet chart.