Oestrogen is one of the main female sex hormones.

Omega-3 fatty acids are considered essential fatty acids – they cannot be made within the body so must be obtained from the diet. EPA and DHA are the two crucial types of omega-3 fatty acid – they are primarily found in fish.

Omega-6 fatty acids are considered essential fatty acids – they cannot be made within the body so must be obtained from the diet. Most omega-6 fatty acids in the diet come from vegetable oils. GLA is an example of an omega-6 fatty acid.

Phyto-oestrogens are plant derived compounds found in a wide variety of foods, most notably soya.

Plant sterols are compounds similar to cholesterol which occur in plants. They can help to prevent cholesterol being absorbed in the body.

What it does: Enables nutrients to move in and waste products to move out of cells, promotes healthy nerves and muscles, maintains fluid balance in the body, relaxes muscles, helps secretion of insulin for blood sugar control to produce constant energy, involved in metabolism, maintains heart functioning, stimulates gut movements to encourage proper elimination.

Deficiency Signs: Rapid irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness, pins and needles, irritability, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, swollen abdomen, cellulite, low blood pressure resulting from an imbalance of potassium: sodium ratio, confusion, mental apathy.

Best food sources: Watercress, endive, cabbage, celery, parsley, courgettes, radishes, cauliflower, mushrooms, pumpkin, molasses.

Probiotics are commonly referred to as ‘friendly’ or ‘good’ bacteria. They support good health by improving the balance of bacteria within the digestive system.

Progesterone is one of the main female sex hormones.

Prostaglandins are substances that are produced within the body. They behave like hormones and support the regulation of blood pressure, inflammation and muscle contraction.

Proteins are large molecules consisting of chains of amino acids. Proteins are essential nutrients for the human body – they are a building block of body tissue and also serve as a fuel source.