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Hot-Flash Fighters to Help You

August is hot enough — the last thing we need is ‘change of life’ symptoms adding to the discomfort. To the rescue: Nutrient-packed fare proven to dampen hot flashes and night sweats by 66%!

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POMEGRANTE JUICE BALANCES HORMONAL FLUX

Sipping 4 oz. of this juice daily has been shown to cut the frequency of hot flashes by 63 percent. How? Resveratrol, a plant compound in pomegranates, mimics the effects of estrogen in the body, helping to offset hormonal fluctuations. If you don’t like the tart taste of pomegranate juice, consider a supplement like Reserveage Nutrition Resveratrol 250 mg ($35, The Vitamin Shoppe).

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EDAMAME SHIFTS THE BRAIN TO “COOL”

Crunching on 1 cup of edamame each day can slash sweat spells by 66 percent. Researchers at the University of Ferrara in Italy explain that plant compounds in the slightly sweet pods help regulate activity in the brain region that controls body temperature (the hypothalamus). Try these green beans steamed with a sprinkle of sea salt or tossed in stir-fries and salads.

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MUSHROOMS CUT STRESS HORMONES

When blood sugar levels fluctuate, the body releases a surge of stress hormones that can spur hot flashes. To the rescue: mushrooms! Longchain sugar molecules in the gems (raw or cooked) energize pancreatic cells, resulting in a 22 percent decrease in heat-triggering blood-sugar swings, say scientists at Georgetown University Medical Center. Just ⁄2 cup delivers the benefits.

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