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If Men Are From Mars And Women From Venus, So Are Their Nutritional Requirements

Men and women are inherently different in several major (and minor) ways, which is why the old adage

“men are from Mars and women are from Venus”

rings so true to the most of us even today. From differences in how their chromosomal patterns, skeletal structure and physiological functions are arranged, to differences in how they handle relationships, have fun or even go shopping – the two sexes are divergent.

Consequently, the two sexes have different needs. Chances are, you already know that and make consideration for it in day-to-day life, such as choosing hair or skincare products made especially for women. You wouldn't use a man's shampoo for your hair after all, would you? Nor would you use a product made for the tough skin of men on your own face. And with good reason.

So why are you using a man's approach to diet and nutrition?

Why not?

Because your body is different from a man's in more ways than one. Harvard Medical School has outlined the basic differences between men and women in one of its Harvard Health Publications and the key takeaways from the post include:

  • Women need fewer calories than men. This is because women have comparatively smaller frames but higher body fat percentages than men. 1,200 calories a day is the average requirement for women, while it is 1,800 for a man of the same age or activity level.

  • Women need more calcium than men. Women who consume calcium-rich diets reduce their risk of contracting osteoporosis. However, men who consume calcium-rich diets increase their risk of prostate cancer. So men should aim for moderate (about 800 mg a day) calcium intake while women should aim for 1200 mg a day.

  • Women need more Vitamin D than men. This is because Vitamin D is vital for the absorption of calcium and for healthy bone metabolism. Since women need calcium more than men, they also need Vitamin D more than men.

  • Women need more Vitamin B6 than men because it helps ease the symptoms of preternatural syndrome.

  • Women need more iron than men, at least before hitting menopause. This is because women lose iron with every menstruation and need to supplement it from the outside. Men on the other hand, should avoid high iron intake. The recommended daily dose of iron is 18 mg for women and 8 mg for men.

  • Women are more at-risk of suffering from cancer due to alcohol consumption. Their chances of developing breast cancer increase even if women consume significantly low qualities of alcohol than the men.

  • Women benefit more from phytoestrogens, which are natural estrogen-like compounds found in flaxseeds, sesame seeds, nuts and legumes.

    It is also noteworthy that these recommendations of higher or lower intake of certain nutrients are for ordinary, everyday diet. If you're trying to conceive, are pregnant or are breastfeeding, your requirements will become even more different and critical. For instance, during pregnancy, you will need higher daily doses of folic acid, zinc, iodine, vitamin C and more.

    The good news is you're more likely to pay attention to your diet and nourishment in times of pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is natural for expecting mothers to consult physicians and dieticians to ensure that everything is done right.

    The bad news is, you may be ignoring your diet and nourishment at other times – the 'ordinary' days when you perceive you have no special requirements because you are not pregnant, breastfeeding or suffering from a severe ailment. And this is what leads to unhealthy, uncomfortable and unhappy version of you in the long run.

    Take care of yourself now!

    Whether the almighty mom, the ever-busy homemaker or an expert professional – you are the embodiment of performing different tasks and handling multiple responsibilities single-handedly. Don't forget yourself while taking care of others.

    Optimize your daily diet to include nutrients that you need in particular. Stock up on calcium, iron and vitamins. Get out in the sun more (you need more Vitamin D remember?), consume less caffeine and alcohol and eat the right foods.

    Get a hold of your health and fitness today, so that you can continue your daily job as a superwoman. The family doctors and nutrition consultants here at Phoenix Family Medical Clinic can help you create a diet plan for you and the family, optimized according to gender, lifestyle and personal food preferences. Walk into the clinic, get same-day appointments and start taking care of yourself today!

    Friday, 08 May 2015 13:31, Published in Blog