Berry Ripes: A Hormone-Friendly Take on Cherry Ripes

If you love Cherry Ripes but want a healthier, hormone-friendly alternative, these Berry Ripes are for you! Made with just three whole-food ingredients—berries, dessicated coconut, and dark chocolate—this treat is gluten-free, free from added sugar, and packed with antioxidants.

But these aren’t just delicious; they also come with some serious hormone-balancing benefits, especially for those managing PCOS, endometriosis, and hormone dysregulation.

Why Berries are a Superfood for Hormone Health

Berries aren’t just sweet and refreshing—they’re also rich in ellagic acid, a powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory and hormone-regulating properties. Research suggests ellagic acid may be beneficial for:

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS):

Studies indicate that ellagic acid may help reduce androgen levels and improve insulin resistance, both of which are common issues in PCOS. Research has also found that ellagic acid may enhance ovarian function and regulate glucose metabolism, making it a valuable addition to a PCOS-friendly diet (Sharma et al., 2021; Tang et al., 2024; de Souza et al., 2021).

Endometriosis & Adenomyosis:

Chronic inflammation is a key driver of endometriosis and adenomyosis, and research suggests that ellagic acid may help reduce inflammatory markers while supporting overall hormone balance (Marcone et al., 2021; Habibi et al., 2020). Additionally, its antioxidant properties may help reduce oxidative stress, which plays a role in endometriosis progression.

Pairing these hormone-friendly berries with healthy fats from coconut and dark chocolate makes this recipe a delicious way to support your hormones while satisfying your cravings.

Berry Ripes Recipe

8 Servings

Ingredients

250g frozen berries
70g dessicated coconut
200g dark chocolate (70% or higher)
1 tbsp (15g) coconut oil

Instructions

1. In a food processor, blend frozen berries and dessicated coconut until it forms a fine, sticky texture.

2. Press the mixture into a silicone mold or a lined baking tray, creating a flat, even layer.

3. Freeze overnight (or for at least 3 hours) until firm.

4. Remove from the tray and cut into 8 even rectangles.

5. Melt dark chocolate with coconut oil and coat each bar evenly.

6. Place on a lined baking sheet and allow to set. Enjoy!

Macros Per Serve

🍫 Calories: 235
🥥 Fat: 16.3g
🍓 Carbs: 14.4g
💪 Protein: 2.4g
🌱 Fibre: 4g

These Berry Ripes are a perfect hormone-friendly treat—naturally sweet, rich in healthy fats, and packed with antioxidants to support PCOS, endometriosis, and overall hormone health. Let me know if you try them!

References

de Souza, M. R., Costa, J. P., Rocha, L. G., da Silva, C. R., da Costa, C. F., de Oliveira Mendes, T. A., ... & de Sousa, D. P. (2021). Ellagic acid modulates oxidative stress and inflammation in PCOS: A review of its potential role. Journal of Ovarian Research, 14(1), 1-12. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8325180/

Sharma, A., Gupta, A., & Rana, M. (2021). The effect of ellagic acid on polycystic ovary syndrome: A systematic review. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology, 19(1), 45. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34330312/

Tang, H., Liu, J., Wang, Y., & Li, X. (2024). Potential protective effects of ellagic acid on ovarian function in polycystic ovary syndrome. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 15, 100302. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38078918/

Marcone, L., Maciel, C., & Tavares, J. (2021). Anti-inflammatory properties of ellagic acid in endometriosis models. Journal of Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Disorders, 13(2), 87-95. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33748857/

Habibi, M., Namavar Jahromi, B., & Esmaeilzadeh, S. (2020). The role of dietary polyphenols in endometriosis-related inflammation: A focus on ellagic acid. Reproductive Sciences, 27(5), 1236-1245. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32400804/