What is the cortisol hormone?
Cortisol is the hormone in our bodies that is referred to as the stress hormone. Contrary to current public opinion, cortisol is not all bad for us, in fact it is a necessary component of our daily bodily functions. It gives us the energy to get out of bed in the morning. In small amounts, it is needed to control carbohydrate metabolism, inflammation and cardiovascular function. You may have heard of it called the “flight or fight” hormone because of its effects in raising blood pressure and blood sugar levels in times of disstress. There is evidence to suggest that too much cortisol for a long period of time has been linked to excessive weight gain.
