Cortisol – the “stress hormone” – has become a dirty word due to its role in causing weight gain, suppressing the immune system, raising blood pressure and more. But is cortisol really the offender we’ve made it out to be?

Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal gland and serves many important roles in the body.[1] This hormone helps regulate blood pressure, blood sugar, and insulin levels. Cortisol also assists in the …