Imagine a month where you don’t have to curl up on your bed because of your period pain or be frustrated every month with the random mood swings we tend to have.
I have been in this place and after making a few changes in my food and lifestyle I can for sure tell you that every month has been better for me!
Let me let you in on my Secret!
Have you ever heard of seed cycling? It’s a natural approach to improving hormonal health by incorporating specific seeds into your diet at different phases of your menstrual cycle.
This practice is based on the idea that certain seeds can help regulate hormone levels, ultimately benefiting your overall well-being. In this blog, I’’ll introduce you to seed cycling and provide you with some delicious recipes to incorporate seed cycling mixes into your daily meals.
So how do we do this?
Seed cycling involves consuming specific seeds during different phases of your menstrual cycle to support hormonal balance. The menstrual cycle is divided into two phases:
- Follicular Phase (Days 1 to 14): During this phase, seeds high in phytoestrogens, such as flax and pumpkin seeds, can help balance estrogen levels and reduce inflammation. These seeds also contain zinc and lignans, which support estrogen production.
During the Follicular Phase, consume 1 tablespoon each of flax and pumpkin seeds daily.
- Luteal Phase (Days 14 to 28-35): In this phase, seeds like sesame and sunflower seeds, which are rich in omega-6 fatty acids, help support progesterone levels and reduce inflammation. They also contain selenium, lignans, and vitamin E to regulate hormone levels and liver function.
During the Luteal Phase, consume 1 tablespoon each of sesame and sunflower seeds daily.
When I started this practice I found it a little cumbersome and not particularly tasty to consume the whole seeds. Plus consuming whole seeds doesn’t sit well for our digestive system and the bioavailability of the nutrients is not the best when consumed whole. That is when it struck me!
Seed Cycling Mixes:
To make seed cycling more exciting, flavorful and bioavailable, We created Seed cycle mixes to support the different phases of your cycle and much more.
While most women naturally maintain healthy hormone levels to support their menstrual cycles, certain factors like conditions such as PCOS and hypothyroidism, excessive exercise, and fluctuations in body weight can disrupt hormonal balance. Moreover, during menopause, estrogen and progesterone levels naturally decrease, raising the risk of conditions like heart disease and osteoporosis and causing symptoms like hot flashes and weight gain.
Seed cycling aims to offer support not only to those with hormonal imbalances but also to women experiencing regular menstrual cycles.
How to Seed Cycle While Traveling:
Pack Your Seed Mix: When traveling, bring your seed cycling mix with you. It’s easy to store and adds a healthy boost to your meals.
Remember that even a little goes a long way!
Recipes with Seed Cycling Mix:
Overnight Oats: Mix your seed cycling blend into a bowl of overnight oats for a nutritious and convenient breakfast.
Chia Seed Pudding: Replace up to 1/4 of the chia seeds with your seed cycling mix when making chia seed pudding.
Yogurt Parfait/smoothies: Add your seed cycling mix to yogurt with fresh fruits and honey for a delightful snack or blend it with your smoothie.
Roti or Flatbread: Incorporate the seed cycling mix into your roti or flatbread dough for added texture and nutrition.
Curries [dal/pulses/soups]: Sprinkle your seed cycling mix on top of curries for an extra layer of flavor and health benefits.
Salads: Add the mix on top of even just a cucumber or a bowl of greens
While more research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of seed cycling, it’s important to recognize the inherent health benefits of including flax, pumpkin, sesame, and sunflower seeds in your diet.
These seeds are packed with essential nutrients like fiber, manganese, magnesium, copper, thiamine, vitamin E, and healthy fats, which support overall health, including reproductive health.
Additionally, they have shown potential in improving heart health, reducing the risk of breast cancer, regulating blood sugar, and offering benefits for prostate and urinary health.
Sesame seeds may also help reduce inflammation and enhance athletic recovery and performance. So, while seed cycling warrants further investigation, these seeds undeniably contribute to a healthier lifestyle.
Remember, everyone’s body is unique, so consult with a healthcare professional if you have specific concerns about your hormonal health.
