Seed Cycling 101 – What it is, How to do it?

Seed cycling is a growing trend which claims to balance hormones, boost fertility and ease menopausal symptoms. It involves eating flax, pumpkin, sesame and sunflower seeds. Despite many favourable accounts about its benefits, it lacks scientific support.

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I became aware of this concept when browsing through the internet one fine day and bumped into a site which caught my attention.

Seed cycling is eating certain types of seeds in certain parts of your menstrual cycle which in turns helps in clockwork cycle, reduction in PCOS, the balance of hormones, boost fertility and ease menopausal symptoms in women. Though the same is not backed by science.

I’m not a health expert but a very curious health enthusiast who had tried seed cycling and has some thoughts to share.

WHAT IS SEED CYCLING?

Seed cycling is a method of eating certain types of seeds in certain times of your menstrual cycle to support hormone health and function.

For seed cycling, the menstrual cycle is split into 2 phases

Phase 1- Follicular, begins on day 1 of menstruation (generally day 1 to day 14) till ovulation (day 14)-

Phase 2- Luteal, begins right after ovulation (Day14 to 28-35 or until day 1 of menstruation)

WHAT SEEDS TO USE FOR SEED CYCLING?

Pumpkin Seeds

Flax Seeds

Sesame Seeds

Sunflower Seeds

Pic Courtesy: Author

HOW DOES SEED CYCLING WORK?

During Follicular Phase: Consuming seeds that contain phytoestrogens can help balance estrogen levels. Also, seeds are rich in omega 3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation in the body and regulate follicle-stimulating hormone.

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Pumpkin Seeds and Flax seeds are high in zinc which naturally support estrogen production, help clear excess estrogen from the body and prepare the body for progesterone secretion.

During Luteal Phase: Incorporating seeds and other foods that are rich in omega-6 fatty acids supports progesterone levels and reduces inflammation.

Sesame seeds and Sunflower seeds are high in selenium and omega-6 fatty acids which support liver function and proper secretion of hormone excretion regulate estrogen and progesterone levels and reduce inflammation.

HOW TO SEED CYCLE?

Consume 1 Tbsp each flax seeds and pumpkin seeds daily during the follicular phase ie days 1 to 14

Consume 1 Tbsp each sesame seeds and sunflower seeds daily during the luteal phase ie days 15 to 28-35

SEED CYCLING TIPS

· Purchase raw, organic seeds which are higher in quality, fresher, than roasted and are far less likely to go bad.

· Freshly grind seeds before daily if possible. Ground seeds tend to lose its virility and some of its major compounds.

One can eat seeds depending on the stage of your cycle. I always prefer having them roasted and mixing it in my overnight oats. You can just have as such as long as you are following the process.

After doing seed cycling as a routine in my life, I experience mild to no discomfort during my period and my period is right on time. I can never be merrier.