What is seed cycling?
Seed cycling is a natural hormone balancing method of including specific seeds in your diet at specific times in your cycle. Flax and pumpkin seeds support the follicular phase or the first half of your cycle, starting with day one of your period and sunflower and sesame seeds support the luteal phase, the second half of your cycle after ovulation occurs. Seed cycling is a great, natural way for any woman looking to support her hormones in the most natural way possible.
Healthy fats vs. unhealthy fats
Cholesterol and good quality fats that are high in essential fatty acids are the building blocks of your hormones. Some of the most hormone supportive foods that are high in good quality fats are fish, eggs, butter, poultry, and flaxseed. Eating the wrong kinds of fats (fried foods, canola, vegetable oils) and too much sugar can negatively impact a woman’s hormone levels.
One way to ensure you are getting enough of these healthy fats at the right time of month when your body most needs them is through seed cycling.
Seed cycling is an ancient art that involves rotating certain seeds at specific times throughout the cycle. The nutrients and oils from the seeds help support hormone production and regulation. The four seeds used are pumpkin, flax, sunflower, and sesame.
Seed cycling instructions
If your cycle is close to regular, but not quite there, then start seed cycling on day 1 of your cycle (first day of menstruation).
If your cycle is irregular and unpredictable, start seed cycling on the new moon.
Days 1-14:
Grind and consume 1 tbsp raw flax seeds + 1 tbsp raw pumpkin seeds daily.
Extra support: Fish oil
Days 15-28:
Grind and consume 1 tbsp raw sunflower seeds + 1 tbsp raw sesame seeds daily.
Extra support: Evening Primrose oil
Add seeds according to your cycle. Eat them by the tablespoon or grind and add to smoothies, yogurt, cereal, soups, salads.
Because raw seeds contain fragile essential fatty acids, they should be ground fresh and stored in the freezer. They should never be roasted or used for cooking, but sprinkled on food after they’ve been cooked.
