Seed cycling is a simple method of eating different types of seeds during the first and second phases of the female menstrual cycle. It has long been used as a natural, easy-to-implement way of supporting hormone balance.

How does it work?
The main aim of seed cycling is to regulate oestrogen in the first half of the cycle, and progesterone in the second half. During the first half of the menstrual cycle it is recommended that you consume 1 tablespoon each of ground flaxseeds and ground pumpkin seeds daily. Flaxseeds are rich in oestrogen-balancing phytoestrogens and inflammation-regulating omega 3s. Pumpkin seeds are a great source of zinc which supports progesterone release and omega 3s to regulate inflammation.

During the second half of the cycle change to 1 tablespoon each of sesame seeds and sunflower seeds. Sesame seeds contain oestrogen-balancing phytoestrogens, zinc and selenium, whilst sunflower seeds are rich in vitamin E to support progesterone levels and selenium to support oestrogen elimination.

Who can benefit?
Seed cycling may be useful for anyone experiencing symptoms associated with female hormone imbalances, and is often recommended for women with PMS, PCOS, infertility, endometriosis and even menopausal symptoms. Seed cycling certainly doesn’t offer a ‘quick fix’ to hormone balance, however many women report positive changes after just a few months of following these simple guidelines.

Interested in giving it a go?

Here’s our quick guide to seed cycling and a handy visual guide that you can share with others or pin on the fridge.

Quick guide to seed cycling

Here’s what you need:

Ingredients
✔ Flaxseeds (organic, whole)
✔ Pumpkin seeds (organic, whole)
✔ Sesame seeds (organic, whole)
✔ Sunflower seeds (organic, whole)

Equipment
Coffee grinder / blender / food processor

Method

Weeks 1-2
• Place 7 tbsp of flaxseeds in a coffee grinder or similar, grind to a fine powder.
• Place in an airtight container (recycled glass jam jars work well) and store in the fridge.
• Repeat this process for pumpkin seeds.
• Seed powders are best used as fresh as possible and will keep for 7 days.
• Repeat the same process for week 2.

Weeks 3-4
• Place 7 tbsp of sesame seeds in a coffee grinder or similar, grind to a fine powder.
• Place in an airtight container (recycled glass jam jars work well) and store in the fridge.
• Repeat this process for sunflower seeds.
• Seed powders are best used as fresh as possible and will keep for 7 days.
• Repeat the same process for week 4.

Here’s what to do:

Day 1 (first day of menstrual cycle) – Day 14

Consume 1 x tablespoon ground flaxseeds & 1 x tablespoon ground pumpkin seeds daily

Top tip: Ground seeds can be added to smoothies, yoghurt, granola, salads and even sprinkled on top of steamed vegetables to add a bit of crunch just before you serve them

Day 14 – Day 28

Consume 1 x tablespoon ground sesame seeds & 1 x tablespoon ground sunflower seeds daily

Day 1

Start the process again and enjoy the hormone-balancing benefits…..

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