Several of you have written to ask about seed cycling, a practice that claims to help with premenstrual syndrome, menopausal symptoms, and general hormonal balance. Does eating certain seeds at certain times really help regulate hormones? Let's look at the research.
In this article:
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What is seed cycling?
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How is seed cycling supposed to regulate hormone levels?
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Is seed cycling effective?
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Is seed cycling safe?
What is seed cycling?
Seed cycling is not really new but it is newly trendy. The idea behind seed cycling is that certain types of seeds, such as pumpkin, flax, and chia, can help regulate the levels of estrogen, progesterone and other hormones. Synchronizing your consumption of various seeds with your menstrual cycle can allegedly relieve hormone-related symptoms such as PMS, PCOS, irregular periods, hot flashes, and generally increase your level of well-being. Some even claim that seed cycling can help you get pregnant.
RELATED: Can Diet and Nutrition Help You Get Pregnant?
In a typical seed cycling protocol, you eat two tablespoons of ground seeds every day. You can mix the seeds into a smoothie or sprinkle them on your oatmeal. Purists insist that the seeds be raw and freshly ground. (Chewing well, of course, counts as grinding.)
Phase One: During phase one, which lasts two weeks, you eat a tablespoon of flax and a tablespoon of pumpkin seeds.
Phase Two: During phase two, which also lasts two weeks, you switch to sunflower and sesame seeds. This adds about 100 calories, 9 grams of fat, 4 grams of protein, and 3 grams of fiber to your day.
If you...
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