.png)
If you have taken a scroll on Tik Tok recently, I’m sure you’ve come across a video of someone saying that they are attempting to balance their hormones through food. Lately, the trend has been to use “seeds” to balance hormones through a system called seed cycling. What is this and does it actually work? Let’s break it down:
What is seed cycling?
The general idea of seed cycling is to eat certain seeds at specific times of your cycle. It is split up between the first 2 weeks of your cycle and the last 2 weeks. The rules say that you are supposed to consume 1 Tbsp of pumpkin seeds and 1 Tbsp of flax meal pre-ovulation and eat 1 tbsp of raw sunflower seeds and 1 Tbsp of raw sesame seeds per day post-ovulation until the period arrives.
Does it work?
The theory behind why seed cycling works is that these seeds carry certain fatty acids that support the levels and balance of estrogen and progesterone. The goal of seed cycling is to signal your body to produce more of these hormones. However, little evidence has been shown to support the accuracy of this. What we do know is that flax seeds have been shown to decrease the amount of anovulatory cycles. An anovulatory cycle is when an egg is not released from the ovary during a menstrual cycle.
Is it worth it?
-Unfortunately, the research with seed cycling is still new, so there is no solid evidence that says this works. It seems to be a case of “it works for some people but does not work for others.” It can take a long time to show signs of success and for some, this never happens. These seeds are super nutritious for both male and female bodies, so it would not hurt to include more of these foods in your diet nevertheless.
Some ways to incorporate seeds into your diet:
As a topping for your bowl of oatmeal
Added to smoothies or shakes
On top of a salad for an added crunch
Added to your yogurt bowls
The options are endless! These seeds are pretty much flavorless so if you decide to give seed cycling a try, it is easy to implement and likely won’t come with negative side effects.
Written By: Gabrielle Romero
Ready to take control of your nutrition and health goals? I'm here to support you every step of the way. Enjoy a complimentary nutrition intro session for all new clients – click here to book your session today.
If you prefer to learn at your own pace, check out my online course, "8 Steps to Healthy." This comprehensive program includes video lessons, an eBook, and a workbook to help you build lasting, healthy habits that help you gain confidence in your food choices. With self-paced learning, you can move through the course at a speed that works for you. For any questions, feel free to reach out at emilyrd@emilyzorn.com or learn more about the course by clicking here.
For more nutrition insights, be sure to catch my podcast "RDs vs BS" on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or at www.rdsvsbs.com. Stay informed and empowered on your journey to better health!
Commentaires