4 Seeds, Benefits and DIY Remedies to use Seed Cycling

Before delving into Seed Cycling, it's essential to understand the significance of hormonal balance. Hormones play a vital role in various bodily functions, including metabolism, mood regulation, and reproductive health. An imbalance in hormones can lead to irregular menstrual cycles, mood swings, and even fertility issues. 

Seed Cycling Benefits

This cycling involves the use of four specific types of seeds: flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, and sunflower seeds. Each of these seeds has unique nutritional compositions and benefits in regulating hormonal imbalances. For further detail, Seed cycling in Urdu, all seed’s composition with their Urdu name description are given below:

Flax Seeds (Alsi ke beej):

Nutritional Composition: Flax seeds are a rich source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid, and lignans, which are phytoestrogens. They also contain fiber, protein, and various vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B1, manganese, and magnesium.

Benefits in Hormonal Regulation:

• Flax seeds are high in lignans, which can help balance estrogen levels in the body. They have estrogenic and anti-estrogenic effects, depending on the body's needs.
• The omega-3 fatty acids in flax seeds may reduce inflammation, which can contribute to hormonal imbalances.
• Fiber in flax seeds aids in digestive health, indirectly supporting hormonal balance.

Pumpkin Seeds (Kaddu ke beej):

Nutritional Composition: Pumpkin seeds are a great source of zinc, magnesium, protein, and healthy fats. They also contain antioxidants like vitamin E.

Benefits in Hormonal Regulation:

• Zinc is essential for proper hormone production and balance, making pumpkin seeds valuable in supporting hormonal health.
• Magnesium contributes to stress reduction and overall well-being, indirectly helping with hormonal balance.

Sesame Seeds (Til ke beej):

Nutritional Composition: Sesame seeds are rich in healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. They are also a good source of calcium, iron, and magnesium.

Benefits in Hormonal Regulation:

• Sesame seeds contain lignans similar to flax seeds, which can help modulate estrogen levels.
• Calcium and magnesium in sesame seeds play a role in muscle and nerve function, which can indirectly affect hormone balance.

Sunflower Seeds (Surajmukhi ke beej):

Nutritional Composition: Sunflower seeds are high in vitamin E, copper, selenium, and various B vitamins. They also contain healthy fats and protein.

Benefits in Hormonal Regulation:

• Vitamin E is an antioxidant that may help protect cells from oxidative stress, potentially benefiting hormonal health.
• Selenium supports thyroid function, which is crucial for overall hormone balance.

In this cycling, the combination of these seeds is strategically used during different phases of the menstrual cycle to provide the body with specific nutrients. During the follicular phase (days 1-14), flax seeds and pumpkin seeds are recommended for their potential to support estrogen balance. During the luteal phase (days 15-28), sesame seeds and sunflower seeds are suggested to help with progesterone balance. By this Seed Cycling PCOS issues can be resolved. 

It's important to note that while these seeds offer nutritional benefits that can aid in hormone regulation, but Seed Cycling benefits for skin are also noteworthy.

Here are some benefits of this cycling for your skin:

1. Clearer Complexion: It helps balance hormones, reducing skin issues like acne and breakouts for a clearer complexion.
2. Youthful Glow: Balanced hormones support collagen production, producing more youthful and radiant skin.
3. Hydration: Omega-3 fatty acids in seeds help maintain skin moisture, preventing dryness and flakiness.
4. Reduced Inflammation: It's anti-inflammatory properties can soothe redness and irritation in the skin.
5. Hormonal Acne Prevention: It can help prevent hormonal acne flare-ups for smoother, blemish-free skin by regulating hormones.

DIY Recipes 

Here are five DIY recipes to help you incorporate seeds (flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, and sunflower seeds) into your daily diet:

1. 1. Smoothie:

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of ground flax seeds (follicular phase)
• 1 tablespoon of pumpkin seeds (follicular phase)
• 1 banana
• 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt or a dairy-free alternative
• 1/2 cup of spinach or kale (for added nutrients)
• 1/2 cup of almond milk or any milk of your choice
• 1 teaspoon of honey (optional for sweetness)

Instructions:

1. Add all the ingredients to a blender.
2. Blend until smooth.

2. Oatmeal:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup of rolled oats
• 1 tablespoon of ground sesame seeds (luteal phase)
• 1 tablespoon of sunflower seeds (luteal phase)
• 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
• 1 cup of water or milk
• Sliced fruits (e.g., berries, banana) for topping

Instructions:

1. Cook the rolled oats with water or milk according to package instructions.
2. Stir in the ground sesame seeds and sunflower seeds.
3. Add cinnamon for flavor.
4. Top with sliced fruits.

3. Salad:

Ingredients:

• Mixed greens (e.g., spinach, arugula)
• 1 tablespoon of ground flax seeds (follicular phase)
• 1 tablespoon of pumpkin seeds (follicular phase)
• 1 tablespoon of ground sesame seeds (luteal phase)
• 1 tablespoon of sunflower seeds (luteal phase)
• Sliced veggies (e.g., cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers)
• Your choice of salad dressing

Instructions:

1. Toss the mixed greens and sliced veggies in a salad bowl.
2. Sprinkle ground flax seeds and pumpkin seeds on top (follicular phase).
3. Drizzle your preferred salad dressing.
4. Before serving, add ground sesame seeds and sunflower seeds (luteal phase) for extra nutrition.

4. Energy Bites:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup of rolled oats
• 1/4 cup of almond butter or peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons of ground flax seeds (follicular phase)
• 2 tablespoons of pumpkin seeds (follicular phase)
• 2 tablespoons of ground sesame seeds (luteal phase)
• 2 tablespoons of sunflower seeds (luteal phase)
• 1/4 cup of honey or maple syrup
• 1/4 cup of mini chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine rolled oats, almond butter, ground flax seeds, pumpkin seeds (follicular phase), ground sesame seeds, sunflower seeds (luteal phase), and honey or maple syrup.
2. If desired, add mini chocolate chips for sweetness.
3. Mix until well combined.
4. Form the mixture into small energy bites or balls.
5. Place them on a tray and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to firm up.

Conclusion

Seed Cycling is very beneficial for hormonal balance, treat PCOS, PMS and irregular periods. The DIY recipes mentioned above make it easy to incorporate seeds into your daily diet while enjoying a variety of flavors and textures. Remember to follow the recommended seeds for each phase of your menstrual cycle to maximize the potential hormonal benefits.