Seed Cycling Follicular Phase
During the first half of your cycle (follicular phase), estrogen is your main hormone that rises and spikes to trigger ovulation. Testosterone also rises prior to ovulation.
Zinc, which is rich in pumpkin seeds, supports healthy testosterone levels. In addition, pumpkin seeds are rich in antioxidants which are protective of our ovaries, eggs, and reproductive system. Flaxseeds have weak estrogenic properties but also help with excess estrogen elimination to the help support optimal estrogen levels.
Pumpkin seeds are also a source of tryptophan, which the body uses to create serotonin and melatonin. Interestingly, a study published in 2005 in Nutritional Neuroscience concluded that eating tryptophan rich seeds from foods such as pumpkins along with a carbohydrate was as beneficial as a pharmaceutical for the treatment of insomnia (and sleep has a direct impact on hormonal health).
Seed Cycling for Luteal Phase
Sesame seeds and sunflower seeds are rich in lignans and fatty acids to support the luteal phase. Sesame seeds have been shown to be beneficial to women's hormones even through menopause.
Sesame seeds may also help to lower inflammation, as multiple studies have demonstrated. They have also been shown to protect heart health by modulating inflammation and support cholesterol metabolism (sex hormones are made form cholesterol). Inflammation causes a response from the adrenal glands, which can lead to a hormonal imbalance.
Sunflower seeds contain nutrients like iron, which support estrogen detoxification via CYP liver genes and magnesium, which can support healthy prostaglandin levels and may reduce menstrual cramps. They are also a source of calcium, which has been shown in some studies to reduce mood related issues of PMS. Vitamin E, which sunflower seeds can be a significant food source of, has also been shown to reduce PMS in supplement form.
*this is not medical advice and should not be used to treat or cure any medical conditions*
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