Can seed cycling improve your skin?
July 05, 2024

Can seed cycling improve your skin?

Glow up with beeya's seed cycling for radiant skin and shiny hair!

This time of year, we’re all seeking that enviable, summer glow. And while non-tox sunscreen is a summertime staple, the secret to radiant skin and lustrous hair begins in the kitchen. Said differently: what you eat makes all the difference. To unlock glowing skin and shiny hair, what are the best foods to eat? To nourish from within, we’re delving into the holistic practice of seed cycling.

Here at beeya, seed cycling is (pun intended) our bread and butter. This method leverages the nutritional power of four specific seeds to support hormonal balance. Which, in turn, can lead to healthier skin and hair. Let’s dive into how seed cycling can help you shine—not just this summer, but all year long.

The basics of seed cycling

Seed cycling is a natural approach to balance hormones. It involves rotating different seeds during the two main phases of your menstrual cycle. Ground flax and pumpkin seeds support the first half (the follicular phase) and sesame and sunflower seeds champion the second half (the luteal phase). Ultimately, this rotation helps to regulate estrogen and progesterone levels, promoting overall hormonal balance.

P.s. We make seed cycling easy—and delicious—with our two superfood blends.

How does seed cycling help balance hormones?

When hormones are out of whack, I.e. estrogen levels are too high or progesterone is too low, imbalance comes knocking. In turn, this manifests as intense cramps, irregular periods, mood swings, low libido, infertility, and more. Fortunately, seed cycling can help!

Seeds contain key hormone helpers—like lignans and essential fatty acids—that regulate hormones:

✨ Lignans, found in flax and sesame seeds, are phytoestrogens that bind to excess estrogen. By doing so, lignans help secret unneeded estrogen from the body.

Essential fatty acids, present in all four seeds, support the production and regulation of hormones. These omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are important for making and balancing hormones. Best of all, essential fatty acids nourish skin cells, keeping them hydrated and reducing inflammation. This leads to a clearer and more radiant complexion. They also strengthen hair follicles, promoting growth and adding shine, making your hair look healthier and more vibrant.

4 super seeds for a healthy glow

1️⃣ Flax seeds:

Nutritional powerhouse: As mentioned, flax seeds are rich in lignans, phytoestrogens that help regulate estrogen levels. They also contain omega-3 fatty acids, essential for maintaining cell membranes and reducing inflammation.

Benefits for skin and hair: The anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3s in flax seeds can help calm irritated skin and reduce redness, making your complexion more even and radiant. Additionally, these fatty acids nourish hair follicles, promoting stronger and shinier hair.

2️⃣ Pumpkin seeds:

Nutritional powerhouse: Pumpkin seeds are an excellent source of zinc and magnesium. Zinc plays a crucial role in collagen synthesis and immune function, while magnesium helps regulate cortisol levels and supports sleep.

Benefits for skin and hair: Zinc aids in the repair and rejuvenation of skin cells, helping to maintain a clear complexion. It also supports hair growth and prevents dandruff. Magnesium, on the other hand, reduces stress levels. And this can prevent stress-induced skin breakouts and hair loss.

3️⃣ Sesame seeds:

Nutritional powerhouse: Along with lignans and essential fatty acids, sesame seeds also contain vitamin E—a powerful antioxidant.

Benefits for skin and hair: Vitamin E helps protect skin from oxidative stress and UV damage, key for maintaining a youthful appearance (especially during the sunniest months!). The fatty acids in sesame seeds keep your skin supple and hydrated and enhance hair strength and shine.

4️⃣ Sunflower seeds:

Nutritional powerhouse: Sunflower seeds are rich in vitamin E, selenium, and magnesium. These nutrients are vital for maintaining hormonal health and reducing inflammation.

Benefits for skin and hair: Vitamin E in sunflower seeds provides robust antioxidant protection, shielding your skin from environmental damage and keeping it looking fresh. Selenium supports thyroid function, which is essential for healthy hair growth and skin clarity.

Embrace seed cycling for summer radiance

With July around the corner, now’s the time to start integrating seed cycling into your daily routine! In turn, you can harness the natural power of these seeds to cultivate glowy skin and healthy hair. 

Our conversation with Louisa Nicola

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