The nutritional magic of seeds
Here at beeya, we don’t shy away from a holistic approach to wellness. In fact, it’s rooted in our ethos. From supplements to self-care, we love a daily routine that’s stepped in time-honored wisdom. After all, it’s these habits that lead to better sleep, stress management, and hormone health.
Speaking of habits, are you a habitual seed cycler? Or—are you new to incorporating these superfoods into your lifestyle? No matter where you fall on the seed cycling spectrum, we’re here to spill the beans (err, seeds) about their specific nutrients and health benefits. Plus, get our tips and tricks for seamlessly incorporating them into your diet.
What is seed cycling?
A growing dietary trend, seed cycling can support healthy hormones and healthy cycles. It can even support symptoms of menopause! It involves eating ground flax, pumpkin, sesame, and sunflower seeds at different times of the month. But in order for it to work optimally, consistency is key.
We’ve made seed cycling easy for you! Grab your bags and use our guide to get started.
How does seed cycling help balance hormones?
As we weave through our monthly cycle, our hormones naturally fluctuate (for example, estrogen rises and falls). But what happens when you have too much or too little of a certain hormone? Hello, imbalance. This manifests as a range of symptoms: intense mood swings, cramps, irregular periods, low libido, etc. Fortunately, seed cycling can help.
Seeds contain some key hormone helpers like —lignans and essential fatty acids. Research shows that lignans can help bind to excess hormones, helping secrete too much estrogen in the body. And fatty acids are essential for both hormone production and balance. As you seed cycle, your body works to optimize the nutrients in pumpkin, flax, sesame, and sunflower seeds.
6 super seeds for hormonal harmony
- Pumpkin seeds: Packed with zinc and magnesium, these nutrients play a pivotal role in regulating hormones, particularly estrogen. Zinc deficiency has been linked to hormonal imbalances, making pumpkin seeds a crunchy solution to nurture hormonal health.
- Flax seeds: Flax seeds, with their omega-3 fatty acids, are a potent force in promoting hormonal equilibrium. Fatty acids reduce inflammation and contribute to the synthesis of hormones. Furthermore, flax seeds contain lignans, compounds that may help balance estrogen levels.
- Sesame seeds: Small in size but mighty in nutritional content, sesame seeds offer a spectrum of nutrients crucial for hormonal health. Rich in zinc, selenium, and lignans, these seeds contribute to the regulation of thyroid hormones and support healthy blood sugar levels.
- Sunflower seeds: Sunflower seeds are rich in vitamin E and fatty acids that help lower inflammation. They can also reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Like sesame seeds, they can also help manage blood sugar levels.
At beeya, we also include two of our faborite ingredients, hemp seeds and chamomile. Here’s why…
- Hemp seeds: Offeringa rich blend of omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and minerals, hemp seeds are hormonal allies. Their protein content is particularly crucial for hormone synthesis, ensuring a stable foundation for your endocrine system.
- Chamomile: While not a seed per say, chamomile deserves an honorable mention. Chamomile contains compounds that may help reduce stress hormones, like cortisol. As stress plays a significant role in hormonal imbalance, sipping on chamomile tea can be a delightful ritual to minimize menstrual pain, reduce PMS, and improve sleep.
The easiest ways to eat more seeds
Along with our seed cycling-specific recipes, below are additional ideas to add more crunch to your daily eats:
Seed toppings for breakfast: Sprinkle chia seeds, flaxseeds, or hemp seeds on top of your morning yogurt, oatmeal, or cereal. Add a spoonful of sunflower or pumpkin seeds to your favorite smoothie.
Seed butter spread: Substitute almond or peanut butter with seed butters like sunflower seed butter or tahini for a nutrient-packed spread on toast, bagels, or rice cakes.
Seed trail mix: Create your own trail mix by combining pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds with nuts, dark chocolate chips, and unsweetened dried fruits. This makes for a convenient and portable snack.
Salad boost: Toss a handful of sesame seeds or pumpkin seeds into your salads for added crunch and nutritional benefits.
Smoothie bowl toppings: Sprinkle a variety of seeds on top of your smoothie or acai bowls. Chia seeds, hemp seeds, and sliced almonds make for excellent additions.
Seed pesto: Make a pesto using seeds like pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds instead of or in addition to traditional pine nuts. Use it as a pasta sauce or a topping for grilled vegetables.