The idea behind seed cycling is that certain types of seeds, such as pumpkin, flax, and chia, can help regulate the levels of estrogen, progesterone and other hormones.
Both ground flax and chia seeds are hormone balancing heroes. Chia seeds, in particular, ease PCOS symptoms because they help eliminate excess estrogen. Flaxseeds also do the same. Flax and chia are high in fiber, essential for proper elimination.
Eating too many chia seeds may cause side effects, such as digestive issues, allergic reactions, or weight gain. In moderation, however, chia seeds can be a nutritious addition to a balanced diet.
Chia seeds contain quercetin, an antioxidant that can reduce your risk of developing several health conditions, including heart disease. The seeds are also high in fiber, which can help to lower high blood pressure and, in turn, reduce your risk of developing heart disease. Chia seeds are high in fiber.
These tiny seeds can provide fiber that helps lower cholesterol, boost your heart health and reduce your risk of developing chronic disease. That said, because chia seeds are packed with fiber and are calorie dense, stick with no more than 2 tablespoons per day.
Medicines: Avoid taking chia seeds if you are taking medications like anticoagulants and antiplatelets (prevent blood clots), anti-hypertensive (treats high blood pressure), anti-cancer, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids, as chia seeds might interact with these medicines.
Including chia seeds in your diet can help regulate hormones and normalize menstrual flow. It is also rich in fibre, which is also an important nutrient for PCOS.
Studies have shown that chia seeds consumption reduces visceral adipose tissues, also known as belly fat.
Chia seeds are known to reduce premenstrual symptoms. Soak the seeds for at least two hours. You can then add them to smoothies, curd, or have them with fruits, she suggested. Flax seeds are a good source of omega 3 and fibre.
Chia's hormonal benefits include stabilizing blood sugar, improving insulin sensitivity, and easing metabolic syndrome symptoms like blood pressure and blood sugar spikes.
“Rich in omega fatty acids and fibre, regular consumption of these seeds helps women with hormonal fluctuation, mood swings, and metabolic syndrome. Also, it improves testosterone levels and helps enhance the quality of eggs inside the ovary to improve fertility.
Q: Do chia seeds regulate periods? A: Chia seeds ease the PCOS symptoms. These seeds control hormonal imbalance by eliminating the high oestrogen drive. Flaxseeds also work for the same.
Sesame seeds are a rich source of zinc which help boost progesterone production and also contain lignans that help block excess estrogen while progesterone rises.
Chia seeds are a rich source of omega-3. Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties that may help decrease inflammation in the thyroid gland related conditions like Hashimoto's thyroiditis, DeQuervain's thyroiditis or other forms of thyroiditis.
"Chia seeds are really good for us, so there's some truth to how chia seed water can benefit you," says Amanda Beaver, a wellness dietitian at Houston Methodist. "There's no real downside to drinking it, but there are a few things I recommend keeping in mind."
The rule of thumb is: 15 grams of chia seeds per day are fine and healthy. It should not be more than this, otherwise the unpleasant side effects of chia seeds can occur. With this balanced amount of chia seeds, the gastrointestinal tract is not overburdened, but supported.
And because they create a gelatinous effect when added to water or digested they cleanse your insides by collecting toxins on their way out! This is why Chia Seeds are an amazing detox and weight loss food.
Chia seeds are also fantastically helpful when it comes to fertility and general health because they are full to the brim with all sorts of nutrients critical for fertility health such as Omega 3 essential fatty acids.
Chia seeds can absorb up to 10X their weight in water, and so it is not recommended to eat a large quantity of them dry. Eating a tablespoon or more of chia seeds dry from a spoon can cause them to swell in your esophagus, which may cause a blockage.
According to research, you can get the most nutrients out of chia seeds if they are soaked prior to consumption. Although you can certainly eat chia seeds whole and raw in baked goods and cereal mixes or whizzed up in your smoothie, soaking them is the best way to enjoy them and reap their numerous nutrients.
Chia seeds are an excellent source of fiber, which can improve heart health, reduce cholesterol levels and promote intestinal health. Fiber takes longer to digest and makes you feel satisfied longer, which is how it can help with weight loss and decrease your risk of developing diabetes or heart disease.