Vol. 12, Issue 4 (2023)

Author(s):
Deeptimayee Mahapatra, Jwngsar Baro and Mamoni Das

Abstract:
The seed cycling/seed rotation diet is a new trend that claims to be effective for female menstrual dysfunctions such as irregular menstruation, menstrual cramps, infertility, menopausal symptoms (hot flashes, fatigue, etc.), and PCOS. The higher prevalence of hormonal imbalance in women is a contributing factor to all of these menstrual dysfunctions. The major hormones that control menstruation in females include progesterone, estrogen, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicular stimulating hormone (FSH), and a simple imbalance in their concentration is the root cause of a variety of menstrual problems. The practice of eating specific seeds during the two main phases of the menstrual cycle (follicular and luteal) to promote a healthy balance of estrogen and progesterone levels in women is known as the seed rotation diet. During the follicular stage consumption of pumpkin seed and flax seed is advised and in the luteal stage consumption of sunflower seed and sesame seed is advised in this diet. Recent studies have shown that pumpkin seeds are rich in phytoestrogen which is a polyphenol compound that exerts a mammalian estrogenic-like effect in body. Similarly, flax seed in the first phase helps to bind the excess estrogen produced to maintain the hormonal homeostasis. Sesame seeds, which are high in zinc and lignans, are thought to help with progesterone balance during the luteal phase, while sunflower seeds, which are high in vitamin E and selenium aids in, increasing progesterone production and liver detoxification of excess estrogen. However, despite plenty of anecdotal accounts of its usefulness, scientific evidence to back its claims is still weak or lacking.