OVERVIEW
We seed cycle for "two" phases, but, a woman's cycle consists of four phases:
- Menstrual (New Moon)
- Follicular (Waxing Moon)
- Ovulation (Full Moon)
- Luteal (Waning Moon)
Phase I (Pumpkin, Flax, and Hemp) / Menstrual + Follicular / New Moon to Full Moon
If we are not pregnant, our cycle kicks off with our Menstrual Phase (a.k.a. "our time of the month"), this is a release of all the blood, mucus, tissue and uterus lining that our body does not need to support a baby. During this "release", our estrogen and progesterone levels drop and we get cramps, bloating, mood swings, etc.
At the same time as our Menstrual Phase, our Follicular Phase kicks off and lasts 14 - 21 days. During our Follicular Phase, our brain releases a follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which helps eggs grow in follicles (little nap sacs) on our ovaries. From these eggs, one special egg is typically chosen to grow bigger than the rest. This growth releases more estrogen and thickens our uterus lining.
The Pumpkin + Flax combo is amazing for our Menstrual Phase + Follicular Phase because the lignans and phytoestrogens in Flax Seeds balance our estrogen levels by mimicking estrogen and helping to increase progesterone, which will set us up for a successful Luteal Phase. Pumpkin Seeds are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which helps to lower inflammation, improve heart health and provide balanced hydration to our skin. We added the Hemp Seeds to the mix because it is a true powerhouse.
Hemp Seeds are nutrient rich - protein, fiber, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, magnesium, calcium, manganese, potassium, vitamin E, and more. The calcium and manganese in Hemp Seeds contribute to strong and healthy bones which is SO important for women (not today, osteoporosis). The antioxidants, such as vitamin E and phenolic compounds protect our cells from damage and help reduce oxidative stress. The high fiber content improves overall digestive heath by promoting regularity and helping us to feel full, which can regulate appetite and promote weight loss. The gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) helps regulate hormone levels and alleviates symptoms of menopause and PMS.
Phase II (Sunflower, Sesame, and Hemp) / Ovulation + Luteal / Full Moon to New Moon
The rising levels of estrogen during our Follicular Phase trigger our pituitary gland to release luteinizing hormone (LH), which is what kicks off the process of Ovulation. During our Ovulation Phase, our ovary releases a mature egg, which travels down our fallopian tube toward our uterus to be fertilized by a potential, very lucky, sperm. This is the time that we can get pregnant and we usually have a slightly higher basal body temperature and thicker discharge. Ovulation Phase happens around day 14 (of a 28-day cycle) and lasts about 24 hours.
After Ovulation, the Luteal Phase begins and the ruptured follicle that released the mature egg turns into a new organ called the corpus luteum, which produces progesterone. Progesterone is necessary for our uterus lining and ensuring that it is supportive for an implantation of an embryo. If pregnancy occurs, our uterus lining is not shed and our progesterone stays elevated. If no pregnancy occurs, there is a drop in progesterone and our uterus lining is shed which brings us all the way back to phase one - the Menstrual Phase.
The Sunflower + Sesame Seeds combo is incredible for our Ovulation Phase + Luteal Phase because these seeds support the production of progesterone. The lignans in Sesame Seeds have been shown to also improve blood cholesterol levels and increase antioxidants. The zinc in Sesame Seeds boosts our immunity system. Sunflower Seeds offer healthy fats that are essential for the proper functioning of the reproductive system and are rich in vitamin E and selenium which support liver detoxification
Circle back to the top for why we added the Hemp Seeds to the mix!
