We can play the roles of a man and a woman.
Agree or Disagree?
Well, there could be a lot of mixed reactions around the globe on this topic.
We are going to be focusing more on a Women centric role here.
Did you know that a woman plays many roles in just ONE DAY?!
- A Girl when she’s with her Parents
- A Lady when she is with her Man
- A Mother with her Kids
- A Woman in a Society
Professionally she needs to think like a MAN.
With these roles comes the responsibilities and we forget to take care of our health and mental stability.
Today we will be covering a topic on women’s health and how these roles are affecting them. There are very few women who actually are curious to know about their Menstrual health/care. Menstrual cycle is connected in an emotional way and hormones have a major role to play in this.
There are two main phases that are observed during the Menstrual cycle – Follicular Phase and a Luteal Phase. During these phases the hormones that are high are estrogen for follicular phase and progesterone for luteal phase – between these phases is the ovulation phase that happens where the estrogen levels are at the highest and an egg is released for mating that induces pregnancy. If the mating is failed then uterus walls break down; here progesterone levels would increase gradually and the onset of a PERIOD starts when estrogen and progesterone levels decrease which lasts for 5 to six days and for some it can be longer for up to 8 days.
Now all of these causes an increase and decrease of hormones – here comes our term PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome) where some may experience nausea,headaches, mood swings,etc.
Since there are these hormonal changes happening in our body on a daily basis; it becomes important to maintain our moods and as the phrase goes – “One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.”
Here’s where the Seed cycle concept comes into play –
There are 4 seeds that help to maintain hormonal imbalances- Flaxseeds, Sesame seeds, Pumpkin seeds and Sunflower seeds.
During the follicular phase where estrogen is at a rise, Flaxseeds and Pumpkin seeds are preferred in the diet as they are rich in lignans which help to maintain estrogen levels.
In the Luteal phase due to the increase of progesterone hormone a combination of Sesame seeds and Sunflower seeds is recommended as they are said to maintain progesterone levels.
All the four seeds are rich in fiber,manganese, magnesium, copper, thiamine, Vitamin E and healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids. All of these micronutrients help to maintain a good health with reproductive health.
Flax, Pumpkin and Sunflower seeds help to protect against breast cancer.
Since estrogen hormone helps to maintain cholesterol levels and bone health in women; therefore having Flaxseeds, Sesame seeds and Sunflower seeds during Menopause helps.
Additionally, in Ayurveda seeds are said to be Brimhana (meaning sustaining and rejuvenating). It is said that including these seeds in the diet improves our Rasa Dhatu corresponding to the uterus and ovaries.
The recommended intake of these seeds are 1 tsp per day either in the roasted form or in the grounded form. You may either eat this with fruits, add them into granola bars or ladoos.
Now, Interestingly for those who have irregular periods; it becomes difficult to identify their cycle/phase of a cycle for that, I have come across this beautiful concept where you need to have these seeds according to the Moon cycle!!
Interesting right?!?!?!?!!! Who would have thought?! After all, the line: Chand taare tod launga would actually work!! Taare being a complimentary gift for us B’cuz we are totally Worth it!!
Normally a Follicular and Luteal phase lasts for up to 14 to 15 days each and so the period of a new moon to a full moon.
Considering Amavasya (new moon) as day 1 and continuing it to the next two weeks, eating 1 tsp of Flaxseeds and Pumpkin seeds and from a Poornima (full moon) to Amavasya (new moon) that would be the next 15 days eating 1 tsp Sunflower seeds and Sesame seeds is recommended.
As for people with regular periods it’s Ideal to eat the same amount of flax seeds and Pumpkin seeds at the beginning of your period, continuing it for the next 15 days and then changing it to Sunflower and Sesame seeds for the next 15 days.
So this was a recipe for a lifetime Balance of your hormones although the journey is tough but it’s always important to enjoy every moment of it for as long as it lasts!! It’s always important to have balance in life and in health; Libras (Zodiac sign) would have figured this out way too quickly don’t you think?
