MAGIC MORSELS

Here are some of the top nutrients found in seeds and how they can help your body

PUMPKIN SEEDS

✢ Key nutrient: zinc

Levels of zinc decline with age, and this marvellous mineral, which is found in pumpkin seeds, can assist with a range of menopausal symptoms, such as thinning hair, changes to sex drive and low energy levels. FLAXSEED ✢ Key nutrient: omega-3 Flaxseed contains ALA, an omega-3 fatty acid, which studies show can help to reduce depression symptoms in postmenopausal women. It’s thought that this is due to the antiinflammatory and serotonin-boosting benefits of omega-3.

SUNFLOWER SEEDS

✢ Key nutrient: vitamin E

Eating antioxidant-rich sunflower seeds may as well help as perimenopause hot flushes in menopausal symptoms, women. And for an extra-powerful boost, take a supplement alongside eating vitamin E-rich seeds. According to one study, a 400 IU vitamin E supplement for four weeks helped to significantly reduce hot flushes. SESAME SEEDS ✢ Key nutrient: magnesium There’s evidence to suggest that sesame seeds can help with PMS symptoms (so a great seed if you’re perimenopausal). Magnesium, along with folic acid and the antioxidant glutathione, is crucial in phase two of the detoxification process in the liver. It also helps to metabolise oestrogen.

Going through the menopause?

You don’t have to sync your seed intake to your cycle. Instead try:

✢ Days 1-14: 1tbsp of pumpkin and 1tbsp flaxseeds daily.

✢ Days 15-30: 1tbsp ground sunflower seeds and 1tbsp sesame seeds.

Then repeat.