If someone had told me to eat flaxseeds in 2016 to clear up my skin, I would have told them they were crazy! But, those little brown babies totally cleared up my skin.
In one of my many diet experiments, I tried seed cycling. I had read it helped balance hormones so I decided to try it out. I was still in denial about perimenopause at this point and wanted to try seed cycling to see if it would help my hashimoto’s hypothyroid. It didn’t but that’s ok because my skin looked great! Read more about seed cycling here.
I quickly noticed that on days 1-14 when I ate flaxseeds my skin greatly improved but on days 15-28 it was just ok so I did some searching online and found out the link to flaxseeds and my skin was phytoestrogens.
What are phytoestrogens?
Phytoestrogens are natural compounds found in certain plants that can mimic the effects of estrogen when consumed. These compounds may influence various physiological processes in the body and are often eaten for their potential health benefits, especially in the context of hormonal balance and certain health conditions.
What foods have phytoestrogens?
- Soy Products: Tofu, tempeh, soy milk, and edamame are excellent sources of phytoestrogens. They contain isoflavones, a type of phytoestrogen known for its potential hormone-balancing effects.
- Flaxseeds: Flaxseeds are rich in lignans, a type of phytoestrogen. Ground flaxseeds can be added to cereals, yogurt, or smoothies to boost phytoestrogen intake.
- Legumes: Lentils, chickpeas, and black beans are legumes that contain phytoestrogens. Including these in a balanced diet provides additional nutritional benefits.
- Whole Grains: Whole grains like oats, barley, and quinoa contain phytoestrogens. They offer a range of nutrients and can be incorporated into various meals.
- Berries: Some berries, such as strawberries and raspberries, contain phytoestrogens. They also provide antioxidants and other essential nutrients.
- Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, and pistachios contain phytoestrogens. These nuts are a healthy snack option and contribute to overall well-being.