• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Nikki Durnford at Green Dene Nutrition

Balanced • Energised • Restored

Nikki Durnford - Green Dene Nutrition

Nikki Durnford at Green Dene Nutrition

Balanced • Energised • Restored

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Home
  • About
  • For Individuals
  • For Business
  • Blog
  • Contact

Flax seeds and the Menopause. Don’t miss this superfood!

August 10, 2021 by Nikki Durnford

flax seeds for menopause support

I am often asked what I think is the best food to help with menopause symptoms. It’s a tricky one to answer as so many different foods are needed to make up a perfect and balanced menopause diet. Take a look at the best hormone loving foods here.

Top ten foods your hormones love!

However, there is one food that punches above its own body weight when it comes to the menopause. And it is flax seeds.

But why are flax seeds so good? Well, they are a powerhouse of nutrition. They are a good source of protein, fibre, lignans and omega 3. They are also rich in minerals including magnesium, iron, zinc, phosphorous, calcium and potassium.

And all of these are helpful during your midlife years.

Let’s have a look at why they are so good for perimenopausal and menopausal women

Lignans

Flax seeds contain lignans. And this is the biggie when it calms to supporting menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats and memory issues.

But what are they?

Lignans are a type of phytoestrogen. And phytoestrogens play an important role in balancing hormones as they can have an oestrogenic-like effect on your body when required.

Although lignans naturally occur in many fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, the lignan content of flax seeds is almost 100 time higher than any other food. And this is why they are a true super food when it comes to menopause nutrition and support.

During the menopause, oestrogen levels decline. And lignans which are structurally and functionally similar to oestrogen in humans can help to regulate and raise oestrogen levels when required. In doing so, lignans can have a positive impact on symptoms such as hot flushes, fatigue and mood changes.

Omega 3

Flax seeds are a great source of Omega 3. Omega 3 is important as it cannot be produced naturally in your body. Therefore, you need to get it as part of your diet. Amongst other things it can help to reduce cholesterol levels which can increase as you grow older. It can reduce inflammation and help with joint pain as well as improve mood by supporting brain function.

Minerals

Iron, Magnesium, Zinc, Phosphorous, Calcium and Potassium

Minerals are essential for health and are required for many different functions in your body. The minerals found in flax seeds are required for energy production, immune function and bone structure. They therefore help to reduce fatigue and tiredness, support the immune system and help to keep bones strong – all important areas for women transitioning through the menopause.

Fibre

Flax seeds contain good amount of soluble and insoluble fibre.

This helps to regulate blood sugar levels which can become more difficult to control during the menopause years.

The fibre content also helps to prevent constipation and can therefore help with removing excess oestrogen from the body via the bowels. Excess oestrogen can exacerbate many menopause symptoms and increase the risk of hormone dependent cancers in women. It is therefore important to get rid of it when it has done its job and prevent it from re circulating.

Protein

Flaxseeds provide good levels of protein. And protein is the building block of every cell in your body and essential for building hormones, muscles, keeping your bones strong and your skin healthy and so much more! So, getting good levels can make a big difference to how you feel.

Calcium

Maintaining good bone health is really important at this time in a women’s life as declining oestrogen levels can increase the risk of osteoporosis.

Learn how to include flax seeds in your diet

This is the easy part! Not only are they delicious with a lovely nutty flavour and great texture, but they are also incredibly versatile. Try and get 20 grams a day

When buying flax seeds (sometimes called linseed), it is best to choose milled flax seed when including them in your diet. This is because the lignans are found on the outer shell of the flaxseeds. And so, when grounded, it is easier for your body to digest and absorb them so that you get most of the benefits. Whole flax seeds are less bioavailable and can pass through your body without being broken down.

How to eat flax seeds. Here are my suggestions

  1. Include as part of your breakfast. They are great on top of porridge or as an extra with muesli. You can also add into your breakfast smoothie
  2. Eat as a snack along with some live yoghurt
  3. Sprinkle on salads or soups
  4. Add to any homemade sauces
  5. Use when baking for added flavour and texture
  6. Add into stir -fries

So, it’s certainly worth giving flaxseeds a go if you’re struggling with some of the most common menopause symptoms. Just a couple of tablespoons a day may help to reduce hot flushes, brain fog and mood issues. And even if it doesn’t, they will still provide some great health benefits as they are a real powerhouse of nutrition goodness.

If you would like to learn about a more personalised approach to your menopause and hormonal health, then do get in touch to see whether I can help.

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter

Like this:

Like Loading...

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Primary Sidebar

Categories

  • Module 1 – Understanding the root cause of menopause symptoms
  • Module 2 – Laying down the foundations for a smooth menopause
  • Module 3 – Setting up for midlife and beyond
  • Programme 1 – Analysing and testing menopause symptoms
  • Programme 2 – Nutrients, supplements and self care in menopause
  • Programme 3 – Recharge, feel alive and thrive through menopause
  • Step 1 – Explore
  • Step 2 – Restore and Balance
  • Step 3 – Energise
  • Uncategorized

Archives

  • August 2024
  • June 2024
  • April 2024
  • December 2023
  • October 2023
  • September 2023
  • August 2023
  • July 2023
  • June 2023
  • January 2023
  • October 2022
  • September 2022
  • August 2022
  • June 2022
  • May 2022
  • April 2022
  • March 2022
  • February 2022
  • January 2022
  • December 2021
  • November 2021
  • October 2021
  • September 2021
  • August 2021
  • July 2021
  • June 2021
  • May 2021
  • April 2021
  • March 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • November 2020

Copyright © 2025 · Green Dene Nutrition · Log in
Website design by BlueFlameDesign · Website development by South Downs Web

  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Sitemap
%d