Seed cycling is a growing nutritional practice in PCOS management, and this ladoo brings all the key seeds together in one convenient snack. Flaxseeds contain lignans that regulate oestrogen; pumpkin seeds are the richest plant source of zinc, which supports progesterone production and testosterone metabolism; sesame seeds provide phytoestrogens and calcium; and sunflower seeds supply Vitamin E, which is crucial for ovarian health and reducing oxidative stress.
Dates and a small amount of ghee bind everything together — far better than refined sugar or glucose syrup. Dates also bring iron (important for PCOS with heavy periods), magnesium, and natural fibre. These ladoos need no baking, no refined sugar, and take 20 minutes to make a batch that lasts 2 weeks in the fridge. They taste genuinely good — nothing like eating seeds out of obligation — and can replace chips, biscuits, or namkeen when the 4pm hunger strikes.
Ingredients
How to Make It
Dry roast each type of seed separately in a pan on low heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Seeds burn fast, so stir constantly and don't leave the pan. Let them cool completely before the next step.
Soak the dates in warm water for 10 minutes to soften. Drain and blend in a mixer to a smooth, dense paste.
In a mixer or food processor, coarsely grind the cooled roasted seeds together — not to a fine powder, but a rough, chunky mixture with some seeds still visible. That texture is what gives the ladoos their character.
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground seeds, date paste, desiccated coconut, cinnamon, cardamom, and almond flour if using. Add the ghee.
Mix vigorously with your hands until a cohesive dough forms. If it's too sticky, add a tbsp more almond flour or coconut. If too dry, add 1-2 tsp warm water or a couple more dates.
Divide into 12 equal portions. Roll each between your palms into a smooth ball. If they're not holding together, refrigerate the mixture for 10 minutes — it firms up and becomes much easier to shape.
Roll each ladoo in desiccated coconut or sesame seeds for a nice finish.
Refrigerate in an airtight container. They keep for 2 weeks in the fridge and 3-4 days at room temperature.
Nutrition per serving
* Approximate values per serving
Health Benefits
These ladoos put the concept of seed cycling for hormone balance into practical, delicious form. Pumpkin seeds are the top dietary source of zinc for vegetarians (2.5mg per 30g), and zinc deficiency is directly linked to poor progesterone production and irregular ovulation in PCOS. Flaxseed lignans are converted by gut bacteria into compounds that bind to oestrogen receptors, reducing the effects of excess oestrogen. Sunflower seeds provide 37% DV of Vitamin E per 30g serving — reducing ovarian oxidative stress and improving egg quality. Sesame adds calcium and zinc alongside sesamin, a lignan that inhibits aromatase (the enzyme that converts androgens to oestrogen).
Pro Tips
- →If your ladoos keep crumbling, add 2-3 more dates. Dates are the binder — not enough dates and nothing holds together.
- →Cool the roasted seeds completely before grinding. Warm seeds release oils too early and the mixture becomes greasy.
- →Make a double batch. These store well and having them ready in the fridge means you always have a smart PCOS snack on hand when hunger hits.
- →For travelling or desk snacking, portion them into small boxes of 2 per serving — makes portion control automatic.
Variations
- 1Add 2 tbsp cacao powder for chocolate seed ladoos — cacao adds magnesium, antioxidants, and makes them taste like truffles.
- 2Replace desiccated coconut with crushed walnuts for additional ALA omega-3 and a more complex flavour.
- 3For a nut-free version for schools or offices, use additional coconut instead of almond flour and increase the dates slightly.
