Seeds are crops at their very beginning stage of life. Because they contain all the nutrients essential for growing a healthy and resilient plant, they offer our bodies a wealth of benefits when we eat them.
Besides providing nutrient-dense energy, seeds are also low-impact on the environment. Seeds make healthy food a simple and easy choice for everyone. Compared to nuts, seeds provide a similar nutritional profile and are a great source of plant protein. Schools have become more sensitive to nut allergies, therefore, seed-based products have become a popular alternative snack option.
Sunflower Seeds
The shelled kernels inside the seeds of the tall, sun-worshipping sunflower are bursting with Vitamin E. This vitamin serves as an antioxidant in our bodies, and is important for maintaining the strength and integrity of cellular membranes. This is why it is often credited for giving people glowing skin and strong, shiny hair. Just two tablespoons of sunflower seeds provide almost half of the recommended daily value of Vitamin E, which is incredible considering that recent estimates show upwards of 90% of Americans don’t get enough from their diets.
Because the body can’t absorb Vitamin E without fat, the oil-brimming sunflower seed provides the perfect package for our bodies to utilize this important antioxidant to its fullest extent.Sunflower seeds also pack in thiamin and Vitamin B-6, which are both essential for healthy metabolism.
Pumpkin Seeds
Green in color, pepitas--the kernels of the seeds inside the orange-fleshed pumpkin--are ripe with vitamin K, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and manganese. Offering many similar benefits as other seeds due to their mineral content, pumpkin seeds stand out for providing a great dose of iron. For vegans and vegetarians who don’t get iron from animal products, pumpkin seeds provide an alternative source. Similar to dark leafy greens, the vitamin K in pumpkin seeds helps promote optimal bone strength and healthy blood clotting.
Pepitas are a complete protein, providing all nine essential amino acids along with a rich dose of heart-healthy, inflammation-fighting unsaturated fats.
Apricot Seeds
Apricot seeds contain high levels of amygdalin (vitamin B17) as well as significant levels of vitamin E, pangamic acid (vitamin B15), as well as small amounts of fat and no cholesterol. In a half-cup of apricot seeds, there are 14 grams of carbohydrates, most of which are made of dietary fiber (10 grams). There are also 14 grams of protein in a half-cup of these seeds, along with an average of 260 calories.
Some of the proven health benefits of apricot seeds include boosting digestive health, improving growth and repair, balancing cholesterol levels, increasing energy, protecting the skin, preventing cancer, strengthening the heart, supporting the immune system, and soothing respiratory distress.
Apricot seeds for cancer are considered to be effective in treating cancer. Scientists have found that apricot seeds contain a compound known as amygdaline. When put to clinical tests, it was found that it helps to curb the carcinogenic cells from spreading in the body. It also helps to eradicate tumors and suppress cancer.
Remember that you should never consume more than 3 small apricot seeds per day if you are an adult. For children, the dosage should be half of the seed per day and not more than that.
Chia seeds
Chia seeds are considered a superfood mainly because of their high omega-3 fatty acids and dietary fiber content. These two dietary compounds are mainly related to the health benefits of chia seeds: balanced cholesterol and blood pressure for heart health, increased satiety, antioxidant properties, and digestive health. Furthermore, many people following a plant-based diet choose chia seeds as a gluten- and lactose-free protein source. Some medical studies show that long-term daily chia consumption may reduce fat percentage and waist circumference in overweight and diabetic adults.
Sesame Seeds
It is widely recommended by Ayurveda and other traditional systems of medicine for a multitude of reasons, including its capacity to enhance body heat and energy and its benefits for the skin and hair. They are a mainstay of Indian cuisine and are a must-have in any Indian household.
There are various health benefits to being exposed to a tablespoon of sesame seeds daily, including antibacterial and antioxidant characteristics, as well as anti-inflammatory and anti-cancerous capabilities. It is suggested that everyone take a tablespoon of sesame seeds daily. Sesame seeds also have insulin-like characteristics as well as anti-cancer effects. Sesame seeds are also a good source of fiber and contain antioxidants that are anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer in nature, which is a nice benefit for people with diabetes.
This has a positive impact on the health of your liver and serves as a gastroprotective component, in addition to restoring hormonal balance in females, making it an excellent supplement.
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