Suddenly seeds are everywhere—bars, smoothies you name it. Seeds are nutritional powerhouses. It is always useful to know what seeds are better suited for certain tasks. Just the same, when it comes to eating, particular seeds have standout flavours and many work all over the place. Lets get started 🙂
- Chia Seeds
Chia Seeds are rich in fiber, omega 3 fats, protein, vitamins and minerals. Chia seeds provide much more Omega 3 than Omega 6, useful in keeping those omega ratios right to combat inflammation. They also blend quietly into foods, though they don’t add a distinctive flavour, making them excellent for smoothies. They can also be used to create an egg substitute in baking. Whole chia seeds also expand in liquid, they can give texture to juice, iced tea or smoothies.
- Flax Seeds
Flax seed benefits could help you improve digestion, give you clear skin, lower cholesterol, reduce sugar cravings … and that’s just the beginning! Flaxseeds, sometimes called linseeds, are small, brown, tan or golden-coloured seeds that are the richest sources of a plant-based omega-3 fatty acids, called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) in the world. Just be sure to use ground flax seeds, since the whole seeds will pass through the body without providing nutrients. Flax seeds keep better if you buy them whole, however, but can be ground in a coffee grinder or spice blender. Sprinkle the ground seeds on anything, including salads, smoothies, and baked veggies, as an egg-replacer, or even make them into crackers.
- Hemp Seeds
Hemp seeds are easily digested by the body and is one of the most nutritious foods available in nature. They contain high amounts of essential fatty acids, essential amino acids and proteins. A perfect 3:1 ratio of Omega-6 Linoleic Acid and Omega-3 Linolenic Acid – for cardiovascular health and general strengthening of the immune system. When it comes to eating hemp seeds, they add a nice, nutty background flavour and mild texture. They blend well in smoothies or oats.
- Pomegranate Seeds
Pomegranates are rich in vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. The majority of that fiber is found in the white seeds hiding beneath the pockets of juice. It contains 48% of the recommended daily vitamin C intake, important for a variety of health functions. Pomegranate seeds contain a high number of antioxidants, which help protect the body against inflammation and free radical damage. These seeds can be eaten as a snack or added to recipes when you’re looking for a burst of sweetness, such as oatmeal, salads, or in sweet and sour stir-fry. They can also be added to a fresh trail mix in place of raisins or quinoa dishes.
- Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are nutritional powerhouses wrapped up in a very small package, with a wide variety of nutrients ranging from magnesium and manganese to copper, protein and zinc. They contain a wide array of beneficial plant compounds known as phytosterols and free-radical scavenging antioxidants, which can give your health an added boost. In order to preserve the healthy fats present in the seeds, pumpkin seeds should be eaten raw. Pumpkin seeds are a great snack on their own and also add a nice flavourful crunch to salad, pastas and breads, or they can be blended to accentuate smoothies.
- Quinoa
A complete protein and fantastic wheat-free alternative, the demand for quinoa has risen sharply in recent years but it’s also high in minerals, including: phosphorus, folate, copper, manganese, and magnesium. Quinoa is a great food to include for its high fiber content. Plus, it’s extremely versatile for cooking, standing in for grains like rice or oatmeal.
- Sunflower Seeds
The sunflower seed is the fruit of the sunflower. Sweet, nutty sunflower seeds are an excellent source of essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Sunflower kernels actually employed to extract edible oil at commercial levels. Besides being eaten as popular snacks, they are also used in the kitchen to prepare variety of recipes.
- Sesame Seeds
Sesame seeds add a nutty taste and a delicate, almost invisible, crunch to many Asian dishes. They are also the main ingredients in tahini (sesame seed paste). They are available throughout the year. They are also a good source of iron and calcium, and provide fiber that lower cholesterol and protect the heart.