Seeds have been used in food products for a long time now, and within good reason as well. These tiny tit-bits are actually full of some amazing nutrients that sometimes one cannot get from the usual foods we decide to consume.
To top it all off, most of these seeds are beautifully versatile and brilliantly delicious as well. Here are our top 5 picks.
- Chia Seeds:
Source: deliciouslyorganic
Chia seeds happen to be an amazing source of fibers as well as omega-3 fats. Thanks to a lot of research, it has been found that Chia seeds actually help increase a compound called ALA in the blood. ALA is basically an important omega-3 fatty acid which is exceptionally brilliant at reducing inflammation.
Apart from all this, chia seeds also happen to be full of thiamine, magnesium, manganese, omega 6 fatty acids as well. And if all that was not enough, then chia seeds have also been known to reduce blood sugar levels very effectively too.
2. Hemp Seeds:
Source: healthjade
A wonderful source of vegetarian protein, hemp seeds should truly be included into diets of vegans and vegetarians alike. More than 30% of the seeds are filled with proteins while the rest of it houses some other very important nutrients.
The special thing about hemp seeds is that they contain pretty much every essential amino acid that your body is not able to make on its own. Hemp seeds are also said to contain a compound called gamma-linolenic acid which is another fatty acid with anti-inflammatory properties.
3. Flaxseeds:
Source: vegetariantimes
Also called linseeds, flaxseeds might just be the most nutrient dense seeds on this list of ours, and for good measure. Containing anti-oxidants like lignans and omega-3 fatty acids, flaxseeds help in lowering cholesterol in the body very effectively.
As a result of this, the risk of getting heat diseases goes down to a minimum. If that was not all, then flaxseeds also happen to reduce blood pressure whilst also preventing the growth of cancerous tumours in the body.
4. Pumpkin Seeds:
Source: paleofoundation
Every one of us has had pumpkin seeds at least once, haven’t we? The most commonly consumed amongst the seed family, pumpkin seeds too are filled with a number of nutrients that prove to be very beneficial for our health when consumed on a regular basis.
Filled with phosphorous, omega-6 fatty acids and monounsaturated fats, they also contain a compound known as phytosterols that are effective in lowering the cholesterol levels in the body. Research has also shown that women who consumed pumpkin seeds were at a lower risk of developing breast cancer when compared to women who did not consume pumpkin seeds.
5. Sunflower Seeds:
source: foodtolive
Another common seed that can be found in a lot of homes nowadays happens to be the sunflower seed. This little miracle worker consists of nutrients like vitamin E, proteins and various monounsaturated fats as well.
Some of the health benefits that have been observed post the regular consumption of this seed are a reduction in inflammation in older people and reduced cholesterol levels in women who were postmenopausal and were suffering from type 2 diabetes as well.
