10 Super Seeds of Health

Lisa Franchi November 07, 2014

Seeds are tiny nutritional powerhouses that can significantly improve your health when added in your regular diet. There are a lot of seeds that are known for their amazing health benefits. They include the following:

Hemp

This seed is a vegetarian favourite because it is a complete protein, meaning, it contains all 20 amino acids which play a key role in building lean, strong muscles. Hemp tastes like pine nuts, which make it a perfect addition to plain Greek yoghurt, vegetable salad, cereals, oatmeal, and more.

Chia

Chia seed is high in calcium. It is loaded with antioxidants, carbohydrates, fibre, and protein that all contribute to weight loss. It also contains essential nutrients like magnesium, phosphorus, calcium and fats.

Pumpkin for Energy

Just 1/4 cup of pumpkin seeds contains nearly half of the recommended daily amount of magnesium. This essential nutrient contributes to a wide range of vitally important physiological functions, including the creation of ATP (adenosine triphosphate, the energy molecules of your body), the synthesis of RNA and DNA, the pumping of your heart, proper bone and tooth formation, relaxation of your blood vessels, and proper bowel function.

Sesame Seeds

These very flavourful seeds are rich in linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid that may help control harmful cholesterol. They also have manganese, calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, vitamin B1, zinc, selenium and many other vitamins and minerals.

Pomegranate Seeds

Pomegranate is low in calories, high in fibre, vitamins and phytochemicals that may promote heart health and help to prevent cancer.

Flaxseeds

Flax has cancer-fighting phytochemicals called lignans that reduce disease-causing inflammation. It is also an excellent source of fibre (both soluble and insoluble types). Flax is also considered a “food for the heart” food because of its high omega-3 fatty acid contents. Several studies have suggested that diets rich in flaxseed omega-3s help prevent the hardening of the arteries and keep plaque from being deposited in the arteries partly by keeping white blood cells from sticking to the blood vessels’ inner linings.

Wheat Germ

Want to boost your digestive health? This slightly sweet seed has inulin, a type of fibre that helps maintain good digestion. It offers preventative benefits against cardiovascular disease and cancer, and contains essential nutrients that boost the immune system. Wheat germ can act as an additive in desserts or smoothies, or even as a replacement for breadcrumbs or flour.

Apricot Seeds

These nutritious seeds contain amygdalin, which is also known as vitamin B17, which attacks cancer cells and can help prevent cancer from breaking out in our bodies.

Sunflower Seeds

Sunflower seeds are an excellent source of vitamin E, the body’s primary fat-soluble antioxidant. Vitamin E travels throughout the body neutralising free radicals that would otherwise damage fat-containing structures and molecules, such as cell membranes, brain cells, and cholesterol.

Grape Seeds

A study published in the journal Carcinogenesis shows that grape seed extract (GSE) kills squamous cell carcinoma cells, while leaving healthy cells unharmed. By limiting lipid oxidation, phenolic acids in grape seeds may reduce risk of heart disease, such as by inhibiting platelet aggregation and reducing inflammation.

Share to us how you enjoy your super seeds in the comment section below!