Load your kitchen jar with pumpkin, flax, sesame and sunflower seeds, you ask why? because seeds are full of essential nutrients that help build and repair the body. Since seeds contain an abundance of nutrients, you do not have to eat a lot of them. You can consume a tablespoon or two a day.
Let’s see which seeds you can consume:
Pumpkin seeds
Fun fact: Emperor of the sun is the nickname for pumpkin in China and it symbolizes fruitfulness. The name pumpkin is derived from the Greek word pepon, which means cooked in the sun.
Health benefits: Pumpkin seeds contain protein, omega-3 essential fatty acids, zinc, iron and phosphorus and are low in carbohydrates. They are rich in amino acids alanine, glycine, and glutamic acid. Pumpkin seeds are beneficial in prostate disorders.
How to consume: Sprinkle pumpkin seeds over salads. You can roast the seeds to bring out natural flavor and an aromatic magic
Sunflower seeds
Fun fact: In the early civilizations, people used to worship the sunflower. Sunflower seeds are used as animal food in earlier days and were brewed into a distinctive yellow dye for their clothes and skin.
Health benefits: Sunflower seeds contain B-complex vitamins which help the nervous system. These are also good sources of phosphorous, magnesium, iron, calcium, potassium, protein and vitamin-E. Good fats such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids which protect the arteries. Sunflower seeds may also help protect against heart disease and sources of vitamin B can also help in the fight against stress.
How to consume: Sunflower seeds are also high in protein and low in carbohydrates which makes it the best add-on snack with any snack items.
Flax seeds
Fun fact: The flax plant is known as early as the stone age and its health benefits were widely praised in ancient Greece and Rome.
Health benefits: Flax seeds contain omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids, which are needed for bodily functions, as well as dietary fiber and manganese. They are also good sources of folate and vitamin B6 and the minerals magnesium, phosphorus, and copper. Consuming these seeds will help relieve menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes. Relief for constipation is also another added benefit.
How to consume: Flax seeds can be consumed with your morning cereal, yogurt, salads, smoothies’, soups, etc.
Sesame seeds
Fun fact: Sesame seeds are considered symbols of immortality in the Hindu mythology when Lord Yama blesses these seeds.
Health benefits: Sesame seeds are low in carbohydrates and are a good source of protein, iron, zinc, magnesium, calcium and phytic acid. They are a well-known source of vitamin E plus omega-6 and monounsaturated fats. These can help in proving the furring of the arteries as well as boost the elasticity of the skin. They may also help lower cholesterol levels because of sesamin and sesamolin present in them. Other benefits include aid in digestion, to stimulate blood circulation and help the nervous system.
How to consume: A well-known paste known as tahini is made from sesame seeds. You also can eat it directly.
On that note, we are signing off! Take care and keep munching!