Seeds, also known as achenes, are the fruits of plants containing embryos. Unlike nuts, seeds are not enclosed in a shell. Seeds have been an important food source for many cultures since prehistory, and their use is spreading to more modern cultures.
Seeds’ health benefits include reducing inflammation, boosting brain health, and lowering cholesterol levels. They are also a great source of protein, fiber, and vitamins. Seeds can be eaten raw or cooked, but they’re more nutritious when roasted or fried because this process unlocks enzymes that make them easier to digest.
Here is an overview of some popular seeds and their health benefits:
Hemp Seeds
Hemp seeds are a good source of protein and can be used as a replacement for animal products. They have a nutty flavor, which makes them a great base for smoothies.
They can be eaten raw or toasted for added flavor. They are also used to make hemp milk, but you can use the seeds in any recipe that calls for nuts or seeds.
Hemp seeds are rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation, combat disease, and promote healthy brain function. The seeds also contain gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid that is important for skin health and brain development during pregnancy.
Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds are one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to help lower cholesterol levels and reduce inflammation in the body. These tiny golden-brown seeds are also rich in fiber, lignans, and other nutrients.
Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds are high in protein and contain healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals such as iron, thiamine (vitamin B1), magnesium, and zinc. The oil from sunflower seeds may also help prevent heart disease by lowering bad cholesterol levels and raising good cholesterol levels.
Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are high in zinc, which is helpful in the production of testosterone and sperm count in men. Zinc also helps in balancing hormones during menopause.
Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and fiber. They’re also high in protein and calcium. Chia seeds can be added to smoothies, baked goods, and salads or eaten by themselves as a snack. They’re easy to digest, so they’re good for those who have trouble with beans or legumes.
Wheat Seeds
Wheat seeds have many health benefits, especially for diabetics, as they are low in calories and rich in fiber. They are also a rich source of vitamin E, folate, manganese, and magnesium. The high level of beta-carotene present in wheat seeds helps to protect against heart disease and cancer.
Tomato seeds
Tomato seed oil is rich in vitamin E, which helps to keep your skin looking young. It also contains linoleic acid, which promotes the production of collagen, a protein that maintains the elasticity of your skin cells. This helps prevent wrinkles and fine lines from appearing too early on your face.
The seeds also contain an essential fatty acid called linoleic acid, which plays an important role in the growth of hair follicles and helps prevent hair loss due to aging or stress.
Wintermelon seeds
Wintermelon seeds are small, round, and white. They can be eaten raw or roasted and have a nutty flavor. These seeds are high in protein and fiber, which makes them a good choice for people who are dieting or trying to lose weight. Wintermelon seeds are also rich in the amino acid arginine, which helps dilate blood vessels, allowing more blood to flow through the body.
Wintermelon seeds contain vitamins A and B, calcium, and iron. They also have high levels of magnesium and potassium—two minerals that help maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
Grapefruit Seeds
Grapefruit seeds have been used for centuries for their anti-inflammatory properties. They help to reduce inflammation in the body caused by various diseases, such as arthritis, asthma, and allergies. In addition to this, they also help to cure other inflammatory conditions like psoriasis and eczema.
Grapefruit seeds also contain antioxidants that help to prevent cancerous cells from developing in the body. These antioxidants also help to prevent heart disease, strokes, and even dementia due to their anti-inflammatory properties. Moreover, they can also lower blood pressure levels by reducing cholesterol levels in the body.
Soybean Seeds
Soybean seeds are known as one of the most nutritious foods. Soybeans are a complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids needed for human growth and development. They also contain vitamins A and D, iron, zinc, magnesium, and potassium.
Soybeans contain phytoestrogens (plant estrogens) called isoflavones, which may reduce the risk of heart disease and osteoporosis. The high level of unsaturated fats and linoleic acid in soybean seeds helps reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering cholesterol levels in the blood.
(Takeaway)
The benefits of seeds can vary from one individual to another. The amount of seeds eaten daily and their quality play a huge role in their effectiveness. Still, the possibility of preventing or curing several diseases with the help of seeds is promising and something that goes in line with many other opinions.
There is no specific way to incorporate these seed bursts into a daily diet, but as long as you are doing it in moderation and eating whole foods along with them, it will bring numerous benefits.
About Bea
Bea is a copywriter specializing in adept research and creating all kinds of content. She’s all about getting creative, developing relationships, and contributing to making businesses succeed through her writing.
When she’s not writing (professionally), you can see her binge-watching RuPaul’s Drag Race or writing film reviews on Letterboxd.