Why seeds are good for you

And this tasty trend is appearing everywhere, including in breads and puddings. What makes seeds so good for you? Their high concentration of healthy fats, for one thing.

Each has unique benefits and nutrients to offer. Here are a few favorites to consider. Try them: Mild in flavor with a crunch like poppy seeds, chia seeds can be added to smoothies or other liquids, which makes them swell to a gel-like consistency.

Use them to stretch eggs in recipes for baked goods; 1 tablespoon soaked in 3 tablespoons of water for 10 minutes equals one egg. Refrigerate at least 2 hours and stir before serving. Top with chopped walnuts and another teaspoon of maple syrup. Rich in ALAs, flaxseeds are also a good way to get lignans, a fiberlike compound with antioxidant properties that may lower the risk of heart disease and some cancers.

Try them: Grinding makes them easier to digest and boosts nutrient absorption. Ground flaxseed can sub for breadcrumbs; use as a coating on baked chicken or fish, or sprinkle on pasta dishes. Try them: Roast and use seeds in salads in place of croutons, in grain dishes, or on their own as a crunchy snack.

Look for seasoned varieties, whether sweet or spicy. Shelled pumpkin seeds may be labeled as pepitas. You get 22 to 31 percent of your daily need for zinc—which helps keep your immune system strong—and 23 percent of iron in just 3 tablespoons.

Try them: Toasted, they have a deep, nutty flavor that complements steamed veggies and stir-fries. See all results matching 'mub'. News » Lifestyle » Food News » 5 seeds you must eat daily and 5 you should never eat. Count: We have sent you a verification email. To verify, just follow the link in the message. Now Reading: 5 seeds you must eat daily and 5 you should never eat. Share fbshare twshare pinshare Comments 0. There is a craze for chia seeds these days and the only reason why people are going mad for it is the amount of fibre these seeds have along with Omega-3 fats.

Studies suggest that eating chia seeds may also reduce blood sugar levels while reducing appetite, which can aid in weight loss. It is advised to eat them soaked or as part of salad. You can soak them in water and drink the water along with the seeds for better gut health. Commonly consumed in Asian countries, sesame seeds are known to have lignans that may help in reducing stress hormones and they are also said to improve the quality of sex hormones in the body.

Being warm nature, sesame seeds also help reduce inflammation. These seeds are best enjoyed in the form of a dish. Some studies suggest that they are a source of good fat and they help reducing bad cholesterol. With a good amount of protein present in sunflower seeds, they help reduce the risk of heart disease. They contain high-level of both Omega-6 and monounsaturated fats and they help reduce cholesterol levels in the body.

Except in several parts of Bengal and Bihar, where dried seeds of Pumpkin are fried in mustard oil and relished as a delicacy, they are generally cast away. They are loaded with Omega-6 fats and phosphorus and are hence good for the bones, the nerves and heart. They are known to be a good source of phytosterol, a plant-based compound that can help in lowering blood cholesterol. One of the most popular seeds that you can find in nearby stores, flax seeds are known to be an excellent source of fibre and Omega-3 fats.

Also known as linseeds, they can help reduce cholesterol and blood pressure. Studies suggest that flax seeds can also reduce the risk of cancer.

Have them roasted, they taste delicious! With a gooey texture, tomato seeds are just like those small culprits who keep on distracting us. They are very small and we generally used them for making purees for food, while the raw tomatoes are used for making several vegetables and salads.

Studies have suggested that eating tomato seeds can cause kidney stones as they contain oxalate which helps in the formation of these stones. However, you must know this fact that this happens only when you are consuming huge quantities of tomatoes every day.

They are known to be poisonous! The reason is the presence of a compound called amygdalin. When the seeds are digested or chewed, this compound releases hydrogen cyanide, which is poisonous and can even result in death.

In fact, eating a high-fiber diet—which may include nuts and seeds—may reduce the risk of diverticular disease. That being said, if you have diverticulitis and you believe that nuts and seeds trigger your attacks, avoid these foods and get your fiber from other dietary sources.

Also, you can certainly eat too many seeds. Because they contain a concentrated source of fat and calories, it is best to enjoy them in small amounts—one-eighth to one-quarter cup, three or four times a week.

I recommend eating only organic seeds. Try to avoid irradiated or roasted seeds—stick with raw seeds when you can. Kendrick : Seeds do have natural toxins—the seeds need them to survive in the wild. Most healthy people can process these toxins without problems, but some patients who have a compromised immune system should avoid seeds. The phytic acid in seeds and nuts can affect our digestive system by binding to minerals like calcium, iron, and magnesium and preventing them from being absorbed.

It can be removed from the seeds by soaking them in salty water overnight and then letting them dry before storing them. Some nuts and seeds also contain lectin, which can irritate the gut lining and create inflammation in some people. Duke Header Image Link.