Why Seeds?

Blog originally posted through WellCats Newsletter

When thinking about simple and easy ways to make your meals more interesting and nutritious, don’t forget about seeds! Flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, hemp seeds, sesame seeds, and more can help to provide more interesting tastes and textures in your diet while providing critical nutrients like essential fatty acids, protein and fiber. Super food seeds provide nutrients known to help prevent chronic inflammation, increase satiety, and may even help reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, as well as diabetes. Read on to learn more about each of these seeds and their unique properties.

Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds are a fantastic source of protein and fiber, yet also low in fat and calories making it a great snack choice or addition to salads, sauces, and more. Pumpkin seeds also contain monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, as well as vitamin E, zinc, iron, magnesium, and phosphorous. Plus, they have more than 8 grams of protein per ounce!

Hemp Seeds

Hemp seeds are unique to other seeds in that they contain all essential amino acids in the proper proportions needed for a healthy diet. This makes them a great option for vegetarians and vegans however hemp seeds are a great source of nutrition for everyone to enjoy. Hemp seeds are also an excellent source of essential fatty acids as well as fiber. Hemp seeds have a robust nutty taste and are a delicious topping for salads, yogurt, granola, and even soups.

Chia Seeds

Surprisingly to many, chia seeds come from the plant salvia hispanica of the mint family. They are a great source of fiber, containing 10 grams per 2 tablespoons, and are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Chia seeds can easily be added to meals by simply sprinkling them on oatmeal, as well as adding them to cereals, yogurt or smoothies.

Flaxseeds

Flaxseeds have similar properties to chia seeds and can easily be added to smoothies, oatmeal, cereals, yogurt, and baked goods. Flaxseeds should be ground in order to obtain the highest nutritional value from the seeds. Flaxseeds and chia seeds may help reduce the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers due to their high fiber content as well as omega-3 fatty acids.

Sesame Seeds

Sesame seeds are an often forgotten gem when it comes to seeds. They make great additions to salads, soups, baked goods, and are often used in Asian dishes. For anyone avoiding dairy, sesame seeds are an excellent alternative source of calcium. ¼ cup provides as much calcium as an entire glass of milk. Sesame seeds can often be found in dishes using the ground form known as tahini. It has a peanut butter type consistency and is often found in hummus or used to season various dishes.