With so many Superfoods on the market, it can be tough to figure out what to add to your diet. Including healthy foods now can help assure that your body will thank you later. In fact, there are 5 incredible seeds that can significantly improve your health, which you should seriously consider adding to your next grocery list.
Seeds Aren’t Just for the Birds
Eating seeds might seem strange. Aren’t they just for birds, bears, and other wild animals? Of course not! If you’ve ever followed baseball, you’ve seen how snacking on sunflower seeds has taken the place of chewing tobacco. Adding seeds to your diet can also help:
- Reduce cholesterol
- Lower risk of diabetes
- Lower risk of heart disease or stroke
- Protect your cells
Seeds are full of nutrients and good fats. Many contain vitamins and monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats like omega-6 and omega-3.
Delicious Seed Diet Tips
One may ask, “What’s the best way to eat seeds?” Well, there are several ways to enjoy these healthy treats.
- Grab a handful as a snack
- Add them to smoothies
- Sprinkle them in a salad
- Bake them into protein bars
If you keep your seeds in a dry place at room temperature, some seeds can stay good for more than three years! They are super easy to store. You can place them in an air-tight-sealed container in your fridge and they will retain their natural crunchy flavors. They may not last as long if they are prepared in a dish. When cooking with seeds, unfortunately, they will only last as long as the first ingredient to go bad.
The Incredible 5
There are so many wonderful seeds from which to choose, each with dietary and nutritional benefits. However, there are five specific seeds that stand out as ones you should consider adding right now (and we’ll tell you why!) The seeds that made the top of the list are: Flax, Pumpkin, Chia, Sesame, and Hemp.
1) Flax seeds
Flax seeds are very small, brown in color, and shaped like a teardrop. They’re easy to grind up and add in to smoothies, protein bars, oils, and baked goods. These seeds contain lignans, which help balance hormone levels and blood sugar.
2) Pumpkin seeds
Pumpkin seeds are large and green. They contain magnesium, are high in zinc, and help boost the immune system. They’re also high in fiber, which is great for digestion and can help lower heart-disease risk. You can chew them whole or grind them and add to oatmeal, batter for baked goods, or into protein bars.
3) Chia seeds
Chia are tiny grayish-black seeds. They’re known for boosting energy and metabolism. In fact, the word “Chia” means strength in the Mayan language. They’re high in omega-3 fatty amino acids, fiber, and antioxidants. You can munch on a pinch of chia seeds or add them into smoothies, soups, or salads.
4) Sesame seeds
Sesame seeds are small and generally white in color, although they can also be black. They originate from Africa and India and make an incredible oil as well. These seeds contain calcium and iron, which is great for your blood and helps boost bone health. Besides being on bagels, sesame seeds can be tossed into salads or used in cooking and baking.
5) Hemp Seeds
Hemp seeds are small, white, and round. They’re a terrific source of protein, fiber, and vitamin E. Hemp seeds have been known to help with acne and strengthen hair. These seeds are also a natural anti-inflammatory. They assist with providing a “full” feeling, which can be helpful if weight loss is a goal. Hemp seeds can be ground and place in smoothies, oatmeal, and even desserts!
Next time you’re at the market, make sure to add these seeds into your cart. You can always cultivate seeds at home if you’re inclined to plant, grow, harvest, or bake. If you enjoy unique flavors and participate in a healthy diet, then adding these incredible seeds will fit perfectly into your style. Check out GetThrive for many more tips on nutrition and healthy living.