SEEDS THAT YOU NEED TO INCLUDE IN YOUR DIET

SEEDS THAT YOU NEED TO INCLUDE IN YOUR DIET | BENEFITS OF SEED |

- July 30, 2020

WHAT ARE SEEDS?

The official definition of seeds is " a small embryonic plant enclosed in a covering called the seed coat, usually with some stored food, or the small hard part of a plant from which a new plant of the same kind can grow."

So this the google definition of seeds but in general words seeds are something from which a plant or a tree grows, this is what we have been taught in our junior classes and I totally agrees with it but there are a lot of things that we don't know about it or even think of. So let's get started.

SEEDS IN TERM OF FOOD

Seeds are those resources of food that can be stored for a longer period of time and can be consumed in different forms.

Seeds can perform a versatile role in almost every dish, it adds a quick pop of texture and nutrition to our every meal.

It adds crunchiness and a bite to the dish making it more presentable as well as adding nutritional value.

Seeds are rich in protein, calcium, dietary fibers, potassium, and many more.

Seeds can be easily inculcated in our diet from chia seeds pudding or smoothie to pine nut pesto sauce and, many more.

So here I am gonna classify 5 seeds that are good for our health.

1. CHIA SEED

So I guess almost everyone must be known to this name. CHIA SEEDS are of salvia Hispanics, a flowering plant native to central and southern Mexico. these are oval and grey with black and white spots.

BENEFITS-

They are loaded with antioxidants.
They are high in quality protein.
It helps you to lose weight.
They are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Lowers our risk of heart disease.
Reduce blood sugar levels.
High dietary fiber content.

You can either have these without cooking or can soak them in water for a few minutes and then add it to your smoothie, puddings or shakes or anything.

2. FLAXSEED

Again, I assumed that you guys must be heard of this also. So it comes from the crop which ancient people of china and Egypt grows as their functional food. These are dark brown in color and flat drop like structure.

BENEFITS-

They are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Lignans, present in flaxseeds help to reduce cancer risk.
They are also rich in dietary fibers.
It helps to gain good cholesterol.
It helps to lower blood pressure.
Keep our sugar levels under control.
Keeps you feeling full

Soak them to water and it will act as miracle ingredients to many of your dishes like you can take it as a part of your daily fluid intake, can be used as an egg substitute, can be used to thicken smoothies, and many more.

You can also sprinkle the seeds on your salads or bread or cereals.

Mix the powder of flaxseed to your favorite dal(pulse) and enjoy it.

3.PUMPKIN SEEDS

Pumpkin seeds are also known as pepita and are edible seeds of the pumpkin. They are generally flat and asymmetrically oval and are light green in color.

BENEFITS-

Also a good source of antioxidants.
High in plant-based proteins.
Builds immunity.
Helps to prevent iron deficiency ANEMIA
A quick and convenient snack option.
Cucurbitacin, present in pumpkin seeds helps in hair growth.

Dry roast it for a better snacking option or use them in baking bread, muffins, or for garnishing salads or soups.

4. SESAME SEEDS

Sesame seeds come from a flowering plant in the genus Sesamum, also called benne. They are widely distributed in tropical regions around the world and sesame seeds grow in pods.

BENEFITS-

Very good source of fiber.
Supports healthy bones.
Reduce inflammation.
Good source of B vitamins.
May aid blood sugar control.
Supports our immune system.
Balance hormones during menopause.

Add sesame seeds to your salads, cereals, smoothies, bread and muffins, hummus, and yogurt. You can also use sesame oil for salad dressings. Also, you can make energy balls from sesame seeds and jaggery.

5. POPPY SEEDS

Poppy seed is an oilseed obtained from the opium poppy. The tiny, kidney-shaped seeds have been harvested from dried seed pods. These are generally light brown in color and in India it is also called khus-khus or Khas-Khas.