6 Seeds You Must Start Eating

For decades we have been discarding seeds after eating fruits and vegetables, it is only now that we have realised the nutritional power and benefits of these seeds. Seeds are like the starting point of life, their size can be deceiving but their health properties surpass many other food groups.

There are a lot of seeds that are edible and can be easily consumed at any time of the day. They are super versatile in terms of pairing, they go well with sweet and savoury as a topping or can be turned into a snack by adding seasonings and spices of your choice. A lot of these can also be roasted for extra crunch and flavour.

Here are a few healthy seeds options that you can easily include in your daily diet.

• Chia Seeds: Chia Seeds are said to have 2x times more protein than beans and are a natural energy booster, loaded with nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, protein, fibre and calcium. The fibre in these seeds helps to keep you full for longer, reducing chances of sudden cravings. It is also said that Chia seeds reduce blood sugar effectively. Add it to your smoothies, shakes, juices and even desserts like pudding.

• Flax Seeds: Popularly known for being an egg replacement in baking recipes, these tiny seeds are so much more than that. Known for reducing bad cholesterol and keeping blood pressure in check, Flax seeds are no less than a super-food. Roasted and Salted Flax Seeds are great to munch on as it is but you could also add them to your salads and soups or even your tadkas for dal to give a great nutty flavour and nutritional boost.

• Pomegranate Seeds: Rich source of antioxidants, Pomegranate seeds are effective in increasing the oxygen levels in the blood and oxygenation of the overall body. They prevent clogging of blood vessels which ultimately also helps in reducing risks of heart attacks and other cardiovascular diseases. These sweet treats obviously are delicious as it is but you could also try having them as a juice or brew some pomegranate flavoured tea.

• Pumpkin Seeds: A lot of us rely on artificial supplements and tablets for protein and even Vitamin B, there is also a very common myth that vegetarian food groups are not protein-rich. Introducing to you a protein-packed seed, Pumpkin Seed, that naturally helps our body reach its daily protein requirements. Snack on them directly or make a delicious spreadable pumpkin seed butter.

• Sesame Seeds: Probably one of the first types of seeds consumed and used in cooking preparations, Sesame seeds are a favourite in Asian cuisine. Primarily used as an oil, these seeds are rich in Vitamin E, Iron, Magnesium and Phosphorus. They have shown signs of lowering cholesterol and protecting the liver.

• Sunflower seeds: Excellent source of magnesium and vitamins, these seeds are really flavourful and taste even better with seasonings and spices. Magnesium found in sunflower seeds is known to help with asthma, blood pressure and cholesterol. Adding them to your baked goods like cookies, bread and crackers is an easy way to incorporate them into your diet.

Give your meals an extra boost with these Healthy Seeds, add them as a topping or grind them into powders and add it to your spice mixes, the options are endless. You can easily find these Healthy Seeds in the market and add them to your meals in whatever way you like.