Part 2 is going to talk about seeds that are beneficial to our health and well being, once again seeds should be eaten raw and unsalted, and of course there are always exceptions to this rule, such as some seeds can be made into oils and other forms, which are just as healthy for us. This list is not conclusive, I am just covering some of the most popular and beneficial seeds so that it gives you an idea how good seeds are for you and you will use them in your daily diet and your menu preparation and on to healthy living.
Pumpkin Seeds: They are also called Pepitas and are very nutritious. They can promote increased energy, and who can't use that; they support the function of the immune system; assists in prostate health; they have protein, minerals, calcium, omega 3 fatty acids, zinc and have the heart healthy fat that reduces bad cholesterol. You can eat them as a healthy snack on the run or in a trail mix blended with the other seeds listed below and/or the nuts in part 1, however, they are high in calories, so they should be eaten in moderation; you can roast them at home and put them in salads, soups and cereal.
Flax Seeds: This is one powerhouse of a whole grain food, it is considered one of the superfoods, its health benefits are many: helps prevent colon cancer; regulates cholesterol; regulates blood glucose readings; helps prevent the onset of cancers; prevents constipation; can aid in weight loss; it is contains Omega 3 which supports metabolic, cardiovascular functions. You can sprinkle the seeds on salads or in your cooking, how I like it is ground (just grind in your coffee grinder) and put in my morning smoothie. Flax seed is also consumed in the form of oil and that will be discussed in another part of this series
Sesame Seeds: Wow, these little tiny, wonderful seed is a real powerhouse seed. These seeds are 25% protein; you do not want to toast them as when you do they loose some of their nutrients. The fat content is another marvelous observation, with 38% monounsaturated and 44% polyunsaturated which equals 82% unsaturated fatty acids; also because sesame seeds are a plant food, there is no need to worry about cholesterol.
They are also high in calcium, vitamin B, riboflavin, thiamin, niacin, folic acid. Even though you can eat these whole on salads and cooking; it is best to get the full nutrient value by consuming in the form of sesame oil, tahini or sesame butter, as the whole seeds do not break down readily and release all their nutrients. Tahini is sesame seeds ground into a paste and used in stir fry and/or any other kind of cooking, you find this in a lot of Asian cooking and it is available in most health food stores, get use to using this superfood in your everyday cooking and reap the healthy benefits of this tiny food wonder and it also tastes really yummy.
Sunflower Seeds: Once again these powerful seeds can be added to salads, popcorn, homemade baking, eaten whole and added to a trail mix. Seeds should be eaten raw and unsalted; and it is important to never eat rancid or overheated sunflower seeds as they can increase the risk of free radical formation. Sunflower seeds are very high in vitamin E, which is linked to reduce heart disease.
Fenugreek Seeds: This seed seems to be a powerhouse on helping to reduce the stress of diabetes by stimulating the pancreas to release insulin; insulin causes the blood sugar to drop, which may help ease diabetic symptoms. It has also been know to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and aids in digestion.
So here are some really healthy alternatives to eating healthy and living healthy; make a practice to add one or more of these wonderful powerful seeds in your daily living and give yourself a boost of energy and a mental feeling of doing a good deed for your mind, body and soul.
Thought for the day: "The greatest blessing you can make on food is to enjoy it" -Alan Cohen-
My life is a work in progress; my current passion is health and wellness in the arena of organic food, holistic health, natural wellness and sharing information with the physically challenged. I reside in my own personal wellness center retreat and sanctuary in California and this affords me to bring to you my wisdom, knowledge and spiritual self in my writings Darlene Siddons http://www.spiritedboutique.com
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment