I could write all day long about the benefits of seeds in our diet, however I have summed it up simply and logically, if you don’t have time to read on just remember this...
From a single seed, as if by magic, a full plant will grow. Therefore packed inside that seed is the necessary goodness to make this miracle happen, so by eating seeds we are taking nutrition straight from its source!
They have been used for thousands of years in many different diets around the world for their medicinal and nutritional properties. It’s about time we brought them back into our diet and reaped some of these same benefits!
Seeds are a great source of protein, fibre and essential fats along with a range of vitamins and minerals. They also contain a range of different antioxidants helping to eradicate the free radicals inside our bodies. Here is a break down of the different ingredients and why they are good for us.
Debated whether they originate from South East Asia or America and cultivated by the native Americans, either way they are here now! This seed has been heralded as a symbol of health, now grown widely throughout the world and enjoyed by many.
Containing good amounts of:
Manganese, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Tryptophan, Iron, Copper, Vitamin K and Zinc.
Pumpkin seeds contribute to:
Keeping strong and healthy bones.
The generation of new blood cells.
The formation of proteins.
Lowering cholesterol in the body.
The immune systems response in the body.
Decreasing the risk of certain cancers.
Sustaining our eyesight.
Originally used by the ancient South American tribes it was heralded because of its resemblance to their
God and was then brought back to Europe by Spanish conquistadors. Also cultivated by the American Indians for the past 5,000 years.
Containing a great range of vitamins and minerals including good amounts of:
Vitamin E, Vitamin B1 (thiamin), Manganese, Copper, Tryptophan, Selenium, Phosphorus, Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), Folate
Sunflower seeds contribute to:
Energy and bone production.
Reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes, whilst helping lower blood pressure.
Reducing swelling within the body, due to its anti-inflammatory properties and helping to reduce the symptoms of asthma, arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Reducing the symptoms of migraine headaches.
The eradication of free radicals in the body, by containing powerful anti-oxidants.
Reducing some symptoms of the menopause, as some studies have shown.
History dictates linseed was used as far back as 5000 BC, and all throughout ancient civilizations, including Greece, Egypt and Rome.
A great source of:
Vegetarian chain Omega 3, Manganese, fibre, magnesium, folate, copper, phosphorus and Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
Linseeds contribute to:
Keeping bones healthy and reducing bone loss.
Increasing the speed of signals between the brain and body.
Protecting against Heart Disease, types of Cancer and Diabetes.
Preventing and controlling high blood pressure.
Lowering blood pressure and high cholesterol.
Reducing the rate of prostate cancer growth.
Reducing hot flushes in women.
Grown in tropical regions around the world since ancient times. According to ancient Assyrian legends, when the Gods met to create the world they drank wine made from sesame seeds!
A great source of:
Copper, Magnesium, Manganese, calcium, iron, vitamin B1 (thiamine), Zinc, Phosphorus, Tryptophan Sesamin and Sesamolin
Sesame seeds contribute to:
Providing relief for rheumatoid arthritis.
Preventing bone deterioration.
Protecting colon cells from cancer causing chemicals.
Lowering high blood pressure and reducing the risk of heart attacks, strokes and heart disease.
Reducing symptoms of PMS.
Used throughout the ancient world, oats we know today have their origins placed in Asia.
Before being used as a food it was highly regarded for its medicinal properties. We now know it today
as a staple grain used widely throughout the world. They have always been known for there excellent long lasting energy content along with being a great source of fibre.
A great source of:
Manganese, Selenium, Tryptophan, Phosphorus, Vitamin B1 and Magnesium
Oats contribute to:
Protecting against breast cancer.
Stabilizing blood sugar.
Preventing asthma in youngsters.
Reducing the risk of diabetes.
Lowering cholesterol levels.
Helping prevent heart failure.
Reducing risk of cardiovascular disease.
Used since ancient times as both a food and medicine it is a natural and healthy way to sweeten anything. Beekeeping has been traced back to 700BC, resulting in the production of honey. High in natural sugars and full of friendly bacteria, there are always new stories coming out about the health benefits of this amazing substance.
A great source of:
Manganese, Selenium, Tryptophan, Phosphorus, Vitamin B1 and Magnesium
Honey contributes to:
Fighting infection being an antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral substance.
Improving athletic performance.
Healing and patching up wounds (when poured directly on).
Improving blood sugar control.