The Nutritional Benefits of Seeds

Interested in Seeds? Here are Some Benefits of Seeds 

 

Seeds are all the starting materials you need to make and develop rich and complex plants. Because of this very reason, they are super nutritious. Seeds are fantastic sources of fibre, plant-based protein, healthy monounsaturated fats, polyunsaturated fats and many important vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. When seeds are coupled with a healthy balanced diet, they can yield many benefits for some people like reduced blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol. 

 

In this article, we’re going to explore what healthy seeds you should eat, the benefits of all types of seeds like chia seeds, hemp seeds, flax seeds, how to eat seeds, and where to buy seeds in Dublin. 

 

Flax Seeds: 

Flaxseeds, commonly known as linseeds, are a great source of fibre and healthy omega-3 and omega-6  fatty acids - in particular alpha-linolenic acid, or ALA. Although flaxseeds are a good source of omega-3, they are contained within the fibrous outer shell of the seed, which humans can find hard to digest. There it is best to consume flaxseed meal. If crushed flaxseeds are hard to come by, they can be easily ground with a pestle and mortar. 

 

Benefits of Flax Seeds:

Like many seeds, flaxseeds may yield many benefits for people. They contain a number of important antioxidants like polyphenols and lignans. Ligans, fiber, and omega-3 are a winning combination that may help reduce cholesterol and other risk factors for heart disease. They might also help reduce blood pressure. 

 

Chia Seeds

Chia seeds, similar to flaxseeds are a good source of fiber and omega-3, along with a number of other nutrients. Chia seeds contain a great number of important antioxidants like polyphenols. They’re a great source of protein and can provide many benefits for the body. 

 

Once consumed with a healthy diet, chia seeds might help reuse the risk of heart disease, increase levels of EPA in the blood and help reduce blood sugars. Chia seeds are a great superfood for weight management and weight loss as chia seeds are extremely filling, and may help reduce appetite. 

 

There are many common ways to eat chia seeds like atop cereal, Greek yoghurt, or as a standalone snack. You can’t go wrong with a handful of chia seeds! But, a delicious way to include chia seeds in your diet is by making chia pudding. Chia pudding is simple. If you have some nut milk, add a heaping spoon or two to the milk and add honey for sweetness. This is an incredibly nutritious snack that is high in fibre, high in protein and contains healthy fats. Try for yourself! 

 

Where can I buy Chia Seeds in Dublin?

 

If you’re in Dublin and you’re on the hunt for chia seeds, call into Nutty Delights in the city center or click here to place an order online. Easy! 

 

Hemp Seeds: 

Hemp seeds are an excellent source of plant-based, vegan protein. In fact, they contain more than 30% protein as well as other essential nutrients. A complete food. They are one of few plants that are complete protein sources - this meaning that they employ all essential amino acids your body cannot produce on its own. 

 

The proportion ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 is roughly 3:1. All things considered, this is great. Hemp seeds are typically cold-pressed and made into hemp seed oil which is the easiest and most convenient way to ingest hemp seeds. 

 

Taking hemp seeds or hemp seed oil may have a beneficial effect on heart health by increasing the amounts of omega-3 in the bloodstream. It may also help reduce the symptoms of eczema. 

Looking for hemp seeds in Dublin? We can help with that.

 

Sesame Seeds: 

Commonly consumed in Asia and in tahini, sesame seeds contain a wide nutrition profile. Like flaxseeds, sesame seeds have lots of lignans, in particular sesamin. Sesame seeds are one of the best known dietary sources of lignans. 

 

Sesame seeds are not commonly eaten on their own, but instead, they are used as decoration or sprinkled liberally across dishes for a rounded nutty taste. In western countries, they are crushed in to a paste to make tahini which is the key ingredient in hummus. 

 

Benefits of Sesame Seeds: 

There are many benefits of sesame seeds like enterolactone that acts like the sec hormone estrogen. Sesame seeds may help reduce inflammation and stress. It can also help reduce symptoms of arthritis. 

 

You should always aim to include some variant of seeds in your diet, whether that be chia seeds, flax seeds, or hemp seeds. They’re all fantastic sources of healthy fats, protein, fibre and antioxidants. As well as many key nutrients and minerals. 

 

Shopping for Seeds? 

They can help reduce the risk of certain diseases - in particular, lignans found in seeds may help lower cholesterol and the risk of cancers. 

 

Seeds are uber-tasty and go great on cereal, oatmeal, in smoothies and add texture to salads. An easy way to add healthy nutrients to your diet. 

 

If you’re unsure on how to shop for seeds and you’re in Dublin, call into Nutty Delights or shop online at www.nuttydelights.ie for all your nut, dried fruit and seed needs.