Sow the seeds of good health

As you sow, so shall you reap’ is an idiom I can never forget. Partly because my English teacher had drilled it into my little mind and partly because life has taught me so.

My line of work has made it clear to me that if one does not invest wisely in their health, they are bound to suffer the consequences later on in life. Before you get worried and rush to buy Hass avocados or acai berries, let me tell you that the humble seeds too are superfoods you can use to safeguard your health.

Toasted, roasted, or ground, seeds add flavour, texture, and a plethora of nutrients to your meals. Sprinkle them on salads, mix them in with flour, or flavour with salt and lemon juice and munch on them as a snack. Seeds never disappoint. Do remember that all seeds need to be roasted over a low flame to remove the phytate content before consumption. These commonly found compounds reduce the absorption of the minerals found in the seeds by the body.

Still on the fence about their capabilities? Read on, and I will change your mind.

Pumpkin seeds: While preparing a hearty pumpkin soup, do not be in a hurry to discard the seeds you just scooped out. Sun-dry and shell these, roast, and enjoy. These unassuming pellets pack some real power. The all-important zinc, found in these seeds in abundance, aids in boosting overall immunity. At a time when we require good immunity levels due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a lot of scientific research being undertaken on the potential role of zinc in mitigating COVID-19. So make sure these seeds feature in your daily diet. Rich in fibre and magnesium, they are known to maintain bowel health and lower sugar levels and cholesterol. Zinc also improves sexual health by increasing sperm-building hormones and increasing sexual fluids in women.