Seeds To Add In Your Daily Life

In this modern era of busy lifestyle, maintaining good physical and mental health is very challenging. Everyone is looking for ready to eat nutrient rich food items. Nowadays, the attention of nutrient dense food is gained by oil seeds because of their positive impact on health promotion and disease prevention.

- Taruna and Dr. Anuradha Mishra

Seeds may look small in size but they are power house of nutrients. They are rich in proteins, high in fibre, and filled with multi-nutrients.

At the present time, the market is full of seed mix, also known as super foods. A lot of options of seed mix are available in the market with different compositions that lead to confusion in the mind of customers. No doubt there are a lot of benefits from the consumption of seed mix, but have you ever thought about the side-effects of consuming seeds? Is it okay to consume seeds daily? What is the best time to consume seeds? How do these tiny seeds provide health benefits?

INTRODUCTION

A seed is a fertilized ovule consisting of an embryo and food reserves for the embryo. Building blocks necessary for an embryo to develop into a complex plant are present in a seed because of which, they are extremely nutritious.

As seeds are a good source of healthy fats, proteins, fibre, and minerals like magnesium, potassium, calcium, iron, and zinc, as well as vitamin B complex and vitamin E, they are well known for their nutritional and therapeutic benefits.

One of the most important components present in the seeds that are necessary for maintaining human health is the 'seed oil'.

Common edible seeds suitable for the consumption of humans are pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, chia seeds, sunflower seeds, mustard seeds, nigella seeds, sesame seeds, etc.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF SEEDS

Alkaloids, carotenoids, flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, terpenoids, tannins, steroids, and polyphenolic compounds are important bioactive components found in seeds that exhibit excellent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

These components are also effective against cancer, diabetes, obesity, neurological disorders, cardiovascular skin disease, diseases, and chronic illnesses.

The health benefits and nutrient composition of some common seeds are: