With the increasing popularity of the whole-food-based Paleo diet and similar approaches to natural eating, nutritionists have rediscovered the amazing health benefits of seeds. Here are a few of the best seeds to add to your diet for improved health benefits.
Flax Seeds
Flax seeds may be tiny, but they can have a mighty impact on your health. Flax seeds support your heart health as well as reduce your blood sugar, which helps lower your risk of diabetes. These seeds are exceptionally high in fiber, which plays an important role in the body. Because of their high fiber content, flax seeds are a useful tool for weight loss because they control hunger by increasing feelings of fullness. Getting enough protein is a major problem for vegans and even for people who just want to cut down on their meat consumption. Flax seeds are a great plant-based alternative protein source that pack a huge punch in a small package. Another great feature of flax seeds is their ALA content. ALA is an amino acid that the body can convert into useful omega-3 acids. This is another benefit of ALAs for vegans, as most omega-3 intake is usually sourced from fish and other meats.
Pumpkin Seeds
Although most people may overlook the healing potential of pumpkin seeds and simply throw them out, they are actually nutritional powerhouses. They are absolutely chock full of valuable nutrients and minerals that many people do not get in sufficient quantities. They also contain high numbers of antioxidants. Pumpkin seeds are the world’s best plant-based source of zinc, a crucial mineral responsible for a variety of body functions, including testosterone production in men. Doctors often discover that patients complaining of low energy or low libido are deficient in zinc.
Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds contain an impressive array of minerals and nutrients. They are notably high in vitamin E, copper, manganese, and selenium. These minerals, which are largely absent in processed foods but abundant in sunflower seeds, work inside the body in profound ways. Best of all, sunflower seeds are one of the cheapest and most widely available superfoods you can buy. Most convenience stores sell them right next to the candy and may even carry the healthier unsalted varieties. They are a great alternative to choose for a snack instead of greasy potato chips or sugar-filled candy bars.
Work these three seeds into your diet, and you’ll likely notice a boost in your energy levels and overall feeling of well-being. Eating healthy doesn’t have to be a challenge. If you choose healthy snacks like the ones mentioned above, you’ll be looking and feeling better than ever!