The Power of Seeds

It's amazing how much nutritional power a tiny seed can contain.  Seeds are some of the most powerful foods you can consume.  If you think about it, a seed contains all the nutrients it needs to grow into a mature plant.  Therefore, we get a tiny power punch of nutrients to boost muscle growth and provide us with a lt of clean energy.  Seeds are full of amino acids(protein), magnesium, B vitamins, iron, fiber, healthy fats and many more minerals.  

Some of the more common seeds are:

*Chia Seeds- they provide much more omega 3 fats than omega 6 keeping that ratio balanced to fight inflammation. For more info see Chia

*Flax Seeds- Known for their high fiber content, they assist in lowering blood sugar. You MUST use ground flax seeds, as our bodies cannot digest whole seeds. You can add them to just about everything like salads, smoothies, oatmeal, baked veggies and even substitute in gel form for egg replacement in baking.

*Hemp Seeds- hemp seeds have mega dose of magnesium which regulates muscle/nerve functions, blood sugar and blood pressure. They provide a mild nutty flavor to just about everything. For more info see this: Benefits of Hemp Seeds

*Sunflower Seeds- everyone loves sunflower seeds. They promote healthy cardiovascular systems, full of magnesium,, healthy cholesterol levels, promotes healthy mental health and "Selenium" maintains healthy thyroid and hormone levels. For more info see this: Benefits of Sunflower Seeds.

Pumpkin Seeds- with Halloween this week, it's a great time for pumpkin seeds. When cleaning and carving your pumpkin don't throw away the seeds! Roast them!  They are full of potassium, protein and vitamin E.

*Sesame Seeds- sesame seeds have long been a favorite, topping buns, making tahini paste, in stir fries and curries. They are high in iron and calcium and provides fiber to lower cholesterol and protect the heart.  Tahini makes the greatest hummus.   

*Quinoa- a replacement for dishes using rice, Quinoa is a high protein packing seed. High in manganese, magnesium, copper, fiber, and folate. Also, it's gluten-free! For more info see: Quinoa

For those quick, easy and nutritious snacks throughout the day, just a carry a pack of mixed nuts and seeds. You can never go wrong with that option.

Correction from last week's post:
I found out that almonds and walnuts are actually seeds, not nuts😏
Have a great week.
Be kind.
Judd

Pepitas

Pepitas

Pumpkin seeds are nutritional power houses packed in a small package!  Just one cup of seeds gives you almost 12 grams of protein and  500 mg of potassium, which makes it a great post heavy workout treat.  The additional potassium from the seeds will re-balance your body's electrolytes faster.  This allows muscles to repair faster and function better,  Plus one cup also provides the complete RDA of magnesium, which helps control blood pressure and prevent sudden cardiac arrest, heart attack and stroke. They are a go-everywhere snack that doesn't need refrigeration. 

They are an amazing source of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids and have been very effective in supporting men's prostate health, because of their high zinc content.  Most of us know that turkey has the amino acid trytophan, which has a bad rap of making you sleepy on Thanksgiving. (Most experts agree that it is the carb-heavy overeating that does that, not the trytophan.)  But pepitas  have it also, and you NEED trytophan which your body converts it to serotonin.  One of the major ingredients to a better sleep and a good mood booster.

Other benefits include;

Reduces LDL(bad) cholesterol.

Cancer prevention(beta-carotene).

Rich in Natural Phytoestrogens helping in PMS.

For the optimal benefits they should be raw, soaked and sprouted then used on salads , soups, smoothies, oatmeal and consumed alone as snacks.  You can slowly roast the seeds on low heat to preserve the healthy fats. Lightly oil with coconut oil, sprinkle with Himalayan Sea Salt and roast at 150' for about 15-30 minutes. Stir once or twice.

  

Eat more seeds!

Have a great week.

Be kind.

Be yourself.

Judd