A lot of people often talk about how eating different types of nuts can benefit one’s health, right? Well, but what is lesser spoken about is how there are so many varieties of seeds that can be consumed and can have numerous benefits to one’s health!
Check out the top 10 healthiest seeds to eat along with how they will benefit you, below!
Top 10 Healthiest Seeds to Eat and their Benefits
1. Chia Seeds:
Chia seeds are rich in fibre and are helpful to ease one’s stool as it has soluble fibres, which also feed on the friendly bacteria in the gut. These seeds have the antioxidant called quercetin, which helps reduce the risk of many diseases including heart. It also helps lower one’s blood pressure and triglycerides. Chia seeds contain omega-3 fatty acids which contribute to HDL, lowering the risk of heart diseases and stroke.
The intake of chia seeds can help maintain the insulin levels of the body and stabilizes the blood sugar levels especially after meals. The proteins in the chia seeds could help to reduce one’s appetite, in turn making a person consume lesser food and gain lesser calories.
To use – Soak chia seeds in water overnight, add the soaked chia seeds to your morning lemon water. You can also add chia seeds to overnight oats or make a chia pudding.
2. Carom seeds:
Often found in the kitchen of many Indian homes, ajwain seeds, also known as carom seeds can often be confused with anise, cumin or fennel seeds, because of its similarity in shape and colour.
But it is important to know that these seeds are all very different and each has its own varied uses like boosting of immune system functioning, regulation of cholesterol and blood pressure levels, aiding of weight loss, reduction of inflammation in the body, keeping acidity, treat bloating and indigestion at bay and to regularize irregular periods and lactation in women.
Add the seeds in your cooking or boil the seeds in a cup of water and drink the water.
3. Fennel seeds:
Fennel seeds, also known as “saunf” have a distinct taste and smell, but are highly beneficial to improve and aid digestion and treat digestive issues, suppress appetite and aid weight loss, combat bad breath, protect heart health and reduce blood pressure, prevent and fight cancer and can detoxify the body.
4. Coriander seeds:
Coriander (well-known as ‘dhania’ in India) is a commonly used herb which is very well-known for its distinct taste and multiple benefits like maintaining blood sugar levels, aiding better skin health, regulation of the menstrual cycle, to cure mouth ulcers and sores, to promote hair growth (using coriander seed oil), aid digestion and can overall boost one’s immunity.
Add the seeds in your cooking or make a coriander tea in the morning. READ MORE – Ayurveda Miracle CCF Tea Recipe with Three Ingredients
5. Cumin seeds:
Cumin seeds or “jeera” seeds are very commonly used in Indian households not only because of its distinct flavour but also because they are beneficial to overall health and immunity as they have antioxidants that can fight free radical damage.
They have properties that can prevent and fight cancer, control blood sugar, reduce water retention, relieve digestive problems, as it is cooling in nature, can keep cholesterol in check, can help reduce pain and inflammation and aid weight loss.
6. Sesame seeds:
Sesame seeds also known as “til” seeds, are the seeds from which gingelly oil is made. Sesame seeds are a rich source of vitamin B6 which is important for the central nervous system and metabolic functioning.
These seeds are rich in antioxidants which can aid immune system functioning and fight free radical damage. They are beneficial for people with thyroid. Consuming these seeds can help keep heart diseases, cancer and PCOS at bay and fight pain and inflammation.
Make sesame milk and use it in your smoothie or overnight oats or oatmeal.
7. Flax seeds:
Flax seeds are helpful in promoting digestion, improving hair and skin health, can reduce and relieve pain as they have anti-inflammatory properties. They can also help reduce the risk of heart diseases and promote better overall health and immune system functioning.
Make flaxseeds wrap, use them in your pancakes or grind flaxseeds into powder and use it in replacement for egg in your baking recipes.
8. Fenugreek seeds:
These seeds are commonly known as “methi” seeds. Consumption of fenugreek seeds or fenugreek seed water has been associated with a lot of benefits to both health and beauty. It can help regulate blood sugar levels, aid weight loss, improve and reduce digestive issues, keep cholesterol levels under control, can provide pain from painful period cramps, can help increase libido, increase the production of milk in lactating mother and also improve skin and hair health.
To make fenugreek water Soak 1/2 teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in water at night and drink it in first thing in the morning on empty stomach.
9. Basil seeds:
Basil seeds, also known as “sabja” seeds, are often confused with chia seeds but are different from each other. These seeds are rich in minerals and vitamins and can promote better bone health. They are rich in fibre and can promote better digestion, promote glowing skin and keep the gut healthy. It can help keep blood sugar under control and improve cholesterol levels. READ MORE – BASIL SEEDS WATER for glowing skin and healthy hair
10. Pumpkin seeds:
Pumpkin seeds are high in calories, but consuming a moderate amount of these seeds can help promote weight loss. These seeds have anti-inflammatory properties, as it contains plant compounds like flavonoids which can help reduce inflammation in the body. It can also help in flushing out toxins from the body and act as a natural detoxifier and promotes better sleep.
Pumpkin seeds can help decrease the levels bad cholesterol in the blood and can protect heart health, while also aiding in the lowering of diabetes. Sunflower seeds contain omega-3 fatty acids which is essential for maintaining healthy skin. They also contain essential minerals for maintaining healthy bones.
You can eat them as a healthy snack before bedtime.