Seeds... Small but mighty

You know what they say. Great things come in small packages and that certainly is the truth when it comes to seeds. These fellas and packed full of natural goodness and are quiet scrumptious. 

Here are some different types and what benefit they have. 

Sunflower Seeds 

A handful of sunflower seeds provides you with over ninety percent of your RDI for vitamin E. This fat soluble antioxidant neutralizes free radicals and has significant anti-inflammatory effects. Sunflower seeds are also rich in magnesium, which is necessary for strong bones and helps lower blood pressure, decreases muscle tension, migraine headaches, soreness, and fatigue. These small but mighty little creatures are one of the foods that can help to naturally detox and cleanse the body. 

Pumpkin Seeds 

Pumpkin seeds are a great source of protein, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, zinc, iron, copper, B vitamins, vitamin K and vitamin E. They also contain L-tryptophan. This promotes healthy a sleeping pattern and can help lower depression. These seeds also contain high levels of zinc which make them a natural protector against osteoporosis. They are also the most alkaline-forming seed. 

Chia Seeds 

Chia seeds are packed with omega 3 fatty acids with nearly five grams per ounce serving. A single serving of chia seeds has 18% of the RDI for calcium and 27% of RDI for phosphorus. This promotes your bone health. 

They are also rich in fiber which promotes healthy digestion. 

Flax Seeds

These are another seed that are excellent sources of omega 3s. One tablespoon of flaxseed surpasses the RDI of omega 3s. A diet rich in omega 3s help reduce the inflammation that can lead to conditions such as osteoporosis, migraines and asthma. Flaxseeds can lower blood pressure and are also a great source of fiber. The high fiber content helps promote digestive health. 

Sunflower and pumpkin seeds make a great snack on their own. On the other hand chia and sesame seeds make a great addition to many meals. Sprinkled on salads, on top of your morning oats or even mixed with some fruit and yogurt. 

Below are some of my favorite seed brands for you to try. 

Good4U Seed Mixes 

 This Sligo based company have many varieties of seed mixes including super fruit and seed mix, coconut super seeds, chili seed mix and sunflower seeds. 

They also make these super seed snacks for you busy bees who would like a healthy seed snack on the go. These come in flavors such as coconut and berry, Apple and cinnamon and bombay spices. 

These are available from Tesco, Supervalu, Sanisburys and Asda. 

Chia Bia Seeds 

This company based in Tramore, Co. Waterford started in 2009. Ever since then they have been making wonderful chia seed mixtures that are a personal favorite to me. These include chia and blueberry mix, chia and cranberry mix as well as while chia chaos and milled chia seeds. 

If you fancy a snack on the go this company also make a selection of chia bars which are high in omega 3 and full of protein and fiber. My personal favorite is the chocolate but and seed flavour. 

These are available at Holland and Barrett and Selfridges. 

Until next time 

Riadh 

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