Healthy Seeds! When you are planting seeds this spring remember all the benefits from eating some of them!
Hemp Seeds provide all nine essential amino acids, the vital proteins found in meat and dairy. The shelled seeds have a mild sprouty taste.
Flax seeds are a great source of lignans, a plant chemical that may lower your risk of heart diseasee. Grind the seeds to absorb the nutrients more easily. Mix seeds into flour when baking or add to soups and casserloes.
Pumpkin seeds are rich in potassium to help regulate your heart beat and blood pressure. They have seven times the magnesium to boost your immune system!
Chia seeds are full of heart healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Add to salads or sprinkle on oatmeal.
Black sesame seeds are full of antioxidants and have a surprising dose of iron and bone building calcium and may help prevent high blood pressure. They taste best toasted. Sprinkle then on a stir fry.
Sunflower seeds are one of the richest sources of the disease-fighting antioxidant vitamin E. Eat then as a snack or add to salads or baking.
Mustard seeds have an incredible amount of health benefits. They are low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium and are a rich source of dietary fiber, protein, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, and selenium.
EFFECTS ON CANCER – Mustard seeds are a rich source of glucosinolates. Additional enzymes in the seeds break up glucosinolates into other phytonutrients called isothiocyanates. Isothiocyanates inhibit growth of existing cancer cells in addition to protecting these cells from forming. Mustard seed powder, rich in allyl isothiocyanates significantly inhibits the growth of bladder cancer.
EFFECTS ON THYROID FUNCTION – Selenium is found in high levels in mustard seeds. One tablespoon provides 21% of our recommended daily intake. This mineral is a powerful antioxidant and helps reduce the severity of asthma symptoms, rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, lowers blood pressure, reduces migraine attacks and helps prevent cancer. Selenium boosts an underperforming thyroid hormone T4, into the more active T3 and is essential to maintain a healthy thyroid function.
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY PROPERTIES – Curcumin is present in mustard seeds. Curcumin are powerful antioxidants with proven benefits at fighting cancer and is a strong anti-inflammatory compound. Curcumin reduces pain in inflammatory illnesses including rheumatoid arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease. Mustard seeds and the powder can be added to many dishes, stews, curries, marinades, vinaigrettes, smoothies or simple dipping sauces.