Chia, flax, hemp, sunflower… what do these all have in common? They are all types of seeds… and we are supposed to eat them! There’s been a lot of talk about seeds and the health benefits of them. If you’ve been wondering what these super seeds are all about, this post will help break it all down for you (and give you some delicious recipes to try)!
Seeds may be tiny, but they’re packed with lots of good nutrients like protein, fiber, iron, vitamins and more.
Here’s what you need to know:
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Chia seeds:
pros: helps balance blood sugar, adds healthy omega-3 oils to your diet, energizing, low in fat, helps curb food cravings, high in fiber
cons: none to be found!
recipe & photo: triple berry chia pudding
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Flaxseeds (one word):
pros: high in fiber, includes: thiamin, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids that aid in keeping a healthy digestive system, use a ground version to maximize benefits
cons: be careful! too many flaxseeds may lead to too many visits to the bathroom!
recipe & photo: banana-oat flaxseed muffin
Hemp seeds:
pros: packed with protein, fiber, essential fatty acids, vitamin E and minerals that keep the heart healthy
cons: these seeds do not contain as many vitamins and minerals as other seeds
recipe & photo: tabouli hemp seed salad
Sunflower seeds:
pros: offer high concentrations of vitamin E, antioxidants, thiamin, magnesium, vitamin B6, folate, phosphorus and fiber
cons: though they offer healthy fats, they should be used in moderation
recipe & photo: roasted acorn squash w/sunflower seeds
Pomegranate seeds:
pros: red and juicy! offer vitamins C, K and folate, antioxidants and potassium– all help fight heart disease, prostate disease and help control weight
cons: generally only available October-January
recipe & photo: pomegranate pilaf
Sesame seeds:
pros: high in calcium, manganese, iron, phosphorus and magnesium– that can help protect the liver
cons: though they offer healthy fats, they should be used in moderation.
recipe & photo: baked sesame chicken
enjoy and see you on the mat (or for lunch?)!
