There are different options when consuming this highly recommended type of food.
In addition, there are different types of seeds to eat. Some of the most traditionally consumed are sesame seeds or sunflower seeds, while others such as chia seeds or hemp seeds are gaining a lot of popularity.
- Recommended article: ” The 10 great benefits of eating seeds “
Top 10 Types of Seeds to Eat
The beneficial properties of the seeds are multiple . It is a type of food that has an excellent supply of fiber and essential fatty acids, highlighting omega-3, as well as vitamins and minerals.
On the other hand, the main types of seeds to eat can be consumed in different ways. They can be added to a salad to enrich it in taste, color and nutritional value, but they can also be combined with cereals, bread, etc.
1. Sesame seeds
Sesame seeds have been consumed since time immemorial . Studies indicate that already in Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt they consumed sesame, being perhaps the first type of oilseed to be cultivated by man.
Today they are consumed all over the world, and there are some recipes in which they are the basic ingredient, such as tahini or Japanese sesame sauce. In addition, they are one of the main sources of calcium that represent an alternative to dairy products.
- To learn more about sesame we recommend: ” Sesame seeds: 15 properties and benefits of this food “
2. Chia seeds
Chia seeds are on everyone’s lips . It is a type of seed that was very unknown a few years ago, but its nutritional value has made it very popular in recent years.
In addition, it is one of the few vegetable protein sources that contains all the essential amino acids. This, added to the fact that they are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, has led many people to qualify them as a “superfood”.
3. Sunflower seeds
Sunflower seeds are well known . The seeds of this unique plant are consumed alone or in salads and energy bars, and they have a flavor that everyone likes.
Contain substances such as omega-6 fatty acids, and although it is an excellent food, it is important not to get used to eating them with salt. The amounts of salt put in them are too high for it to be good for the human body.
4. Flax seeds
Flaxseed, like chia, contains high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids . These fats are essential for our body, since it cannot produce them but it needs them to function. In addition, it is a substance with great antioxidant power, so it helps fight the onset of diseases.
Regularly taking a tablespoon of flax seeds is very beneficial for the body, although they must be ground; their shell is hard, and if they are not opened we cannot absorb all their magnificent nutrients.
- Related article: ” Flax seeds: 12 properties and benefits “
5. Poppy seeds
Poppy seeds are mainly used in baking . They are used to coat breads, which take on a much more interesting look and taste.
They are less consumed than the previous ones, but they also have many properties and benefits. They have good contributions of fiber, amino acids, vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals such as polyphenols, as well as omega-3 fatty acids.
6. Hemp seeds
Hemp seeds are also gaining popularity . Unknown to many until a few years ago, these seeds contain all the essential amino acids as in the case of chia seeds.
This is great news especially for vegans and vegetarians, but also for anyone who wants to stop eating so much animal protein. They also contain many vitamins and minerals.
7. Pumpkin pipes
Pumpkin seeds are a very healthy type of seeds . They have very good amounts of minerals such as zinc or magnesium, which is why they are prescribed for people who have deficiencies in these trace elements.
In addition, its contribution in amino acids is very rich, being one of the preferred sources of vegetable protein in seed form for vegans and vegetarians.
- It might interest you: “ Organic food: what they are, and 6 benefits of consuming them ”
8. Avocado seed
Everyone consumes the avocado fruit but throws away its seed . Many people will never have considered that the avocado seed can be consumed, but in fact it has many properties and benefits for the human body.
In the seed is where this fruit contains more amounts of antioxidants and other phytochemical substances. It can be grated and consumed directly or baked a bit.
9. Cumin seeds
The seeds have been used since ancient times even though they are not very popular today. The seed of this herb has many properties, and they are used to consuming infused. They are antiseptic, have digestive properties, speed up metabolism, help fight colds and are good for the liver and the immune system.
10. Pomegranate seeds
The pomegranate is a very unique fruit . It contains many seeds, each of them packed and wrapped in juicy pulp with a very attractive color and flavor.
The seeds of this fruit are also highly recommended for everyone. For example, they are capable of regulating blood sugar levels or fighting the plaque that forms atherosclerosis. It is for these reasons that it is recommended for diabetics and people with cardiovascular diseases related to cholesterol.
- To know more about the pomegranate: ” Pomegranate: 12 properties and benefits of this fruit “
Bibliographic references
- Avelino A.P. et al., (2015). Additive effect of linseed oil supplementation on the lipid profiles of older adults. Clin Interv Aging, 10, 1679-1685.
- Gouveia , LA , Cardoso , CA , de Oliveira , GM , Rosa , G. and Moreira , AS (2016). Effects of the Intake of Sesame Seeds (Sesamum indicum L.) and Derivatives on Oxidative Stress: A Systematic Review. Journal of Medicinal Food, 19(4), 337–345 .
- Souza-Ferreira, C., et al. (2015). Effect of chia seed (Salvia hispanica L.) consumption on cardiovascular risk factors in humans: a systematic review”. Nutr Hosp, 32 (5), 1909–1918.
- United States Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service (USDA). Food Composition Databases. Accessed February 4, 2019 at: https://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/foods.
To the classic question “what do you do?” I always answer “basically I am a psychologist”. In fact, my academic training has revolved around the psychology of development, education and community, a field of study influenced my volunteer activities, as well as my first work experiences in personal services.