Medically reviewed by Dr. Riaz Ali Shah.
‘Seeds are the way to a healthy life’, seed no one ever. But, we are here to change that and tell you of all the benefits of seeds. Use them to season your chicken, add them to granola and grind them with your smoothie- all of this taste amazing. Not only that, they are extremely beneficial for your health and are a gateway to the solution of many health problems.
Let’s find out!
Chia Seeds
The tiny black seeds that your mom adds in rooh afza during summers are not only good to make your body cool down, but also help you lose weight. Loaded with antioxidants, they fight the production of free radicals which contribute to aging. Along with that, the calcium content in these seeds is quite impressive, making them a great source of calcium for people who can’t consume dairy.
As these seeds are easy to incorporate to your diet, they can be eaten raw, soaked in juice, added to porridge, smoothies or any other food. So, what are you waiting for? Add some chia seeds to whatever you are eating right now and receive the benefits!
Pomegranate Seeds
The beautiful red ‘jewels’ of the fruit from heaven don’t only add a pop to whatever dish they are added in, but are also a high source of vitamin C and antioxidants. Because they are so yummy on their own, there’s no need to add them to anything or incorporate them in your diet a certain day. Just take a bowl full of the pomegranate seeds with a pinch of chaat masala and you’re good to go!
Quinoa Seeds
Popular amongst the dieticians, quinoa is the best alternative to rice. Rich in proteins, they have you covered with your rice cravings in the healthiest way possible. But the benefits don’t end there. Quinoa seeds are a great source for the detoxification of the body and improved digestive health. By maintaining the blood sugar levels, they also help in regulating diabetes.
Wondering if it’s time to leave rice and shift to quinoa? Yeah, me too!
Flax Seeds
If you ever mention flax seeds to your grandma, we are sure she will be able to list more benefits than we ever could. That’s because these seeds are being used for good health for over centuries now!
If you are not a big fan of sea food, adding flax seeds to your diet will give you omega-3 fatty acids, keeping your heart as healthy as ever! Not just that, when these seeds are ground into flax meal, they may even help lower blood pressure. Along with that, they enable your body to absorb nutrients more effectively.
Sesame Seeds
The cute little white beads on the bun of your favorite burger aren’t just there for decoration; they are extremely rich in a kind of fatty acid that lowers cholesterol. Whether you’re adding them to your salad dressing or grounding them into a paste to make hummus, sesame seeds will never disappoint you!
Seedless to say…
There is always a healthy, yummy, crunchy alternative to all the junk that we consume. So, start incorporating these seeds in your diet and stay happy. Because obviously, a healthy life = a happy life!
Guest Credits: Dr Maleeha Syed