The seeds you should be consuming

THE thought of eating seeds may not appeal to many individuals, but seeds are a great natural source of vitamins, minerals, protein and fibre that can improve your health.

Nutritionist Donovan Grant shares the benefits of a number of seeds that would make a good addition to your diet.

1. Moringa seeds

According to Grant, these are obtained from the Moringa tree and they have great antioxidant properties and can reduce the amount of oxidised lipids in your body and improve cardiac health. He said that they promote collagen formation and enhances the firmness in our skin, while keeping it free from acne, pimples, blackheads and black spots. Grant added that they are also a good source of zinc, vitamin A, C and B.

2. Flaxseeds

The nutritionist said flax seeds lower your blood pressure, cholesterol, reduce bone loss, promote weight loss, boost your immune system and have cancer-fighting properties.

“They contain a high concentration of lignans which inhibit tumour growth. The fibre aids in your digestive health and reduces constipation,” he said. People who have inflammatory bowel conditions like Crohn’s disease should avoid flaxseeds due to their laxative effect. Additionally, people with issues like fibroids, endometriosis and polycystic ovary disease should not eat flaxseeds.

3. Sunflower seeds

Grant said these are a good source of Vitamin E and folate, which promotes good cardiovascular health. He added that they also contain antioxidants and help cholesterol levels. They are also a good source of magnesium and selenium which promote good thyroid health.

4. Sesame seeds

According to the nutritionist, sesame seeds lower cholesterol levels, provide zinc which is good for bone health; calcium, which helps prevent osteoporosis; and magnesium and copper, which help with red blood cell formation. The seed is also known to ease the pain from arthritis, migraine headaches and also to reduce menopause and PMS symptoms.

5. Jackfruit seeds

Grant said these contain fibre which fills you up making it easier to lose weight, and may lower your risk for heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and constipation. He said jackfruit seeds also provide resistant starch, which may help control blood sugar and keep your gut healthy. The seeds also contain riboflavin and thiamine which keeps your skin, eyes and hair healthy.

6. Pumpkin seeds

Grant said these are great for your immune system and have lots of antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids and zinc.