Power Seeds

Last year when I wrote about eating the sprouts off of my daughters’ Chia Pets (that’s a bad mommy!) I discovered a wealth of information about the powerful punch of nutrients that seeds can pack–for instance, did you know that the oil from chia seeds contains an extraordinarily high percentage (63 percent) of omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid? Seeds are a great addition to your diet; here’s a quick seed summary from Delicious Living:

Chia: The seed of a South American plant related to mint contains phosphorous, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, antioxidants, and calcium. Sprinkle 1 to 2 tablespoons mild-tasting chia over salads or rice. Soak 1 tablespoon in a glass of fruit juice for a chia fresca drink.

Flax: Also called linseed, flax hails from the same plant used to make linen. It contains fiber, omega-3s, lignan–a phytochemical that may reduce breast-cancer risk. The ground version is easier to digest so add 2 to 3 tablespoons nutty flax to oatmeal, smoothies, or muffin batter.

Hemp: Hemp is the only crop that is illegal to grow in the U.S. but legal to import. It contains protein and omega-6s and omega-3s in a ratio of 2.5 to 1, which may reduce cancer and heart-disease risk. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of these rich shelled seeds to trail mix, granola, or tabbouleh salad.

Pumpkin: Also called pepitas, seeds can be dried and roasted at home. Phytosterols–plant compounds that reduce cholesterol. Toss 1 ounce toasted seeds in salads three times per week.

More ways to use seeds:
Hemp Milk
Pumpkin Seed Crackle
Basil, Lime and Pumpkin Seed Pesto
Flax Seed Egg Replacement for Baking

Delicious Living is the go-to resource for the natural and organic lifestyle, helping readers eat well, live green, and stay healthy. Visit deliciouslivingmag.com for more articles and free recipes.

Read more: Basics, Diet & Nutrition, Eating for Health, Food, chia, flax, hemp, omega-3, omega-6

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Fred H.

7:35AM PDT on Mar 15, 2013

Thank you Mel, for Sharing this!

March 15
send a green star

Fi T.

3:15AM PST on Feb 20, 2013

Don't underestimate these tiny but important things from the nature

February 20
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Heidi A.

4:09PM PST on Feb 12, 2013

On Dr. Furman's Immunity Solution aired on PBS, he related studies where women who consumed 1mg of flax lignan per day, had a decreased risk of breast cancer by 70%.

There are about 7 grams of lignans in 1 tsp.

I am a believer.

February 12
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Mark T.

5:10AM PST on Jan 24, 2013

the valuable seed, thx for the article.

January 24
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Shanti S.

1:35PM PST on Dec 4, 2012

Thank you. :-)

December 4
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Barbara G.

5:58AM PST on Nov 25, 2012

looked at pumpkin seed crackle recipe----corn syrup in ingredients--what???? How can you even consider putting this recipe here with how BAD corn syrup is for your body---shame on you--nothing healthy about this at all...very disappoitned