http://www.care2.com/greenliving/power-seeds.html
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.
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11 comments
add your comment »How would i find chia seeds or were would i find them i've never tried them but have heard they work wonders also what are salba seeds and were would i get them are they the same as chia seeds??
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Other great seeds and grains to sprout or soak are quinoa (very tasty!) lentils, peas and beans, sunflowers, alfalfa, fenugreek, there are a lot you can do.
I love sprouted lentils or quinoa on salad! They taste like nuts, but without the fat. And soaked barley or wheat tastes SOOOOO good.
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chia is the same as Salba...cheaper and just as good!!!
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So where can one buy chia seeds? No one carries them anymore.
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Has anyone used Salba and if so, how does it compare nutritionally to the above?
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flax seed must be ground to make it available to your digestive system, true- but as soon as you grind it it starts to lose the nutrients. I just pop my serving into the coffee grinder and use it right away. Some people use a dedicated coffee grinder, but I don't bother. The only problem is that the next coffee may get oil clogs if it uses a re-usable fabric filter. Cooking flax removes the nutrients, so stir it into smoothies or breakfast cereal, etc.
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You don't need to pulverize the flax seeds -- flax seed meal is widely available and you can keep it in your freezer to maintain it fresh.
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What tool do I need to pulverize flax seed or anything else? kjvolk
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FYI: you can't digest Flax seeds, or get their nutrition, when the seeds are whole (ie they pass straight through your system; doubt this? check your poo)
To get the benefits from Flax seeds, toast like popcorn (my favourite method), sprout, or pulverize.
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Hi! How does Salba compare with the above? I'd really like to know. Thanks!
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