The Power of Seeds

The Power of Seeds 

Seeds are often included with nuts in nutritional analysis, and in fact, a nut is the seed of a tree. However, those foods generally accepted as seeds and called such include flax, sesame, pumpkin, hemp, and sunflower.

Each seed contains the potential life of a plant, so a lot of energy and nutrition is packed into these tiny, crunchy foods. They are full of nutrients, fiber and healthy fats in varying proportions. Here is a list of some of the commonly available seeds and their nutritional value and potential health benefits.

-Flax
These little brown seeds have gotten a reputation for the "good" fats they contain, and for good reason. The oil in flax seed has hormone-regulating properties, making is especially suitable for women. Flaxseeds contain soluble fibers, which may lower blood cholesterol. They are also high in potassium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorous.

-Sesame
Familiar on hamburger buns, sesame seeds go beyond the burger. Considered by some experts to be a "superfood," sesame seeds are high in calcium, magnesium, and Vitamin A. They are said to increase stamina and are eaten in some parts of the world in place of dairy products. They contain more calcium per 100 grams than a pint of milk or 100 grams of Swiss cheese.

-Pumpkin
These seeds are very high in magnesium, potassium and phosphorous. They also have been indicated in aiding prostate health in men. Pumpkin seeds, if eaten on a regular basis, can expel internal parasites.

-Hemp
This little, round seed has been called the world's most nutritionally complete food source. While that claim may be a bit of an exaggeration, hemp seeds do pack a nutritional punch. The ratio of essential fatty acids and amino acids (proteins) are proportioned perfectly for human nutritional needs, and the proteins in hemp seeds mimic those manufactured in human blood.

-Sunflower
Like most seeds, sunflower seeds are high in potassium and phosphorous, and they are exceptionally high in folate. In some parts of Russia, sunflower seeds are a staple food. They also contain 7.4 milligrams of Vitamin E and 22.5 micrograms of selenium per ounce.  

Seeds are available in various forms - salted, roasted, raw, or creamed into "butters." You can also sprout raw seeds such as sunflower or alfalfa. The high oil content of seeds means they are subject to rancidity, so look for whole seeds (not chopped or sliced) when purchasing them. Nut butters should be refrigerated. Try to purchase seeds in their raw, unsalted state in order to enjoy their full nutritional benefits.

Presented By:

Trish Sarfert, Broker/Owner EcoLogical Realty
Certified EcoBroker, NAR Green Designee
Trish@Eco-LogicalRealty.com  http://www.ShadesOfGreenRealty.com
850-449-0908 cell