Reading: Top 10 Healthiest Seeds to Eat
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Seeds are a versatile component that can be used to add a agile pop of texture and nutriment to closely any meal. From chia source pudding to roasted pumpkin seeds to pine testis pesto and beyond, there are endless ways to squeeze in your casual dose of the healthiest seeds while bumping up your intake of protein, fiber and heart- healthy fats .
Which seeds are good for health ? What seeds should I eat casual ? And what are the best seeds to eat for slant personnel casualty, heart health or better digestion ? Let ’ s take a look at a few of the top extremely seeds for health that you should be eating .
Contents
What Are Seeds?
The official seeds definition is a character of embryonic plant that is surrounded by a protective out covering. Seeds are produced by the ovule of the plant following its fertilization by pollen and composed of two independent structures : the embryo and the seed coat .
many types of seeds are comestible and chockablock of important nutrients and health benefits. Sunflower seeds, cannabis seeds and chia seeds are precisely a few examples of alimentary seeds that can well be enjoyed as partially of a goodly diet .
Seeds vs. Nuts
many people confuse nuts and seeds — and for good cause. Both are fabulously alimentary and used to add a tasty crunch to dishes. however, botanically, the two are different. In fact, while seeds are classified as embryonic plants enclosed by an knocked out covering, nuts are actually considered a type of yield composed of a unvoiced shell and an comestible seeded player .
That said, both nuts and seeds are loaded with authoritative nutrients, such as fiber, protein and heart-healthy fats. consequently, you should aim to include a good variety of healthy seeds and nuts in your diet to take advantage of the benefits that each has to offer .
Seeds vs. Grains
Grains are defined as little, hard, edible yield from cereal grass plants, such as rice or pale yellow. other coarse types of grains include millet, sorghum, barley, oats and rye. Because of their lastingness, grains are often considered staple foods in many areas around the globe .
Certain types of seeds are actually considered pseudocereal grains and are frequently used similarly to grains. Quinoa and chia seeds, for example, are technically seeds but classified as pseudocereal grains as well .
Seeds vs. Beans
Beans are types of legumes that belong to the Fabaceae family of plants and can be considered seeds in some cases. In fact, legumes are actually defined as “ the fruit or seed of plants of the legume family ( such as peas or beans ) used for food. ”
Some of the most common types of beans include bootleg beans, chickpea beans, kidney beans and pinto beans. Like seeds, beans offer a full amount of roughage and protein in each serve adenine well as a wealth of micronutrients that are essential to health .
Top 6 Benefits of the Healthiest Seeds
- Support Weight Loss
- Boost Digestive Health
- Regulate Blood Sugar
- Fight Free Radical Formation
- Good Source of Plant-Based Protein
- Incredibly Nutrient-Dense
1. Support Weight Loss
Incorporating a diverseness of healthy seeds for weight loss into your diet can be incredibly beneficial. This is because seeds are loaded with roughage and protein, both of which are key to promoting goodly slant loss. Fiber moves through the digestive nerve pathway lento to help keep you feeling fuller for longer. meanwhile, protein works to decrease levels of ghrelin, the hormone that stimulates feelings of hunger in the body. In one 2017 study out of Turkey, consuming chia seeds as contribution of a mid-morning bite increased repletion, reduced hunger and decreased cravings for sugary foods, all of which could potentially lead to burden loss .
2. Boost Digestive Health
In general, the healthiest seeds are typically high in dietary fiber, a nutrient that plays a central function in digestive health. not entirely does it add majority to the stool to promote regularity, but fiber has besides been shown to protect against issues like hemorrhoids, diverticulitis, intestinal ulcers and constipation. Fiber besides helps feed the beneficial bacteria in the intestine, which can have a huge impact on immune function, mental health, food assimilation and more .
3. Regulate Blood Sugar
The fiber found in seeds helps slow the concentration of carbohydrate in the bloodstream, stabilizing blood boodle levels to prevent sudden spikes and crashes. not only can this help prevent diabetes symptoms, but it may besides protect against the development of chronic conditions like heart disease. Certain types of seeds, such as linseed, have besides been shown to improve insulin sensitivity. This allows insulin to work more efficiently in the body to keep lineage sugar regular .
4. Fight Free Radical Formation
Most of the healthiest seeds are jammed with manganese, an authoritative micronutrient that plays a full of life function in health. not entirely is it used as a cofactor for many enzymes in the torso, but manganese besides acts as a mighty antioxidant to fight free radicals and protect cells against oxidative wrong. This can have far-reaching effects on about every aspect of health and may be particularly beneficial in the prevention of conditions such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes.
5. Good Source of Plant-Based Protein
Adding a few servings of the healthiest seeds into your diet can bump up protein intake to help you meet your daily needs. Protein is critical to wound bring around and tissue repair, immune function, muscle growth and more. not getting enough protein in your diet can have damaging effects on health, resulting in symptoms like an increased risk of infection, greater appetite and stunted growth. Although the protein capacity of different seeds can vary reasonably widely, most varieties offer about five to 10 grams of protein in each serve .
6. Incredibly Nutrient-Dense
In addition to providing a full total of both protein and fiber in each serve, seeds besides supply a broad rate of early micronutrients as well. Hemp seeds, for exercise, are a bang-up reference of manganese and vitamin E, while sesame seeds are full-bodied in copper and calcium. One thing that all seeds have in coarse, however, is that they are fabulously nutrient-dense food s and excellent additions to a healthy, balance diet .
Top 10 Healthiest Seeds to Eat
Adding a variety show of seeds to your diet is an comfortable way to squeeze some extra nutrients into your day. So which are the healthiest seeds to eat ? hera are the 10 best seeds for your health, plus a few of the main health benefits that each of the healthiest seeds under has to offer .
1. Flaxseeds
Flaxseed Nutrition Facts
Flaxseeds are a great source of protein and character, american samoa well as key micronutrients like manganese, vitamin b1 and magnesium. One snow leopard of flax seeds contains approximately :
- 150 calories
- 8.1 grams carbohydrates
- 5.1 grams protein
- 11.8 grams fat
- 7.6 grams dietary fiber
- 0.7 milligrams manganese (35 percent DV)
- 0.5 milligrams thiamine (31 percent DV)
- 110 milligrams magnesium (27 percent DV)
- 180 milligrams phosphorus (18 percent DV)
- 0.3 milligrams copper (17 percent DV)
- 7.1 micrograms selenium (10 percent DV)
Flaxseed Benefits
- Supports Regularity
- Improves Weight Loss
- Keeps You Feeling Full
- High in Bone-Building Manganese
- Promotes Brain Health
2. Hemp Seeds
Hemp Seed Nutrition Facts
Hemp seeds are loaded with crucial nutrients. In accession to supplying a good measure of protein and healthy fats, hangman’s rope seeds are besides packed with manganese, vitamin E and magnesium. One snow leopard of hemp seeds contains approximately :
- 161 calories
- 3.3 grams carbohydrates
- 9.2 grams protein
- 12.3 grams fat
- 2 grams dietary fiber
- 2.8 milligrams manganese (140 percent DV)
- 15.4 milligrams vitamin E (77 percent DV)
- 300 milligrams magnesium (75 percent DV)
- 405 milligrams phosphorus (41 percent DV)
- 5 milligrams zinc (34 percent DV)
- 3.9 milligrams iron (22 percent DV)
Hemp Seed Benefits
- Loaded with Antioxidants
- Protects Against Chronic Disease
- Supports Skin Health
- Rich in Heart-Healthy Fats
- Promotes Muscle Growth
3. Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin Seed Nutrition Facts
not lone are pumpkin seeds high in goodly fats and protein, but they ’ rhenium besides rich in manganese, magnesium and phosphorus equally well. One ounce of dry pumpkin seeds contains approximately :
- 151 calories
- 5 grams carbohydrates
- 6.9 grams protein
- 12.8 grams fat
- 1.1 grams dietary fiber
- 0.8 milligrams manganese (42 percent DV)
- 150 milligrams magnesium (37 percent DV)
- 329 milligrams phosphorus (33 percent DV)
- 4.2 milligrams iron (23 percent DV)
- 0.4 milligrams copper (19 percent DV)
- 14.4 micrograms vitmain K (18 percent DV)
- 2.1 milligrams zinc (14 percent DV)
Pumpkin Seed Benefits
- Good Source of Antioxidants
- Enhances Regularity
- Quick and Convenient Snack Option
- High in Plant-Based Protein
- Helps Prevent Iron-Deficiency Anemia
4. Poppy Seeds
Poppy Seed Nutrition Facts
poppy seeds are a well source of fiber, plus contain a hearty venereal disease of manganese and calcium. One ounce of poppy seeds contains approximately :
- 147 calories
- 7.9 grams carbohydrates
- 5 grams protein
- 11.6 grams fat
- 5.5 grams dietary fiber
- 1.9 milligrams manganese (94 percent DV)
- 403 milligrams calcium (40 percent DV)
- 97.2 milligrams magnesium (24 percent DV)
- 244 milligrams phosphorus (24 percent DV)
- 0.5 milligrams copper (23 percent DV)
- 0.2 milligrams thiamine (16 percent DV)
- 2.2 milligrams zinc (15 percent DV)
- 2.7 milligrams iron (15 percent DV)
Poppy Seed Benefits
- Improves Digestive Health
- Boosts Bone Strength
- Fights Free Radicals
- Aids in Chronic Disease Prevention
- Amps up Weight Loss
5. Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower Seed Nutrition Facts
Adding sunflower seeds to your diet is an easy room to boost your intake of vitamin E, vitamin b1 and manganese. One snow leopard of dried sunflower seeds contains approximately :
- 164 calories
- 5.6 grams carbohydrates
- 5.8 grams protein
- 14.4 grams fat
- 2.4 grams dietary fiber
- 9.3 milligrams vitamin E (47 percent DV)
- 0.4 milligrams thiamine (28 percent DV)
- 0.5 milligrams manganese (27 percent DV)
- 0.5 milligrams copper (25 percent DV)
- 91 milligrams magnesium (23 percent DV)
- 14.8 micrograms selenium (21 percent DV)
- 0.4 milligrams vitamin B6 (19 percent DV)
- 63.6 micrograms folate (16 percent DV)
Sunflower Seed Benefits
- Convenient and Portable Snack
- Keeps Skin Healthy
- Reduces Inflammation
- Maintains Healthy Cholesterol Levels
- Lowers Blood Sugar
6. Chia Seeds
Chia Seed Nutrition Facts
Compared to other types of seeds, chia seeds are one of the best sources of fiber available. They besides supply a good come of manganese, phosphorus and calcium, equally well as protein and heart-healthy fats. One ounce of chia seeds contains approximately :
- 137 calories
- 12.3 grams carbohydrates
- 4.4 grams protein
- 8.6 grams fat
- 10.6 grams dietary fiber
- 0.6 milligrams manganese (30 percent DV)
- 265 milligrams phosphorus (27 percent DV)
- 177 milligrams calcium (18 percent DV)
Chia Seed Benefits
- Supports Gut Health
- High in Plant-Based Protein
- Strengthens Bones
- Improves Heart Health
- Prevents Constipation
7. Sesame Seeds
Sesame Seed Nutrition Facts
sesame seeds are bursting with significant vitamins and minerals, such as copper, manganese, calcium and magnesium. One ounce of dry sesame seeds contains approximately :
- 160 calories
- 6.6 grams carbohydrates
- 5 grams protein
- 13.9 grams fat
- 3.3 grams dietary fiber
- 1.1 milligrams copper (57 percent DV)
- 0.7 milligrams manganese (34 percent DV)
- 273 milligrams calcium (27 percent DV)
- 98.3 milligrams magnesium (25 percent DV)
- 4.1 milligrams iron (23 percent DV)
- 176 milligrams phosphorus (18 percent DV)
- 0.2 milligrams thiamine (15 percent DV)
- 2.2 milligrams zinc (14 percent DV)
- 0.2 milligrams vitamin B6 (11 percent DV)
Sesame Seed Benefits
- Promotes Healthy Blood Cell Formation
- Strengthens Bones
- Good Source of Protein
- Reduces Blood Pressure
- Protects Against Anemia
8. Pine Nuts
Pine Nut Nutrition Facts
Despite their name, ache nuts are actually classified botanically as a type of seed. In addition to being a great generator of vitamin K, ache nuts are besides high in vitamin K, bull and magnesium. One ounce of ache nuts contains approximately :
- 190 calories
- 3.7 grams carbohydrates
- 3.9 grams protein
- 19.3 grams fat
- 1 gram dietary fiber
- 2.5 milligrams manganese (124 percent DV)
- 15.2 micrograms vitamin K (19 percent DV)
- 0.4 milligrams copper (19 percent DV)
- 70.9 milligrams magnesium (18 percent DV)
- 162 milligrams phosphorus (16 percent DV)
- 2.6 milligrams vitamin E (13 percent DV)
- 1.8 milligrams zinc (12 percent DV)
Pine Nut Benefits
- Supports Brain Function
- Maintains Healthy Blood Clotting
- Keeps Bones Strong
- Improves Iron Absorption
- Versatile and Easy to Enjoy
9. Quinoa
Quinoa Nutrition Facts
Quinoa can much be found on the list of healthy seeds and grains because it ’ mho train and consumed as a grain but is actually considered a character of comestible semen. One cup of cook quinoa contains approximately :
- 222 calories
- 39.4 grams carbohydrates
- 8.1 grams protein
- 3.6 grams fat
- 5.2 grams dietary fiber
- 1.2 milligrams manganese (58 percent DV)
- 118 milligrams magnesium (30 percent DV)
- 281 milligrams phosphorus (28 percent DV)
- 77.7 micrograms folate (19 percent DV)
- 0.4 milligrams copper (18 percent DV)
- 2.8 milligrams iron (15 percent DV)
- 0.2 milligrams thiamine (13 percent DV)
- 2 milligrams zinc (13 percent DV)
- 0.2 milligrams riboflavin (12 percent DV)
- 0.2 milligrams vitamin B6 (11 percent DV)
Quinoa Benefits
- Complete, Plant-Based Protein
- Good Source of B Vitamins
- Supports Regularity
- Rich in Iron
- Promotes Muscle and Nerve Function
10. Pomegranate Seeds
Pomegranate Seed Nutrition Facts
Pomegranate seeds are moo in calories however jammed with fiber, vitamin K and vitamin C. A half-cup serve of pomegranate seeds contains approximately :
- 72 calories
- 16.3 grams carbohydrates
- 1.5 grams protein
- 1 gram fat
- 3.5 grams dietary fiber
- 14.3 micrograms vitamin K (18 percent DV)
- 8.9 milligrams vitamin C (15 percent DV)
- 33 micrograms folate (8 percent DV)
- 205 milligrams potassium (6 percent DV)
- 0.07 milligram vitamin B6 (4 percent DV)
- 31 milligrams phosphorus (3 percent DV)
Pomegranate Seed Benefits
- Maintains Normal Blood Clotting
- Boosts Immune Function
- Rich in Antioxidants
- Aids in Weight Management
- Prevents Constipation
Risks and Side Effects
Enjoying a few servings of constituent seeds per sidereal day is a great way to enhance the quality of your overall diet. not only that, but they ’ re besides easy to enjoy, and there are a number of different recipes out there for how to roast pumpkin seeds, how to eat chia seeds, the proper way to prepare quinoa and more .
If you have an allergy or experience any adverse side effects after eating certain seeds, discontinue habit and discourse with your doctor of the church. Food allergy symptoms like hives, itching or rashes can much be indicative of a serious problem.
As with any high-fiber food, it ’ mho important to increase your intake gradually to prevent digestive issues like bloating or constipation. Be certain to besides drink plenty of body of water, which helps promote the passage of food through the torso and keeps you hydrated .
last, while adding a serve or two of roasted pumpkin seeds to your diet can decidedly be beneficial, it ’ s improbable to have much of an impingement unless combined with a alimentary, all-around diet and healthy life style. In summation to the healthiest seeds, fill your diet with a variety of fruits, veggies, whole grains, protein foods and healthy fats to maximize the likely health benefits .
Final Thoughts on Healthiest Seeds to Eat
- Seeds are defined as any type of embryonic plant that is surrounded by a protective outer covering. Nutritionally and botanically, there are many similarities and differences between seeds and other ingredients, such as nuts, beans and grains.
- In addition to being high in protein and nutrient-dense, the healthiest seeds are associated with several benefits, including increased weight loss, improved digestive health and better blood sugar control.
- A few of the healthiest seeds include flax, hemp, pumpkin, poppy, sunflower, chia, sesame and pomegranate seeds, as well as quinoa and pine nuts.
- Adding a few servings of the healthiest seeds to your daily diet can have a huge impact on overall health and wellness.
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