10 of the Healthiest Seeds on Earth

Everyone should stash their cabinets, lunch bags, sports and travel packs with healthy seeds. People should be eating them daily because of their amazing benefits. Seeds are embryonic plants and the origin of nutrition. They are a living food. When you think of how a plant has to fully mature to produce a seed itself, know that their seedlings are jam packed with powerful amounts of vitamins, minerals, proteins, essential oils and dormant enzymes to help with digestion, absorption and assimilation.  Seeds are very versatile and provide cooking oils, beverages, spices, healthy food additives and healthy, nutritious calories. Below are the top eleven of the healthiest seeds on Earth and how to consume them.

Before we dive into the seven healthiest seeds to eat, here is a short tutorial note on how to eat seeds and gain maximum health benefits:

How to Eat Seeds

Eating seeds raw (with no processing and heat added) is the best way to maximize nutritional benefits. Heating seeds results in the production of toxic substances and the important vitamin, mineral and  essential oil profiles are denatured (so sad and wasteful). "By roasting a seed, its classification moves from a living food to a dead food. There is no seed on earth that can withstand roasting or heating without breaking down its nutritional components. Always remember, eat seeds naturally...eat them raw. This also means they can be soaked, ground or mashed (i.e. tahini), especially if a seed's shell or coat is too difficult to pierce with the teeth.

➛   Choose raw and unsalted seeds
➛   Avoid coated or roasted seeds
➛   Avoid sugar coated seeds ^{(Source: PreventDisease.com)}

#1. Hemp Seeds (serving size 1 Tbsp)

❍ Hemp seeds are the richest source of polyunsaturated essential fatty acids and have all 20 amino acids, including the 9 essential amino acids (EAAs) our bodies cannot produce.
❍ They are high protein percentage of the simple proteins.
❍ Strengthen immunity and eliminates toxins.
❍ Hemp has a perfect 3:1 ratio of Omega-6 Linoleic Acid and Omega-3 Linolenic   Acid—for cardiovascular health and general strengthening of the immune system.

#2. Chia Seeds (Serving size 1 TSP)

❍ Gluten free, high in protein, fiber and antioxidants
❍ Loaded with vitamins and minerals
❍ Richest plant source of omega-3 fatty acids.  (Great source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
❍ Reduces joint pain, Boosts energy
❍ Aids in weight loss, Protects against diabetes and heart disease

#3. Flax Seeds (Serving size 1-2 Tsp, freshly grounded)

❍ The essential fatty acid ALA is a powerful anti-inflammatory, decreasing the production of agents that promote inflammation and lowering blood  levels of ❍ C-Reactive Protein (CRP), a biomarker of inflammation.
❍ Supports weight loss and curbs appetite
❍ Full of fiber and blocks tumor growth and cancer reduction

#4. Sesame Seeds (Serving size 1/4 cup)

❍ Great source of manganese and copper, calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, vitamin B1, zinc and dietary fiber.
❍ Contains fibers called lignans, which lowers cholesterol and prevents high blood pressure
❍ Protects the liver from oxidative damage

#5. Cumin Seeds (Serving size 1 Tbsp)

❍ Great digestive and antiseptic. remedy
❍ Rich in iron and helps with detoxification
❍ Soothes sore throats
❍ Boosts metabolism and immune system
❍ Helps relieve asthma and arthritis symptoms

#6. Basil Seeds (serving size 2-4 Tbsp)

❍ Aids in digestion  and controls blood sugars in people with Type 2 Diabetes
❍ Treats colds, Treats respiratory infections
❍ Stress reliever, Aids in skin infections

#7. Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas) (Serving size 1/4 cup)

❍ Great source of B vitamins, iron, magnesium, zinc and protein.
❍ Loaded with Tryptophan, (lowers anxiety levels)
❍ Contains high levels of essential fatty acids that help keep our blood vessels healthy and lower bad cholesterol

#8. Sunflower Seeds (Serving size 1/5 cup)

❍ Super source of B vitamins and folate, which supports immune system and pregnancy
❍ Rich in protein and heart-healthy fats
❍ Great source of Vitamin E (an antioxidant that protects cells from damage
❍ Keeps hair and skin beautiful
❍ Prevents cancer

#9. Wheat Germ (Serving size 2 tbsp.)

❍ Inside the seed of the wheat kernel, wheat germ is chock full of protein, iron
❍ Loaded with B vitamins such as folate for healthy pregnancy and immune system
❍ High in fiber, aids in digestion
❍ High in selenium and vitamin E

#10 Pomegranate Seeds (Serving size 1/2 cup)

❍ Super rich source of antioxidants. combats free radicals
❍ Raises the level of oxygen in the blood, prevents blood clots and increases circulation.
❍ High in polyphenols, a form of antioxidant purported to help reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease.
❍ Contains tannins, anthocyanins, and ellagic acid, (has higher antioxidant activity than most green tea and red wine)

Sources: besthealthmag.ca, myscienceacademy.com, preventdisease.com, conscious.lifenews.com