Here are some seeds and their benefits
- Pomegranate for slimming: Nature’s “sweet tarts”, the juicy seed is a low-calorie winner. It’s packed with antioxidants and fat-burning vitamin C so go for it if you want to lose some weight.
- Hemp for toned muscles: It’s one of the few vegetarian sources of complete protein as it contains all 20 amino acids, key to building calorie-burning muscle. Sprinkle some in a post workout shake for a pine nut-like flavour.
- Chia for strong bones: Eat this earthy-tasting seed for its calcium. Two tablespoons offer as much as a slice of cheddar! Mix half a cup with two and a half cups of unsweetened almond milk, one tablespoon maple syrup and cinnamon to taste, and chill for a tapioca like pudding.
- Pumpkin for energy: This light and nutty pepita houses iron, a mineral that helps maintain high energy levels. Roast one cup of seeds with half a tablespoon each of paprika, chili powder and sea salt for an easy to-go snack.
- Sesame for a healthy heart: The rich seed contains linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid that may help control harmful cholesterol. Toasting amplifies flavour and adds a nice crunch to salads.
- Flax for cancer prevention: Nutty flax has cancer-thwarting compounds called lignans and omega-3 fatty acids that reduce disease-causing inflammation.
- Wheat germ for digestion: A small part of a wheat kernel, this slightly sweet seed has inulin, a type of fibre that helps maintain good digestion.