Family, Nutrition, Running & Fitness

The Benefits of Adding Seeds to Your Diet

Matt Orlando
Follow Me

The day-to-day life of being a parent is joyful yet strenuous on our personal lives. Making sure the kiddos are OK is the top priority, and then everything else follows. While juggling responsibilities, our diets take a toll. Meals are frequently on the go, and we sacrifice strict diets. Maybe those Dino-nuggets you swiped off your child’s plate were tasty but not nutritionally packed. Luckily, there are small diet changes that pack a mighty punch in our lives.

Have you ever thought about incorporating seeds? They’re rich in nutrients and easy to include in our everyday meals. Consider the benefits of adding seeds to your diet.

Why Are Seeds Good for You?

Seeds are nutritious powerhouses that are an excellent source of fiber and minerals. Though tiny, seeds have iron, calcium, and other nutrient-based properties that provide our bodies with protein and healthy fats. The best part is you can incorporate seeds in meals and drinks you already consume.

Types of Seeds To Add to Your Diet and Their Benefits

When considering adding seeds to your diet, think about your health goals. For example, do you want to achieve good digestion? Do you want something that boosts energy? There is a multitude of seeds to choose from that provide different benefits. Whether pomegranate seeds or sunflower seeds, there are many benefits to reap from seeds.

Popular Seeds Choices

  1. Chia Seeds. They’re a fantastic source of fiber and loaded with antioxidants. They also deliver healthy fat and proteins that benefit our bodies.
  2. Pomegranate Seeds. These seeds are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C. They also have anti-inflammatory properties that help with joint and muscle pain.
  3. Flaxseeds. Flaxseeds are high in fiber, improve digestion, and relieve constipation.
  4. Sunflower Seeds. Besides being a source of vitamins and minerals, sunflower seeds have seemingly endless benefits.
  5. Hemp Seeds. Rich in vitamin E and potassium, hemp seeds improve heart health and reduce blood pressure.
  6. Pumpkin Seeds. Whether you carve your own pumpkin or buy them at the store, pumpkin seeds are a popular source of magnesium and zinc. Like pomegranate seeds, they contain anti-inflammatory properties.
  7. Poppy Seeds. These seeds come with a multitude of benefits. Boosting skin health, treating headaches and coughs, and improving digestion are just examples of the many advantages of poppy seeds.
  8. Sesame Seeds. Mainly known for food garnishments, sesame seeds hold a lot of power. They’re a nutritious source of plant protein and an adequate source of B vitamins.

How To Add Seeds Into Your Diet

One of the many advantages of seeds is versatility. You can include seeds in the meals you already eat, such as:

  • Smoothies
  • Yogurt
  • Salad Dressings
  • Oatmeal
  • Cereal
  • Baked goods (muffins, bread, cookies, etc.)
  • Hummus
  • Dips
  • Soup

Parenting while maintaining stable eating habits is tricky. Days move quickly, and sometimes, it feels like your balanced diet is on a halt. Luckily, there is a small yet powerful solution: seeds! So, the next time you’re thinking of making a nutrition change, think about the benefits of adding seeds to your diet.