7) SESAME SEEDS
Serving Size = 1/4 Cup
Sesame seeds may be the oldest and most popular condiment known to man. They are highly valued for their oil which is exceptionally resistant to rancidity.
Not only are sesame seeds a very good source of manganese and copper, but they are also a good source of calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, vitamin B1, zinc and dietary fiber. In addition to these important nutrients, sesame seeds contain two unique substances: sesamin and sesamolin. Both of these substances belong to a group of specially beneficial fibers called lignans, and have been shown to have a cholesterol-lowering effect in humans, and to prevent high blood pressure and increase vitamin E supplies in animals. Sesamin has also been found to protect the liver from oxidative damage.
8) SUNFLOWER SEEDS
Serving Size = 1/4 Cup
Sunflower seeds are an excellent source of vitamin E, the body’s primary fat-soluble antioxidant. Vitamin E travels throughout the body, neutralizing free radicals that would otherwise damage fat-containing structures and molecules, such as cell membranes, brain cells, and cholesterol.
Sesame seeds have some of the highest total phytosterol content of seeds. Phytosterols are plant compouds that are very similar to cholesterol, and when they are present in a diet in sufficient amounts, they are believed to reduce blood levels of cholesterol, enhance the immune response and decrease risk of certain cancers.
Sunflower seeds are a good source of magnesium. Numerous studies have shown that magnesium helps reduce the severity of asthma, lower high blood pressure, and prevent migraine headaches, and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. Considering these are serious ailments that can be lethal or at least compromise the enjoyment of life, consuming sunflower seeds doesn’t seem too bad of a trade-off to keep these at bay.
9) CUMIN SEEDS
Serving Size = 1 Tbsp
Cumin is a seed that has been used since antiquity, just like flax seed. The herb has been used for medicinal benefits throughout the ages, as it is useful for disorders related to digestion or as an antiseptic. The seeds are rich in iron, which is great for those that are deficient, and boosts the powers of the liver, which is beneficial for your immune system. The black cumin seeds cal also treat asthma and arthritis.
This herb also helps relieve symptoms of the common cold. By adding dry cumin to ginger water, people suffering from the cold can soothe their sore throats. The juice of cumin is also a great tonic for the body, even if you aren’t suffering from an ailment at the time. It increases the heat in the body and makes the metabolism more efficient.
10) GRAPE SEEDS
Serving Size = 1-2 Tbsp
Grape seeds have a great concentration of vitamin E, flavonoids, linoleic acid and polyphenols. The extract may prevent people from having high blood pressure or high cholesterol, which are common ailments in the Western world. The phenolics in grape seeds limit lipid oxidation and inhibit platelet aggregation, thereby reducing inflammation.
A study published in the journal Carcinogenesis shows that grape seed extract (GSE) kills squamous cell carcinoma cells, while leaving healthy cells unharmed. Yet another seeds that prevents cancerous cells. Grape seeds may even reduce the infectivity of Norovirus surrogates, according to research published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology. This virus is highly contagious, all-consuming, and is the most common gastric viral infection.
Sources:
whfoods.com
wikipedia.org
anticancerinfo.co.uk
ratical.org
bodyecology.com
chicagotribune.com
John Summerly is a nutritionist, herbologist, and homeopathic practitioner. He is a leader in the natural health community and consults athletes, executives and most of all parents of children on the benefits of complementary therapies for health and prevention.
