In scientific terms, seeds are plants in an embryonic stage with the capability of producing another plant.
A marvel of nature and evolution, a seed is almost entirely self-sustainable, containing the nutrients it needs to grow into a robust and sturdy plant with the power to withstand whatever the world throws at it.
But, the many advantages a seed fosters for itself can also be transferred to animals who consume them. Enter, us: human beings.
In our daily lives, seeds can be a superfood with the power to infuse our diet with a beautiful mix of exotic tastes, essential nutrients and potential health benefits.
When we consume them properly and effectively, these tiny, embryonic plants can reach far beyond their hard outer shells to enhance our lives with vitamins, minerals and essential nutrients to help us be at our very best.
While there are many options from which to choose, here are six seeds full of flavor and nutritional value:
A versatile, healthy export of Central America, the Chia (derived from the ancient Mayan word for “strength”) is among the most beneficial members of the seed family.
When added to salads, yogurts or smoothies or as an addition to many baked goods and health bars, chia seeds offer high levels of essential minerals, such as:
When utilized as a part of a healthy, well-balanced diet, chia seeds can also provide several other potential health benefits, including:
Famously known as seeds of the hemp plant Cannabis sativa, these fascinating seeds supersede their trace levels of THC and offer an excellent flavor and nutrient profile.
In a serving of hemp seeds (aka hemp “hearts”), you can find nutrients such as:
If you mix a few servings of hemp seeds into your day-to-day routine, you might also experience a number of their other health benefits:
Sabja (aka Holy Basil) seeds are a globally beloved snack and seasoning with exotic flavor and excellent nutritional value. Reminiscent of a sesame seed in shape and size, sabja seeds have a unique black color and are internationally renowned for their plethora of vitamins, minerals and nutrients:
With their mild basil flavor and unique versatility (they taste great in smoothies, puddings and even water), these seeds can also offer other potential health benefits, including:
Ruby red with a mix of sweet and tart flavors, pomegranate seeds are a yummy and unique member of the seed family.
Highly studied and acclaimed for their nutritional value, these seeds make for a flavorful garnish to your favorite yogurts, salads, smoothies and many other foods or drinks.
Pomegranate seeds pack plentiful nutrients, such as:
As a part of a healthy diet and supported by an active lifestyle, consumption of pomegranate seeds also offers potential health benefits like:
Though we might associate them with the inside of our Jack-o’-Lanterns, pumpkin seeds are a yummy, nutrient-rich snack to please our body and taste buds.
Most famous in their roasted form, a crunchy, toasty pumpkin seed makes for an excellent pre or post-workout pick-me-up that feels right at home on a crisp autumn day.
These seeds are a great source of:
If you mix healthy servings of pumpkin seeds into your food regimen, you also open yourself up to potential biological benefits like:
More than just a baseball snack, sunflower seeds pack taste, versatility and nutrition to help you feel and perform your best.
Available in a multitude of exciting flavors (classic, dill pickle, hatch chile and barbecue -- to name a few), these seeds make the perfect outdoor snack.
In your standard bag of sunflower seeds, you’ll find a wide range of beneficial vitamins, minerals and nutrients, such as:
If you include these seeds in a well-rounded meal plan with plenty of other nutritious foods, you can also see other potential health benefits, such as:
