You might this snack as bird food. But if you are a diabetic and hoping to get a better handle on your disease, then you might want to reconsider. Seeds are an excellent snack for health conscious diabetics who want to eat nutritiously. Seeds are loaded with vitamins, minerals, proteins, antioxidants, omega 3 fatty acids and high concentration of monounsaturated fats, which help ensure your heart stays healthy. In order to maximize the health benefits associated with seeds, it is important that they’re consumed raw to because the cooking process destroys most of its nutrients. Not just a snack, you can include them in salads or smoothies… spicing up the ordinary into the extraordinary. So, here is a list of the most nutritious seeds you should start eating.
1. Flax seeds
Flax seeds have an agreeable nutty taste making them as delicious as they are nutritious. An excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, flax seeds are also rich in fiber, vitamin B, magnesium, protein, zinc, phosphorus and selenium. And get this, flax seeds can reduce cholesterol, ease premenstrual syndrome, lower the risk of cancer, control blood sugar and protect your heart.
2. Sesame seeds
These oval-shaped seeds come in a variety of colors and are rich in copper, magnesium, calcium, manganese, vitamins, fiber and minerals. They are renowned for preventing headaches, control the symptoms of asthma, arthritis and some types of cancers.
3. Pumpkin seeds
Flat pumpkin seeds have a sweet nutty taste. They are loaded with vitamins, riboflavin, folate and protein and contains omega 3 fatty acid and healthy phytosterols (avenasterol, sitostanol and sitosterol). And guess what, pumpkin seeds can help reduce bad cholesterol levels, keeps your heart healthy, as well as maintain the health of your eyes. And if you are suffering from neuropathy they can help reduce the pain associated with arthritis.
4. Basil seeds
Basil seeds or sabja are a dream snack for people who are trying to lose some weight. The seed hardly contains any calories and is loaded with antioxidants and omega 3 fatty acid that will help you to shed weight, while counteracting bloating and constipation, while boosting metabolism
5. Chia seeds
Chia seeds and basil seeds may look very similar, but except for appearances the two seeds are very different. Chia seeds tend to be brown or grey and are rich in calcium, vitamin C, magnesium, potassium and iron. They are also an ideal snack for dieters as well as helping people with lower joint pain feel relief. As well, chia seeds can help improve arthritis symptoms, protect against heart disease and liver disease and reduce depression.
