Seeds are among the healthiest natural foods. They come loaded with a variety of essential nutrients that help keep the body strong and satiated. If you’re interested in incorporating more seeds into your diet, you may be wondering what types to include. To help you pick the best kind for you, here’s more information about a few popular options and how they promote wellness. 

Seeds That Offer Health Benefits

1. Sesame

One of the most commonly consumed seeds in Asian countries, sesame is an excellent source of magnesium, copper, and manganese. These seeds also come loaded with lignans, including sesamin, a compound that promotes weight loss and may help protect against cancer and high cholesterol. Use this natural food in stir-fry recipes or mix them in parfaits for an unexpected twist.

2. Hemp

A complete protein, hemp seeds offer the amino acids that the body does not produce, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. It also provides gamma-linolenic acid, which helps fight inflammation. Add them to your morning yogurt for a healthy crunch, or throw them into your favorite salads.

3. Sunflower

Sunflower seeds contain high amounts of vitamin E, an antioxidant that reduces chronic inflammation and subsequently your risk of conditions like cancer, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Enjoy unsalted sunflower seeds as natural food snack, or include them in salads and homemade granola.

4. Flax

Another excellent lignan source, flax seeds are also full of omega-3 fatty acids that help you maintain healthy blood pressure, reduce bad cholesterol levels, fight inflammation, and promote brain and eye health. Flaxseed is also a source of soluble and insoluble dietary fiber to keep you feeling full without all the calories. Enjoy flax in salads, yogurt, smoothies, and granola.

Find these and other delicious seeds at Lori’s Natural Foods Center. This natural food store has served the Greater Rochester, NY, and Finger Lakes area since 1981. A fully GMO-free grocery store, this center carries only organic produce as well as 10,000 herbs and supplements to help you stay healthy. Learn more about their mission online, or call (585) 424-2323 to ask about their inventory.