Super Seeds For Smart Snackers

Biscuits and namkeen, worse samosas and pakodas, the traditional accompaniments to tea and coffee or mid-meal hunger busters, are losing their pride of place, and are being replaced with a variety of healthier, nutritious seeds. Especially popular with health-conscious people, these seeds come packed with fibre, healthy fats, protein and antioxidants. Besides aiding weight loss, improving heart and bone health and digestion and regulating blood sugar, these super seeds also add a dash of nutty crunch to your meals. Add them to your salads as garnish or snack on them post workout, but do remember to have just a handful of these nutritious bites every day. 

Flax Seeds

Packed with omega 3, fibre, protein and several nutrients such as magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, copper, and thiamine, flax seeds improve skin and bones, aid digestion and has an anti-inflammatory effect. High in antioxidants, it slows ageing and helps reduce bad cholesterol.

Chia

Low in calories, chia seeds are a great way to boost your nutrition. A good source of antioxidants, linoleic and alpha-linolenic (ALA) fatty acids, fibre, protein, calcium, phosphorus, and omega-3s, this super seed keeps you feel fuller longer and therefore may help aid weight loss. 

Pumpkin Seeds

The omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, high-fibre content and antioxidants in pumpkin seeds make it great for the heart and keeps your liver healthy. Other than being a rich source of zinc, vitamin E, magnesium, potassium, calcium and other health boosters, the presence of tryptophan in it is also known to improve sleep and treat insomnia.

Sesame Seeds

A rich source of natural oils, antioxidants, protein, dietary fibre, lignans, vitamins B and E and minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus, iron, calcium and potassium, sesame seeds offer a wide range of health benefits. Also, the seeds are rich in plant polyphenols, which help promote hair health and the presence of zinc and vitamin E makes it great for the skin too.

Sunflower Seeds

Offering a significant amount of vitamin E, selenium and magnesium that your body needs every day, sunflower seeds help fight free radicals in the body, reduce inflammation, lower the risk of cancer and cardiovascular diseases. While magnesium helps strengthen bones and boost energy in the body, selenium helps repair DNA and cell damage and the vitamin E in it is great for expecting mothers as it nourishes the body.