The benefits and harms of seeds

Seeds are not only a pleasant reason to “kill” time in front of the TV, but also a very useful opportunity to nourish your body with useful substances. Despite their miniature size, the seeds are very, very valuable for our body. We will discuss in this article what types of seeds exist, how they are useful and how they can be treated.

Types of seeds

There are only four types of seeds that can be eaten and enjoyed:

• sunflower seeds;
• linen;
• sesame seeds;
• pumpkin seeds.

We will talk about the beneficial qualities of each type of seeds a little later, but now a few words about how to choose the right seeds. On sale you can find peeled and unpeeled seeds. When choosing between these two types, it is preferable, of course, to have seeds in the husk. The husk for the kernel acts as a kind of protection against harmful environmental factors and guarantees the safety of useful substances; without the husk, the seed quickly goes rancid and oxidizes, which does not have the best effect on the quality of the product. In addition, peeled seeds are often dusty and dirty - this is not visible to the eye, but bacteria are still introduced into the body. The husk of high-quality seeds should be beautiful, smooth, without white spots.

The seeds can also be dried and fried. Of course, of these two, dried seeds are the priority, since they contain all the abundance of useful substances, but fried kernels are much tastier and lighter; of course, they also have benefits, but in smaller quantities. Modern technologies make it possible to combine both methods of processing seeds, drying the kernels with hot air, thereby frying them. Thus, the taste of the consumer is satisfied and the healing qualities are preserved.

Always pay attention to the manufacturer and place of harvest. For example, sunflower is a very sensitive plant, and if chemicals were used during its cultivation, there is no doubt that all of them were absorbed by the seeds. When buying seeds in bulk, make sure there is no mold, foreign debris or other impurities. And when buying packaged seeds, make sure that the pack is intact and without damage. It is better if the packaging is made of foil or vacuum.

Benefits of seeds

Let's consider the benefits of each type of seeds.

The benefits of flax seeds

Linen seeds are favorable removal of toxic elements from the body, parasites and everything connected with them. The pectins and fiber included in the composition are capable of removing heavy metals and have a positive effect on the functioning and condition of the intestines. Flax seeds contain a lot of polyunsaturated fatty acids Omega 3, 6, 9. There are much more of these components in flax seeds even than in fish oil. All of them directly affect the development and growth of the body, help the cardiovascular system function normally and remain healthy. Omega 3 promotes blood thinning and provides preventive measures against thrombosis, atherosclerosis, and regulates the functioning of blood vessels and the heart. Very useful omega 6 is simply irreplaceable for our body, but in large quantities it can provoke obesity, diabetes, increased cholesterol in the blood and heart attack. However, an overdose does not occur, because Omega 3 does not allow this. Due to this, the seeds allow you to obtain the necessary substances without harm to health.

As is known, selenium protects nucleic acids from destruction, thereby preventing cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Often, a deficiency of this element is observed in residents of large cities who abuse carbohydrates in their diet. Flaxseeds are a good opportunity to nourish your body with such important components. Another valuable ingredient in seeds is potassium. It is a very important vitamin for the quality and healthy functioning of the entire body. If a person has a deficiency of vitamin K, the body’s heart rate becomes disrupted, kidney problems begin, and edema occurs. In terms of dry weight, flaxseeds are superior in potassium content even to bananas, which are always prescribed to compensate for a deficiency of this vitamin. And B vitamins and lithin protect a person from psychological diseases, suppress depressive states, including helping to fight postpartum depression.

The benefits of sesame seeds

The main thing for which sesame seeds are primarily valued is their high content of vitamin E, which is popular for its ability to maintain the youth of the body. They also contain a lot of calcium, the daily requirement of which can be satisfied with just 100 grams of the product. Sesame contains a lot of phosphorus and zinc, which directly affect the formation of building tissue and the prevention of osteoporosis. The high fiber content has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the digestive tract and its health. Polyunsaturated fats help normalize blood cholesterol levels. Sesame seeds have powerful antioxidant properties and fight cancer cells.

Depending on the grade, sesame seeds can have a black, red, yellowish, or brownish color. Dark colored seeds are considered the most fragrant. Due to the large amount of oil in the seeds, they quickly deteriorate, and seed oil is very expensive. Regular consumption of sesame seeds has a good effect on the condition of hair, skin and nails. The seeds are recommended for use in sports nutrition, as they help build muscle mass. Sesame strengthens the immune system and helps relieve asthma.

Benefits of pumpkin seeds

Since ancient times, pumpkin seeds have been used to treat and rid the body of parasites. Indeed, with their help you can successfully fight worms. These seeds are completely non-toxic and do not cause side effects, unlike medications with the same effect, so they are used equally well for both children and adults. The high content of phosphorus and zinc in seeds has a beneficial effect on brain activity and the health of the circulatory system. Pumpkin seeds are especially useful for men, since the body of the stronger half of humanity needs zinc much more than the female body. Regular consumption of pumpkin seeds helps stop hair loss, makes it healthy and shiny, the skin will become velvety and acquire a beautiful color, and skin rashes will disappear. Pumpkin seeds have a good effect on vision, reproductive function, the digestive process and the skeletal system.

The benefits of sunflower seeds

It’s hard to imagine, but the biological value of sunflower seeds is much higher than eggs and meat, and they are much easier to digest by the body. They contain a lot of vitamin D, the amount of which sunflower seeds are ahead of cod liver. The rich chemical composition of the seeds has a positive effect on the condition of the mucous membranes and skin, and normalizes the acid-base balance; for this reason, the seeds are often used in the field of cosmetology. Constant intake of seeds ensures normal fat metabolism in the body; they contain a lot of unsaturated fatty acids, such as oleic, linoleic, stearic and others. 

Sunflower seeds also contain valuable vitamin F, which is not synthesized in the human body, which is why it is so important to ensure its additional consumption. The presence of many tannins and minerals in the seeds was noted: potassium and phosphorus, magnesium, iron, fluorine, selenium, zinc, iodine, manganese. Seeds have a positive effect on the heart, endocrine, cardiovascular system and, in general, on the functioning of the entire body as a whole.

Sunflower seeds contain a lot of vitamins B, A, E, D. Just 50 g per day is enough to fill the daily requirement for vitamin E - a powerful antioxidant that helps prevent cancer and keep the body young and healthy. Regular consumption of seeds will make your bones strong, your eyesight sharp, your skin beautiful, your hair shiny, and this habit will fill you with vitality.

Harm of seeds

Harm to the seeds can only appear if they are abused or eaten with existing contraindications. Since the seeds are very high in calories, their abuse can lead to obesity, and therefore to problems in the heart and other organs. All the seeds mentioned in the article are very healthy, but they should be eaten in moderation. One hundred grams per day daily is enough to nourish the body with everything it needs.

Calorie content of seeds

Calorie content (per 100 g):

• pumpkin seeds - 446 kcal;
• flax seeds - 534 kcal;
• sesame - 573 kcal;
• sunflower seeds - 584 kcal.

Contraindications for seeds

Contraindications by type of seeds:

• For sesame seeds. Considering the property of seeds to increase blood clotting, seeds should be used with caution by people who have problems with this process in the body. Seeds are also contraindicated for urolithiasis. It is highly not recommended to eat sesame seeds in the morning on an empty stomach, as this can cause nausea and severe thirst.
• For flax seeds. If you have not previously consumed flaxseeds, then it is likely that the first time after introducing them into your diet you will experience bloating, which is due to the high fiber content - this is a normal process, which, in principle, can be avoided if you introduce the product into your diet gradually. The seeds are contraindicated in case of exacerbation of colitis, pancreatitis, or in the presence of urolithiasis, since the seeds are endowed with a choleretic effect. You should use these seeds with extreme caution during pregnancy; it is better to consult your attending physician about this. 
• For pumpkin seeds. Not recommended in the diet of children and people suffering from gastrointestinal diseases. With great caution and preferably only with the permission of a doctor for allergy sufferers, pregnant women, heart patients, obesity and hypertension. But even in the absence of contraindications, it is not recommended to use it on an empty stomach.
• For sunflower seeds. It is better to avoid these seeds if you have gastritis and peptic ulcers. If you have weight problems, you should limit the amount of sunflower seeds you consume.

Sunflower seeds during pregnancy

The issue of nutrition during the perinatal period is very acute, because now the mother takes care not only of herself, but also of her baby. The situation with seeds is especially interesting, because there are many superstitions on this topic. For example, they say that if a pregnant woman is addicted to seeds, the baby will be born whiny/dark/drooling, that the uterus will be soft or the tests will be bad. Needless to say, these are nothing more than delusional superstitions, which are completely unreasonable to believe.

The seeds are very useful during the perinatal period, because they contain a lot of useful vitamins and microelements: calcium, magnesium, polyunsaturated fats, zinc, folic acid, vitamins A, D, E, B. This product helps improve the condition of the skin, nails and hair, regulates the acid-base balance in the body, makes bones stronger, normalizes appetite, prevents heartburn and constipation, suppresses the feeling of nausea.

However, with all their benefits, it is worth understanding that there must be moderation in everything, especially during such a crucial period, because abuse of this product may not result in the most pleasant consequences. For example, nausea, constipation and a feeling of heaviness in the stomach. In order for mommy to get all the necessary substances, it is enough to eat 100 g per day. Another reason why you should not go heavy on them is their high calorie content, which may not have the best effect on weight. If there are any contraindications, pregnant women should not consume the seeds, but in general, it is better in any case to consult on the topic of nutrition with your supervising doctor.

Treatment with seeds

• Sesame for colds. Warm the sesame oil in a water bath to 37°C and rub the mixture on your chest before going to bed, then wrap yourself warmly and go to bed.
• Sesame for intestinal disorders (diarrhea). In a glass of warm boiled water, mix a small slice of propolis, a spoonful of honey and a couple of spoons of ground sesame seeds. The prepared composition should be drunk in small portions.
• Sesame for constipation and gastritis. It is necessary to consume a large spoon of sesame oil. If constipation is chronic, the dose is doubled.
• To treat hemorrhoids, a couple of spoons of ground sesame seeds are immersed in half a liter of boiling water and placed on low heat for about five minutes. Remove from the stove, insulate and let stand until completely cool. The finished composition is used to wipe the anus and take a large spoon orally daily.
• For itchy dermatitis, prepare the following composition: equal volumes of aloe juice, grape juice and sesame oil. Use externally on problem areas three times a day. 
• To improve the condition of your gums and teeth, you need to keep sesame oil in your mouth for a minute or two.
• Flaxseeds against cough. Fry 10 g of flax seeds, chop and pour a glass of boiling water into them. Drink half a glass three times a day.
• For chronic constipation, you need to drink a glass of flaxseed decoction every time before going to bed, prepared at the rate of 10 g of seeds per glass of boiling water.
• Flax mucus is very helpful in treating gastritis. 20 g of seeds are poured into a liter of boiling water and the composition is infused for five hours. You need to drink half a glass twice a day.
• To get rid of worms, the following composition is prepared from pumpkin seeds. A pound of unpeeled seeds is passed through a meat grinder and poured with a liter of water. Everything is put on fire and evaporated to its initial state. The decoction is decanted and consumed for half an hour, after which a laxative is drunk.
• Three times a day you need to drink a drink made like tea from ground pumpkin seeds - this also helps drive worms out of the body.