The benefits and harms of seeds

Sunflower seeds are not only a pleasant excuse 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, seeds are very, very valuable for our body. We will analyze 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 sunflower seeds that can be eaten and enjoyed, these are:

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

We will talk about the beneficial qualities of each type of seeds a little later, and now a few words about how to choose the right seeds. On sale you can find peeled and unpeeled seeds. Choosing between these two types, of course, the seeds in the husk are preferable. The husk for the kernel acts as a kind of protection against harmful environmental factors and guarantees the safety of nutrients, 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 still enter the body. The husk of high-quality seeds should be beautiful, even, without white spots.

There are also dried and fried seeds. Of course, of these two, dried seeds are in priority, since it is in them that all the abundance of nutrients is found, however, fried kernels are much tastier and lighter, they, of course, also have benefits, but in much smaller quantities. Modern technologies allow combining both methods of processing seeds, drying the kernels with hot air, thereby frying them, as it were. Thus, the consumer's taste is satisfied and the healing qualities are preserved.

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

The benefits of seeds

Consider the benefits of each type of sunflower seed.

The benefits of flaxseeds

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

As you know, selenium protects nucleic acids from destruction, thereby preventing cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Often, a lack of this element is noted in residents of large cities who abuse carbohydrates in their diet. Flaxseeds are a good opportunity to nourish your body with such important ingredients. Another valuable ingredient in seeds is potassium. It is a very important vitamin for the quality and healthy functioning of the whole organism. If a person suffers from a lack of vitamin K, the body's heart rate goes down, kidney problems begin, and edema occurs. In terms of dry weight, flaxseeds surpass even bananas in potassium content, which are always prescribed when replenishing the deficiency of this vitamin. And vitamins of group B and lycetin protect a person from psychological diseases, suppress depressive conditions, including helping to fight postpartum depression.

The benefits of sesame seeds

The main thing for which sesame seeds are prized is their high content of vitamin E, which is popular for its ability to maintain a youthful body. There is also a lot of calcium in them, the daily need for which can be satisfied with only 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 be black, red, yellowish, brownish in color. Seeds of a dark color 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 is good for the condition of hair, skin and nails. The seeds are recommended for use in the diet of sports nutrition, as they contribute to muscle building. Sesame seeds strengthen the immune system and help relieve asthma.

The benefits of pumpkin seeds

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

The benefits of sunflower seeds

It is difficult to imagine, but the biological value of sunflower seeds in many respects exceeds the parameters of eggs and meat, while the body digests them much easier. They contain a lot of vitamin D, by the amount of which sunflower seeds are ahead of the cod liver. The rich chemical composition of seeds has a positive effect on the condition of mucous membranes, skin, normalizes the acid-base balance, for this reason, seeds are often used in the field of cosmetology. The 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.

There is also such a valuable vitamin F in sunflower seeds, which is not synthesized in the human body, therefore 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 work of the whole organism as a whole.

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

Sunflower seeds harm

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

Caloric content of seeds

Calorie content (per 100 g):

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

Sunflower seeds contraindications

Contraindications by types of seeds:

• For sesame seeds. Given 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 discouraged to eat sesame seeds in the morning on an empty stomach, as this can cause nausea and severe thirst.
• For flaxseeds. If you have not previously consumed flaxseeds, then it is likely that the first time after introducing them into your diet, you will encounter bloating, due to the high fiber content, this is a normal process that, in principle, can be avoided if the product is introduced into diet gradually. Seeds are contraindicated in exacerbation of colitis, pancreatitis, in the presence of urolithiasis, since the seeds are endowed with a choleretic effect. With extreme caution, you need to use these seeds during pregnancy, it is better to consult with your doctor about this.
• For pumpkin seeds. Not recommended in the diet of children and people suffering from gastrointestinal diseases. With great care 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, consumption on an empty stomach is not advised.
• For sunflower seeds. It is better to give up these seeds for gastritis and peptic ulcer disease. If you have problems with weight, you should limit the amount of sunflower seeds consumed.

Seeds during pregnancy

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

Seeds are very useful in 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 to 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, for all their usefulness, it is worthwhile to understand that there should be a measure in everything, especially in such a crucial period, because the abuse of this product can turn out to be not 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 lean on them is high calorie content, which may not be the best way to affect weight. With the existing contraindications, pregnant women cannot use seeds, but in general, it is better in any case to consult on the topic of nutrition with your supervising doctor.

Seed treatment

• Sesame for colds. Warm up sesame oil in a water bath to 37 ° C and rub the chest with the composition before going to bed, then wrap yourself up warmly and go to bed.
• Sesame for intestinal upset (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. Drink the finished composition in small portions.
• Sesame seeds for constipation and gastritis. You must consume a large spoonful 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 put on low heat for five minutes. Remove from the stove, insulate and let stand until it cools completely. The finished composition is used to wipe the anus and use inside a large spoon daily.
• For itchy dermatitis, the following composition is prepared: the juice of aloe, grape and sesame oil is combined in equal volumes. They are used externally on problem areas three times a day.
• To improve the condition of the gums and teeth, you need to keep sesame oil in your mouth for a minute or two.
• Flaxseeds for coughing. Fry 10 g of flaxseeds, chop and pour in a glass of boiling water. Drink half a glass three times a day.
• With chronic constipation, every time before going to bed, you need to drink a glass of flaxseed decoction, prepared at the rate of 10 g of seeds per glass of boiling water.
• In the treatment of gastritis, flax mucus helps well. 20 g of seeds are poured with 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 broth is decanted and consumed for half an hour, after which a laxative is drunk.
• Three times a day you need to drink a drink prepared like tea from ground pumpkin seeds - this also allows you to drive out worms from the body.