These 6 Kinds of Seeds Make Tasty, Nutrient-Packed Snacks

Seeds are small and often overlooked, but they punch far above their weight.

“Seeds are nutritional powerhouses that play a crucial role in a man’s overall healthy diet,” says Debbie Petitpain, a registered dietician at the Medical University of South Carolina. “They are full of protein, fiber, and healthy unsaturated fats, which protect against heart disease.”

A 2017 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that low seed consumption increased people’s risk for death from stroke, heart disease, and other heart-related problems.

Seeds would almost be the perfect food, except they’re calorie-dense. So, a little goes a long way. “Aim for five servings a week, with a single serving being a quarter cup,” says Petitpain. Top yogurt and salads with seeds, and snack on them between meals, as you would nuts. While all offer nutritional perks, here are six worth noshing on.

Protect the Prostate

Flax

These seeds are rich in hormone-like substances called lignans. Lignans have been found to help slow the progression of certain cancers, including prostate cancer. They may also help reduce blood pressure. The seeds are encased in a shell that’s hard for the body to break down, so try milled flaxseed instead. One tablespoon can take the place of an egg when you’re baking or add a heaping spoonful to your morning smoothie.

Help Your Heart

Hemp

Hemp seeds are exceptionally rich in two essential fatty acids that are known to have heart-protecting benefits. Plus, they contain all 20 amino acids, making them a complete vegetarian protein source. Toss them into your smoothies or atop oatmeal. You can also try hempseed oil. It has similar nutritional benefits to the seed. Drizzle the mild, nutty oil over salads or pastas, but don’t use it as cooking oil since it has a low smoke point.

Control Blood Pressure

Sesame

Multiple studies have shown that sesame seeds—whether whole or ground, or as an oil—can reduce blood pressure and cholesterol when consumed regularly. It’s likely due to sesamin, a lignan in the seed that has been found to have heart-protective benefits. For an easy way to work sesame seeds into your diet, spread tahini (a ground sesame paste) instead of peanut butter on toast, or go to town on some veggies and hummus—the dip contains the seedy stuff.

Tame Hunger

Chia

A two-tablespoon serving provides 10 grams of soluble fiber—the kind that slows digestion and makes you feel fuller longer—at a mere 140 calories. Chia also has a healthy dose of magnesium and protein, which is important for muscle building and metabollism. Add seeds to salad dressing or toss them with steamed veggies for extra crunch. Steep them in low-fat coconut milk until they puff up, then drizzle with agave or maple syrup for a dairy- and gluten-free dessert. Keep an eye out for chia seed bread, which can also can help stave off hunger.

Build Muscle

Watermelon

A traditional snack in Arab and Asian cultures, half a cup of roasted watermelon seeds—which are white—contains 15 grams of protein, similar to a two-ounce serving of chicken or beef. In addition to muscle-building protein, watermelon seeds are rich in the amino acid arginine, which regulates blood pressure. They can be bought roasted and prepackaged (we like Go Raw) at most health food stores. Or try watermelon seed butter: At around 160 calories per two tablespoons, it’s slightly less caloric than peanut butter.

Save Your Skin

Wheat germ

A nutrient-dense part of the wheat kernel, wheat germ is associated with improved tissue and organ health. It also contains Vitamin E, which can help prevent oxidative stress and may bolster the cells of major organs, including skin and kidneys. In addition, wheat germ has been linked with lower cholesterol. Find it at the grocery store near the hot cereal. Add a tablespoon to a smoothie bowl or use it as a partial substitute for breadcrumbs in recipes like meatballs and eggplant Parmesan.

by Julia Savacool

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