All About Seeds

Video by Jonathan Parrish

Seeds are an excellent source of fiber, healthy fats, and many important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are a great way to add some crunch with a nutritional punch!

Here are three seeds to think about incorporating into your daily routine:

Flaxseeds

Flaxseeds are a great source of fiber, protein, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids. Most people may not know that the omega-3 fats are in the outer shell, which can't be easily digested. So, if you want to get the most health benefits from flaxseeds, it's best to grind them. You can purchase ground flaxseeds or grind them yourself in a blender, food processor, or a coffee grinder. 

Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are similar to flaxseeds in their nutritional makeup. However, you won't need to grind, cook, or prepare them in any special way to get their benefits. That makes them an easy go-to for boosting nutrition. 

Hemp Seeds

Hemp seeds are an excellent source of vegetarian protein. In fact, hemp seeds are a complete protein source, meaning they contain all the essential amino acids that your body can't make. Hemp seeds also have an important anti-inflammatory fatty acid called gamma-linolenic acid that may be beneficial in decreasing the risk of chronic diseases.

Seeds are easy to use and can be easily incorporated into your diet. They may seem a little expensive on the front end, but they offer a lot of bang for your buck!

Try adding theses seeds to yogurt, oatmeal, salads, smoothies, baked goods, and lots of other foods for a healthy boost.

Bottom line: Seeds like the ones I mentioned here and other seeds, like sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and sesame seeds, provide important nutrients that we need every day.

For more nutrition and wellness tips, join our MSU Nutrition and Wellness Facebook Group and visit the MSU Extension website.