"We would like to take a look at three of the most nutritious seeds in the world."
The plant goes to great effort in producing and protecting its seed, filling each genetic packet with high concentrations of vitamins, minerals, proteins, essential oils and dormant enzymes. Seeds can germinate after two hundred years if stored in a favorable condition. Amazingly, dormant seeds are alive but the respiration is so slow that it is immeasurable. The oldest seeds ever to germinate were found in a lemming burrow, deeply buried and permanently frozen in central Yukon, dated to be thousands of years old. When discovered and taken back to the laboratory, the seeds germinated, producing healthy plants.
Seeds are a delicious, nutritious treat. If you decide to become a vegetarian, there is no need to fear protein deficiency. Seeds are as high in protein as the leanest meats, but free from cholesterol and sticky fats. Fresh raw nuts and seeds can be wonderfully satisfying. Something we can really sink our teeth into.
Most of us would be amazed at how much we spend on junk food. A dollar here and a dollar there really adds up. We suggest that you take 30 to 35 dollars and go to your local health food store and purchase some healthy alternatives so that, when a craving comes on, you can go to your fridge and sit down and enjoy the variety of natural snack foods.
We would like to take a look at three of the most nutritious seeds in the world. Raw seeds are high in delicate oils. We are not referring to the deep-fried, salt-laden seeds found in corner stores. Tasty as they may be, they are useless in health and have been reduced from the height of a delicate nutritious food, to junk food. Instead, use fresh seeds where the fragile oils have not been compromised by heat, light or air.
Some people think sunflower seeds are for the birds. Often you can watch birds at a feeder, picking through all the other seeds to get to the prized sunflower seed. Birds are smart! These little gems are packed with nutrients. In fact, they are considered by many to be the most perfect in nutrients, supplying all the body’s needs, except vitamin D, which can be easily obtained through the action of sunlight on the skin. Do not be fooled by deep-fried, chemically-flavored, salt-encrusted, junk food in the convenience store. If the seeds have been removed from the shell, they need to be kept in the refrigerator. You may have to purchase them from a health food store. They may be more expensive but the delicate essential oils will be intact.
Sunflower seeds are 22% protein and contain 50% oil. For every 100 grams, sunflower seeds contain 30 grams of unsaturated fats and 30 milligrams of essential linoleic acid, which reduces cholesterol deposits in the arteries and veins. If you are trying to break an addiction to high-fat foods, they may be a healthy alternative and will satisfy fat cravings. One hundred grams of these tiny treasures contain 7 milligrams of iron compared to 2½ milligrams in the same serving of beef. Flour made from sunflower seeds is the richest source of iron in the world, second only to brewers’ yeast. Sunflower flour is easily made in a coffee grinder.
Sunflower seeds are also filled with potassium which helps flush and reduce sodium in the body. These seeds are plentiful in magnesium and phosphorus which help the body absorb calcium. There are 174 milligrams of calcium in a cup of sunflower seeds. The calcium to phosphorus ratio makes the calcium readily available for the building of strong bones. Sunflower seeds are a strong source of B vitamins, especially thiamin and niacin which protects the health of the brain, skin and digestive tract.
Growing sunflowers is a fun hobby for kids. They will grow up to 8 feet tall, crowned with a huge flower, filled with developing seeds. Some growers place screens on the flower to protect the seeds from birds. Sunflower seeds are an excellent addition to any salad. They can be added to breads, cooked vegetables and are delicious sprinkled over fruit desserts.
Pumpkin Seeds
Raw, shelled pumpkin seeds are dark green and absolutely delicious. Until recently they were difficult to find, but have become more plentiful due to government effort. The U. S. Department of Agriculture combined the flavor of a good tasting pumpkin seed with the genetics of a shell-less seed variety, resulting in a gourmet pumpkin seed that does not have to be dehulled.
Pumpkin seed oil is dark green with a full bodied butter-like nutty flavor. It can now be purchased cold-pressed in dark bottles in the refrigerator of your local health food store. Always check the expiration date. Pumpkin seed oil contains both omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids making them a delicate oil. Pumpkin seed oil is a tasty replacement for flax seed oil and delicious over fruit or vegetable salads. Pumpkin seed is a high source of vitamin A, calcium and iron, containing small amounts of protein, B1, B2 and B3.
Sesame Seeds
Definitely the most nutritious part of a Big Mac. Our suggestion is that if you are going to eat at McDonalds, throw away the hamburger and pick the seeds off the bun and have a nutritious snack with your friends and family.
Sesame seeds have been used for thousands of years. Ancient Arabs would use them as a sustaining food for traveling long distances. They are 19% protein, compared with 13% in eggs. An excellent source of B vitamins and minerals. They are considered one of the highest sources of calcium in the world when the husk is intact. Raw sesame seeds, with their husk intact, are darkish brown in color, compared with the more common dehulled white seeds. Some people keep a shaker of sesame seeds in the middle of the kitchen table and sprinkle them on just about anything. A great addition to any salad.
Raw seed recipes are hard to come by. Below is a link to seven of the tastiest, rare seed recipes we could find. You will absolutely love them. They are worth their weight in gold.
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