Seeds of Success

Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds have many health benefits, they are rich in amino acids, iron, protein, phytosterols and immune-boosting zinc, and are even said to lower cholesterol.

The rich source of essential fatty acids found in pumpkin seeds helps to maintain healthy blood vessels, as do the plant compounds called phytosterols.

They also contain phytoestrogens, plant chemicals with a structure rather like the hormone oestrogen, which have been found to help with balancing women’s hormones, and also in helping to prevent heart disease.

One gram of pumpkin seed protein contains as much tryptophan (an essential amino acid) as a full glass of milk. Tryptophan has the ability to increase brain levels of serotonin, a so-called happy chemical that can help fight depression.

Sesame Seeds

“Open sesame” – These tasty little seeds are high in calcium, healthy polyunsaturated fats, zinc, manganese, copper, Vitamin B1 and Vitamin E.

Calcium is needed for strong, healthy bones and teeth and half a cup of sesame seeds contains three times more calcium than half a cup of milk – interesting!

Zinc is needed for a strong immune system, so we need good supplies to protect us from all those bugs and infections that are always going around.

Sesame seeds also contain plant compounds called phytosterols, associated with reducing cholesterol levels, and therefore lessening our risk of heart disease and strokes.

Sesame seed is a good source of Vitamin E, which can help strengthen the heart and the nervous system.

Sunflower Seeds

These ‘super seeds’ have it all – protein, vitamins, minerals and fibre.

Sunflower seeds are low in saturated fat, and contain a healthy combination of Omega 3, 6 & 9 essential fatty acids, crucial to the diet as the body cannot produce them itself – that’s why they’re called ‘essential’. These ‘good fats’ are vital for cell maintenance and helping to regulate blood clotting, blood pressure, immune function and reproduction.

Sunflowers seeds are one of the best whole food sources of Vitamin E, an antioxidant that mops up harmful free radicals, protecting our cells and cell membranes from damage and reducing our risk of serious diseases such as heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

If that’s not enough they are also high in folic acid, selenium, iron and zinc, which are all essential for a healthy and happy body.

Linseeds

Linseeds are the seeds of the flax plant and are also known as flax seeds. They are considered to be one of the richest plant sources of Omega 3 fats, which are essential for a healthy brain, heart, joints and immune system.

They are high in healthy polyunsaturated fats, folic acid (also known as folate), fibre, vitamins and minerals. All these are helpful in reducing inflammation and protecting against heart disease and arthritis.

Folic acid is especially important for ladies from pre conception to pregnancy to meet the needs of the developing baby.

Linseed also has lubricating and bulking properties, so to put it delicately, will keep you nice and regular.