Seeds of Health
Guest article by Shwetha Bhatia
Add them to your smoothie or salads. My recommendation is to avoid roasting them.
Chia Seeds:
- Rich in fiber, thus helps improve digestion process
- Packed with calcium, thus good for healthy bones
- Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, supports cognitive function, heart & nerve health, insulin sensitivity
Flax Seeds:
- Contains omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants
- Known to be helpful in lowering risk of heart diseases, cancer, and diabetes
- Don’t consume too much as they contain phytoestrogens and goitrogens
Pumpkin/Sunflower Seeds:
- Contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties
- Contains zinc and selenium which support thyroid health, muscle growth, immune function
Hemp Seeds:
- They are packed with fiber and omega-3 fats
- Contain magnesium, a good for muscle and nerve health
- Regulates blood sugar
Fenugreek & Fennel Seeds:
- They are packed with soluble fiber which aids constipation, lowers cholesterol
- Regulate blood sugar, relieve menstrual cramps
- Possibly effective as a galactagogue (breast milk production)
Shwetha Bhatia is a registered dietician with the Indian Dietetic Association. She runs her practice under the brand name “Metamorphosis’ in Mumbai. She is also a competitive fitness athlete (IBBF Bronze winner at the State & National Level 2015). She has also set up her own gym and nutrition counselling centre in Goa called Gym & Tonic. She’s also a columnist for the fitness magazine Krunch Today.