Metabolism refers to the chemical activity happening in our body to sustain life. It is important to maintain your metabolism for an active and healthy life.
People who want to get rid of all the extra fat in the body will find this article extremely useful as these seeds are not merely just seeds but, wonder minis full of nutritional benefits, including a boost to your metabolism. They also contain micronutrients like folic acid and iron and are a great source of dietary fiber. In each of these wonderful, seeds lie amazing nutritional properties we’d be nuts not to take advantage of. Follow this short guide to rev up your metabolism and start living a healthier life.
1. Flax Seeds
Benefits:
- An excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, lignans and fiber.
- Helps in prevention of breast, prostate and colon cancer, cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, PCOD, cholesterol.
- Known to be anti inflammatory in nature.
Side effects:
Can have side effects on pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. It lowers estrogen levels. Higher doses can cause GI issues such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea.
2. Sesame seeds
Benefits:
- Source of phytosterols that helps to reduce LDL levels.
- Rich in minerals such as Copper, Manganese, Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Iron and Zinc.
- Balances hormones, effective for post menopausal women.
- Helpful in burning body fat and maintaining skin and hair health.
Side effects:
Can cause bowel and colon irritation and can harm the fetus.
3. Watermelon seeds
Rich in Magnesium and also contain other minerals like Phosphorus, Iron, Potassium, Copper, and Zinc. These are rich in protein (contain 30% protein of their weight). Magnesium present in them regulates blood pressure and metabolism for carbohydrates. These contain omega-6 fatty acids which help in reducing high blood pressure, increasing heart health. These seeds also have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
There are no such side effects of using these. Just don’t overuse them.
4. Sunflower seeds
Rich in B complex vitamins, Vitamin E, selenium, and other minerals like Iron and Calcium. These support thyroid functioning, combats osteoporosis, bone loss, and muscle cramps. These are very helpful for skin health. If used in excess can cause skin rashes, chronic fatigue, and mood swings.
5. Pumpkin seeds
These are rich in Zinc, Iron, and tryptophan. Zinc helps to fight cravings, maintain blood glucose levels, increase immunity and promote good sleep cycles. These are beneficial for improving digestion, chronic fatigue, and hormonal imbalance. These have antioxidant nature which is helpful for preventing and dealing with cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
6. Chia seeds
One of the excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids, healthy carbohydrates, protein, fiber, calcium, and antioxidants. Also a good source of Calcium, these help to build stronger bones. The fiber content helps in weight loss, diabetes, digestive health, and boosting metabolism. Antioxidant nature makes it a cancer-fighting food.
Excess can cause GI tract issues, lower blood pressure and glucose levels.
7. Hemp seeds
These seeds come from the plant Cannabis Sativa, but the seeds merely contain any THC which is known for inducing hallucinations. Hemp seeds are rich in omega-6 and 3 fatty acids, Vitamin E, and certain other minerals like Potassium, Magnesium, and Zinc. These can benefit people with skin disorders, reduce symptoms of PMS and menopause, aid digestion, and improves heart health. These are great food for arthritis.
Excess of these seeds can cause diarrhea, flatulence, and protein overdose. So, it’s better to use it in moderation.
8. Poppy seeds
Also known as khus-khus, these seeds are high in healthy fats, Calcium, and Magnesium. Calcium in them supports bone maintenance and development. Magnesium content is helpful in heart disorders. Poppy seeds are beneficial for constipation, insomnia, asthma, cold and enhance brain functioning.
These seeds can cause allergies to some people. Symptoms include vomiting, hives, eye swelling skin redness, etc.