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5 seeds you must eat daily and 5 you should never eat

TIMESOFINDIA.COM | Last updated on - Oct 17, 2019, 14:38 IST

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Why seeds are so important in your daily diet?

Despite being small in size, seeds are known to be super-nutritious. They are known to be a powerhouse of nutrients and can be consumed daily for a myriad list of health benefits. With an ample amount of fibre, fats, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants present in them, seeds are known to be extremely versatile and can be incorporated any way in any dish. With growing awareness, several people are opting to consume these seeds for better health. They can help you lose weight while providing you with enough energy for the whole day. However, not every seed is healthy. For example, tomato seeds are known to cause kidney stones and it is advised not to eat them. Here is a list of 5 such seeds that you must consume and five you should not.

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Chia Seeds

There is a craze for chia seeds these days and the only reason why people are going mad for it is the amount of fibre these seeds have along with Omega-3 fats. Studies suggest that eating chia seeds may also reduce blood sugar levels while reducing appetite, which can aid in weight loss. It is advised to eat them soaked or as part of salad. You can soak them in water and drink the water along with the seeds for better gut health.

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Sesame Seeds

Commonly consumed in Asian countries, sesame seeds are known to have lignans that may help in reducing stress hormones and they are also said to improve the quality of sex hormones in the body. Being warm nature, sesame seeds also help reduce inflammation. These seeds are best enjoyed in the form of a dish. Some studies suggest that they are a source of good fat and they help reducing bad cholesterol.

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Sunflower Seeds

With a good amount of protein present in sunflower seeds, they help reduce the risk of heart disease. They contain high-level of both Omega-6 and monounsaturated fats and they help reduce cholesterol levels in the body. However, you must understand that they reduce both HDL and LDL cholesterol, and thus should be taken in moderation.

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Pumpkin Seeds

Except in several parts of Bengal and Bihar, where dried seeds of Pumpkin are fried in mustard oil and relished as a delicacy, they are generally cast away. They are loaded with Omega-6 fats and phosphorus and are hence good for the bones, the nerves and heart. They are known to be a good source of phytosterol, a plant-based compound that can help in lowering blood cholesterol.

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Flax Seeds

One of the most popular seeds that you can find in nearby stores, flax seeds are known to be an excellent source of fibre and Omega-3 fats. Also known as linseeds, they can help reduce cholesterol and blood pressure. Studies suggest that flax seeds can also reduce the risk of cancer. Have them roasted, they taste delicious!

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Seeds to Avoid: Tomato Seeds

With a gooey texture, tomato seeds are just like those small culprits who keep on distracting us. They are very small and we generally used them for making purees for food, while the raw tomatoes are used for making several vegetables and salads. Studies have suggested that eating tomato seeds can cause kidney stones as they contain oxalate which helps in the formation of these stones. However, you must know this fact that this happens only when you are consuming huge quantities of tomatoes every day.

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Must-Avoid: Apple Seeds

One of the world’s most popular fruits, you will be surprised to know, has seeds that are not at all worthy of eating. They are known to be poisonous! The reason is the presence of a compound called amygdalin. This plant compound is a part of the seeds’ chemical defences. When the seeds are digested or chewed, this compound releases hydrogen cyanide, which is poisonous and can even result in death. But this only happens when you consume about 1.52 milligrams per kilogram of hydrogen cyanide, so if you mistakenly eat a few apple seeds, there’s no reason to worry.

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Other Fruit Seeds

Not just these two but the seeds of other fruits like apricots, plums, cherries and peaches are also known to have cyanogenic compounds in them. So, whenever you take a bite of any of these fruits, make sure to avoid their seeds, as they can be harmful.

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Raw Kidney Beans

You must have observed, they are never eaten raw, and the reason behind it is that they have a high concentration of a chemical called phytohaemagglutinin that causes red blood cells to clump together. It is said that eating as less as 4-5 uncooked kidney beans can result in vomiting and diarrhoea, as they are not easily digestible. This toxin is destroyed by boiling them.

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Lychee Seeds

Lychee contains natural toxins that are found in its seeds, which once consumed can be poisonous for the human body. Not just this, as per a study there is a certain type of amino acid present in lychee seeds that severely affects blood glucose levels and can also cause brain inflammation.

Top Comment

Neena Mukherjee

2417 days ago

Well explained and very informative.

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