Seeds are a superfood. Below are some seeds that you can use for their health benefits.

1. Chia
Improves heart health by reducing cholesterol levels, and good for intestinal health.  Rich in fiber, and healthy omega-3 fatty acid. Fiber takes some time to metabolize and digest. Chia seeds keep you feeling full for a longer duration. Soak them before use. This creates a gelatinous substance which makes it easier to absorb the nutrients. You can serve these seeds with any beverages like warm milk or warm tea. You can also add these to your yogurt, oatmeal. Smoothie, muesli, or pudding (kheer). It promotes bone health, may prevent diabetes and reduce your risk towards heart ailments.

2. Ajwain (Caraway)- Pungent, increases appetite, balances kapha and vata, warm in property, good for heart conditions, beneficial in dieases related with the eyes, and the bladder. Ajwain also supports the digestive system, and helps relieve common issues such as bloating, gas, and dull cramp like pain. Essential oils in ajwain like thymol help prevent infections. Ajwain is also good for issues related with the respiratory system. It can lower the formation of mucus. Ajwain is used to treat inflammation and pain in the joints.

3. Flaxseeds

Contains omega-3 fatty acid which protects us from heart disease and arthritis, and it also has cancer fighting abilities. Flax seeds are commonly used to improve constipation and improve gut health. Flax seeds helps lower total blood cholesterol and LDL or bad cholesterol thus lowering the risk of heart disease. It is best absorbed in the ground from instead of whole seeds.

4. Hemp

It is a complete proteins source because it contains all nine essential amino acids.  beer they contain high levels of an amino acid arginine which produces nitric oxide. Nitric oxide relax the blood vessels and reduce blood pressure and that may reduce the risk of heart disease. Hemp seeds may help fight inflmation as well as inflammatory conditions of the skin such as atopic dermatitis.

5. Cumin

Dry, rough, increases agni, and apaetitie, light, improves digestion, calms the mind, improves eye health, reproductive health, good for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), bloating, nuasea. Improves menstruation, and works as an anti microbial herb. Cumin seeds are anti oxidants and anti inflammatory. Like ajwain seeds, cumin seeds also support the respiratory system. A piece of muslin cloth filled with 1 teaspoon of cumin and ajwain seeds, rolled into a ball, and slightly warmed, can be used on the chest when the chest feels congested. Cumin seeds have antioxidants and can help in controlling blood sugar levels.

6. Poppy

It is mildly sweet spicy in flavor. It is rich in calcium. 1 tablespoon supplies 10% of the daily calcium requirement, which is about Half a cup of milk. So Poppy is a good source of calcium for those who cannot eat dairy Products. It can be used in baked goods or salad dressings.

7. Pumpkin

These have magnesium which is helpful in building bones and sterols which helps in reducing the risk of heart diseases. Magnesium is an important source of keeping blood pressure in check. Good source of several minerals, unsaturated fats, and fiber.

8. Sesame

These are available in two different colors. Both white and black sesame seeds have a sweet and nutty flavor. These seeds are full of antioxidants. Black sesame seeds have a stronger flavor though the end may have more antioxidants as compared to the white variety.

9. Sunflower

These are excellent source of Vitamin E, which fights inflammation and is good for maintaining a healthy skin. Sometimes processed sunflower seeds may have a lot of salt, so be careful of extra sodium levels. Buy the unsalted variety.

10. Coriander 

Coriander seeds improve the functionalities of the digestive system because they are rich in fibre.It can lower the risk of heart disease, and can help lower blood sugar levels. It also has powerful antioxidants. Coriander seeds are a good source of Vitamin, A, D, Iron and Calcium.It has an astringent taste, is warm, and induces agni. It also improves nausea, cough, and shortness of breath.

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