Physical Wellness

7 Healthy Seeds to Add to your Diet

By Cheri Cheng | Update Date: Nov 04, 2014 03:13 PM EST

Over the past few years, seeds have started to gain popularity for being good for you body. On top of the health benefits, seeds are easy to use. All you have to do is add them in your beverages, oatmeal and other meals. With all of these seed options, it can be helpful to know what each one can do for you.

Here are the top 7 best seeds to choose from:

1.Pomegranate

Pomegranates are currently in season so getting your hands on a couple of fresh ones should not be too hard. Cut open a pomegranate and pick out the seeds, which are packed with antioxidants and vitamin C. These juicy seeds are low in calories and can help you lose weight.

2. Hemp

Hemp is an excellent choice if you want to gain some muscle. Hemp, which is vegetarian, contains all 20 amino acids. Just sprinkle a little bit on top of shakes after a workout.

3. Chia Seeds

If you want stronger bones, look for chia seeds, which are rich in calcium. Just two tablespoons of these seeds pack the same amount of calcium as one slice of cheddar cheese.

4. Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds are a great pick-me-up snack. These seeds have a lot of iron, which can boost your energy levels.

5. Sesame

Sesame is commonly found in Chinese food or in different kinds of bread. Sesame is extremely good for heart health because it has linoleic acid, which is an omega-6 fatty acid that maintains "bad" cholesterol, also known as LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol.

6. Flax Seeds

Flax seeds are the seeds of choice if you want to prevent cancer. They are packed with lignans, which are compounds tied to combating cancer, and omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation linked to diseases.

7. Wheat Germ

Wheat germ, which comes from a small part of a wheat kernel, can aid in digestion. The seed contains inulin, which is a type of fiber.

Like with all kinds of food, moderation is key.

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