Unveiling the Power of Seeds for Better Health As We Age

Blogs24 Oct 2024

Health has to become one of your top priorities as you grow older. This means having a nourishing and wholesome diet, filled with nutritious elements that can positively impact your health to ensure a smooth journey towards healthy ageing. One way to achieve good health through food is by including seeds in your regular diet!

Seeds are nutrient-rich seeds that offer a plethora of health benefits for those who consume them and help promote healthy ageing too. In this article, we’ll take you through what seeds are, how they benefit us and how to include them in your diet.

What are Seeds?

Power-packed with nutrients, seeds contain several essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and dietary fibres. These healthy seeds come from different plants which have been used for their medicinal and nutritional properties for centuries. Examples of these seeds are chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds and more. Having them along with a balanced and healthy diet may help regulate blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure levels.

Why Do You Need to Include Seeds in Your Diet as You Age?

As we age, the ability to absorb nutrients from our food reduces which can lead to deficiencies and health issues. Seeds are a favourable way of getting added nutrients to bridge this gap and support healthy ageing. From Chia seeds to sunflower seeds, having these healthy seeds in your regular life can help you get your daily required fibre intake along with the goodness of essential antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.

Types of Seeds and Their Benefits

1. Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, fibre, and protein, making them a perfect addition to any healthy diet. Some of the main chia seed benefits are that they have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-blood clotting, antianxiety and more such effects on the body. They also help manage diabetes, and hypertension and support digestion as well.

2. Flax Seeds

Also known as linseeds, they are a source of fibre, omega-3 fats, and protein. Having flax seeds regularly may lower LDL cholesterol levels and support heart health. Additionally, some flax seed benefits might be boosting brain health, cardiovascular health and gut health.

3. Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds are slowly gaining more popularity for their immense nutrients and health benefits. They contain fibre, amino acids, and fatty acids along with essential minerals like zinc, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, and selenium. For the elderly especially, the important pumpkin seed benefits are that they may help prevent arthritis, inflammation, and prostate cancer.

4. Hemp seeds

Hemp is a popular plant used to make fabric, bags, bedding and more. Its seeds also have excellent uses! Also known as hemp hearts, these seeds are excellent sources of two important fatty acids and contain both soluble and insoluble fibre. Overall, having hemp seeds may aid digestion and lower the risk of certain conditions such as heart issues, diabetes etc.

5. Sunflower seeds

Harvested from the flower head of the sunflower, these seeds are nutty in flavour. They contain a goldmine of nutrients such as healthy fats, vitamin E, flavonoids, zinc and selenium among others. All of these nutrients might help boost immune function, heart health and overall energy levels. Sunflower seeds may also help lower inflammation and reduce the risk of chronic conditions.

6. Sesame seeds

A popular cooking ingredient in Indian culture, sesame seeds contain fat, protein, minerals, vitamins, and dietary fibre. They are aromatic and are often added in Asian dishes either as seeds or as in the form of oil. Having sesame seeds may reduce cholesterol, regulate blood lipid levels, offer kidney and liver protection and overall provide an anti-inflammatory effect!

How to Include Seeds in Your Diet?

Incorporating seeds into your daily diet is incredibly easy and versatile. Here are some simple ways to include these seeds in your meals:

• Add chia seeds, flax seeds, or pumpkin seeds to your morning smoothie or yoghurt for an extra boost of nutrients. 
• Sprinkle these seeds on top of your salads, soups, or oatmeal for added crunch and nutrition.
• Mix them into your homemade granola, energy bars, or baked goods for a healthy and delicious treat.
• Make a chia seed pudding or flaxseed meal for a nutritious breakfast or dessert option.

Conclusion

Seeds or seeds that come from nutritious plants such as chia seeds, hemp seeds, sunflower seeds etc. are bursting with essential nutrients and make for a great addition to your diet. Having them regularly may help you absorb more nutrients and aid many biological processes, keeping you healthy and free from all kinds of illnesses. You can roast them and have them as a snack or add them to your daily breakfast items to enjoy their goodness.

In addition to your step towards healthy eating through seeds, you can also explore Right Shift’s tailor-made meal plans to make your diet plan more wholesome and delicious while sticking to your dietary guidelines. You can also explore other informative blogs like these if you’re interested in learning more about health, nutrition, chronic issues and ageing. So, head to our website, and make the right shift today!