Seeds are a great source of mood-boosting essential fats, yet often lacking from many diets. They are also portable and easy to add to many dishes. Adding more seeds to your diet is one of those super simple changes that can make a big difference to your health.
I like to grind a mixture of seeds in advance and store them in the fridge in an airtight container. Grinding the seeds makes them easier for your body to digest, absorb and enjoy all the goodness from. I add them to salads and smoothies, to porridge, bircher muesli and homemade granola or even as a crunchy topping onto steamed vegetables.
Super Seed Mix- Take equal quantities of flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and hemp seeds.
- Mix the seeds together then add them to a herb or coffee grinder
- Grind the seeds until you have a fine powder
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge – this is important as the oils contained within the seeds are easily damaged by light and air – storing them this way helps to protect and keep them fresher for longer.
by Rachel Bartholomew, Nutri Enews Feb 14
Hello Micki
Dr. Osborne has repeatedly advised against eating seeds. He says the seed husks contain toxins meant to deter creatures who might otherwise eat them (though that obviously doesn’t deter the seed-eating birds who eat the fruit but excrete the kernel!). He says these toxins then cause inflammation in the sensitive human digestive system – I presume he means the digestive systems of gluten-intolerants who already have an inflammation problem. It’s certainly true that I for one can’t eat seeds at all now (though not very many years ago I used to have pumpkin seeds every morning with my breakfast).
Don’t you agree with him or do you think it’s just a question of degree? That some of us can safely eat seeds but some of us would be well-advised to avoid them.
It;s a tough one, and note that this is on the Purehealth blog, not the Truly Gluten Free on, A, for that reason. I think in people without issues with inflammatory and autoimmune disorders, and those with conditions where the seeds could get stuck if not ground, like diverticulosis, seeds can be a power pack of nutrition and a good source of fibre and micronutrients. As always, everything in moderation and a variety-rich diet. Flax and pumpkin are particularly beneficial.