A seed is a reproductive structure in plants that can grow into a new plant. Seeds are usually found in the ripe fruit of angiosperms (flowering plants).
They contain an embryo and a supply of nutrients for the growing plant. They also have an outer covering called the seed coat that protects them from water loss, injuries and drying out.
Protein
Protein is a complex substance that is essential for human health and well-being. The body needs protein to perform all the different functions necessary for living, including muscle development and cell repair.
A wide variety of foods can provide protein, including meats (such as chicken or beef), fish and dairy products. However, proteins can also be found in plants.
One way to get enough protein is through eating seeds and nuts. They’re a good source of protein, and they also contain healthy fats. These include almonds, pistachios, cashews and walnuts, as well as pecans and hazelnuts.
Fiber
Fiber is an important part of a healthy diet. It is found in foods such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables and legumes.
There are two types of dietary fibers: insoluble and soluble. Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water and passes through the gastrointestinal tract, mostly intact.
Insoluble fiber can be found in wheat bran, whole grains, nuts and beans. It helps move food through the GI tract and promotes stool bulk.
Soluble fiber, found in psyllium, bran, and legumes, keeps blood sugar steady and reduces the ups and downs of insulin secretion. This can help regulate weight gain and prevent diabetes.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants are substances that prevent the body from damage caused by free radicals. These are unstable molecules produced in the normal course of metabolism, but can also be induced by external factors such as smoking, alcohol, sun exposure and pollution.
They are important for the body because they can protect cells from oxidative stress, which is a common cause of many health conditions including cancer and heart disease. They can be found in a wide variety of foods, including vitamins C and E, carotenoids (beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein), and minerals such as selenium.
The best way to get the full range of antioxidants is to eat a balanced diet, including fruits and vegetables, and include these in all meals and snacks. Be aware that cooking methods and temperatures can affect the amount of antioxidants in certain foods.
Vitamins
Vitamins are organic compounds that our bodies need in small quantities to function. They are present in the foods we eat, and having too little of some vitamins can cause health problems.
A common vitamin deficiency is scurvy, which occurs when people do not get enough vitamin C from their diets. If it is diagnosed early, you can be cured by eating a diet high in vitamin C.
Seeds are rich in several vitamins, including thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxine (B6), biotin and folate (B9). B-group vitamins help convert carbohydrates, fats and proteins into energy.
They also contain fiber, which slows digestion and helps keep blood sugar levels steady. Research shows that people who consume seeds have better blood sugar control, which may benefit weight loss efforts.
Minerals
Minerals are important for human health in the form of nutrients that support the body’s normal functions. They play a vital role in maintaining a healthy immune system and proper cardiovascular health, among many other things.
They are also essential for a healthy digestive system. In addition, they have a vital role in muscle contraction and fluid balance within the body.
Minerals are needed for the production of hemoglobin, a molecule in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. They are also involved in energy metabolism and the formation of protein and genetic materials.
