Healthy Snacking – The Health Benefits of Pumpkin, Sunflower, and Watermelon Seeds

Did you know that gourmet nuts are one of the healthiest snacks to eat and serve? And in the nut family, gourmet seeds like pumpkin, sesame, flax, and sunflower are also brimming with vitamins and nutrients. Let’s take a closer look at their health benefits…

You may be aware that most varieties of nuts are very good for you. Nuts like almonds, cashews, pistachios, and several others contain high amounts of fiber, protein, and other essential nutrients. Seeds, like pumpkin, sunflower, and flax, have long been a popular snack food choice, and they are just as healthful as gourmet nuts. Here are five types of seeds and information on their health benefits:

Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds are available year around but are obviously more plentiful in the fall. Pumpkins themselves are from the canteloupe and squash family. The seeds are best served lightly roasted and salted, and they contain numerous B vitamins which are beneficial for your skin, eyesight, and circulation. They are also an excellent source of iron and protein.

Flax Seeds

Flax seeds are becoming more popular due to the known health benefits of flax seed oil. These seeds have a taste similar to sunflower seeds and they are loaded with vitamins. They are high in fiber, contain no cholesterol, and contain significant amounts of helpful omega 3 compounds. Flax seeds contain minimal carbohydrates and are often recommended as an ideal snack for those concerned about heart health.

Sunflower Seeds

Long a popular snack, sunflower seeds contain healthy fats similar to what you find in olive oil. This type of fat helps blood flow and lowers cholesterol levels. Like flax seeds, sunflower seeds are a low carbohydrate, high protein choice.

Sesame Seeds

These seeds are used most commonly as an add on for salads or baked into artisan breads. They are also one of the main ingredients in hummus. They have a unique nutty taste and are low in saturated fat. Further, they contain significant amounts of iron and fiber.

Watermelon Seeds

Did you know you can eat watermelon seeds? They are delicious roasted and lightly salted, with a taste similar to sunflower seeds. They contain several B vitamins, zinc, magnesium, protein, and fiber.

Summary

Just like gourmet nuts, these varieties of seeds make ideal snack choices not only for their great taste, but their healthy qualities as well. Further, they are very versatile and can be used as garnishes, in recipes, or as a stand alone treat.

Author: Jim Hofman
Source: ezinearticles.com