Pass the Seeds, Please
Seeds are the means by which most plants propagate and, therefore, contain a dense concentration of nutrients. Seeds are rich in heart healthy polyunsaturated fat and are used to make oils, including sunflower, safflower, and sesame oils. Seeds also contain alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of “essential” fat that is required for life and reduces the risk of coronary artery disease. Because our bodies cannot manufacture it, we must consume it through the foods we eat. Seeds also contain phytochemicals, some of which may further protect against heart disease and cancer.
Trail mix is a good way to get your seeds!
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Some seeds, such as sunflower seeds, are among the best sources of vitamin E. Flaxseeds, rape seeds (from which canola oil is made), and hemp seeds also contain alpha-linolenic acid, a fat similar to the omega-3s in fish. Just remember that ounce for ounce, seeds, like nuts, are high in calories. So it’s good to eat them, but not too much of them.
