I’m sure we have all heard hype over certain “super foods” at some point or another. Supposedly adding them to your diet can take healthy eating to the next level—and of course that sounds ideal after we’ve been stuffing our faces with pizza and bar food. Well, whether you’ve tried a so-called “super food” or not, “super seeds” could easily become your favorite meal accessory.
Super seeds are tiny, but they are making a huge difference in health! These small seeds have little taste but an array of health benefits—they are packed with nutrients and low in calories! Seeds are naturally lean in fat but high in omega 3 fatty acids, which is what you need to give your brain a boost when exam week rolls around. Buy them by the bag and add a handful to anything you eat once a day! Here are the top 4 best super seeds you should be adding to your diet, along with 4 easy breakfast recipes to boost your morning energy!
Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are known as “runners’ seeds”—marathon runners eat them for sustained energy during a race. But you don’t have to be a marathon runner to enjoy the benefits of adding a handful of these little seeds to your diet! They are a great source of protein and omega 3 fatty acids that aid in brain functioning.
Chia Oatmeal Recipe:
1 cup of oats
2 tablespoons of raisins
4 tablespoons of chia seeds
½ tablespoon of vanilla extract
Pinch of cinnamon
*Cook all together in 1 ½ cup in your preference of milk or water.
Hemp Seeds
Hemp seeds are rich in vitamin E, so they are great for your skin and hair! These seeds also contain 9 of the essential amino acids, which control insulin and promote healthy muscle function.
Hemp Smoothie Recipe:
1 banana
1 cup of baby spinach
2/3 cup of mango
2 tablespoons of hemp seeds
1 cup of Greek yogurt
Ice
Flax Seeds
Just one tablespoon of these little seeds equals a whopping 8 grams of fiber! Flax also contains lignan, which reduces the risk of breast cancer. These seeds have a slightly nutty flavor, so they are excellent seeds to bake into homemade protein bars, muffins, and the like!
Flax Seed Muffin Recipe:
1 cup Fiber One ® original bran cereal
2/3 cup vanilla soy milk
1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup ground flax seed or flax seed meal
¾ cup chopped apple
½ cup packed brown sugar
½ cup finely shredded carrot
¼ cup flaked coconut
3 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup fat-free egg product
1 tablespoon canola or vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla
*Detailed preparation and baking instructions can be found here.
Pomegranate Seeds
We know pomegranate juice is tasty and loaded with antioxidants, but a healthier alternative is to simply eat the seeds themselves! Pomegranate seeds are slightly sweet but also tart and juicy. They are packed with vitamin C—just 3 tablespoons of these seeds equals about 20 percent of your daily value of vitamin C! They also fight off cancer-causing free radicals with antioxidants. The seeds have more fiber than just the juice, which aids in weight management.
Pomegranate Parfait:
Layer any flavor of Greek yogurt with your choice of fresh fruit and 3 tablespoons of pomegranate seeds!
Have your own “super seed” recipe? We’d love to try it! Share it with us in the comments below!