People have been talking about the power of seeds for thousands of years. In fact, Mayan and Aztec warriors used seeds as their sole source of food when traveling long distances. Considering a seed is the part of a plant that contains the embryo of a future plant, it is no wonder they are packed with nutrients and vitamins. Although small in size, seeds are great sources of protein and fiber, healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (the good fat) and omega-3 fatty acids, that when added do one’s diet can balance blood sugar, maintain healthy weight, lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, and reduce risk of heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. A huge benefit to your health can be made by simply adding 2 tablespoons of seeds into your diet each day!

Why Sprouted? Sprouted seeds are simply seeds that have just begun to sprout or germinate through controlled soaking for a few days. This process breaks down some of the starch making them easier to digest and the nutrients easier to absorb. You can buy sprouted seeds at most health food markets or do at home.

HOW TO SPROUT SEEDS AT HOME

1. Add 1/4 cup seeds in a glass jar with cool water. (A mason jar works best)
2. Using a sprouting lid or simply cover jar with cheesecloth and secure
3. Leave for 24 hours
4. Drain and rinse seeds in a colander and place back into jar with cheesecloth top and place in a on kitchen counter that is our of direct sunlight.
5. Repeat the rinse and draining process each day for 5 days
6. After 5 days, rinse seeds in a bowl and use hands to gently remove the hulls.
7. Allow to dry on a towel surface.
8. Now your raw sprouted seeds are ready to eat!!

EASY WAYS TO INCORPORATE SEEDS INTO YOUR DAILY DIET

1. Blend into a smoothie
2. Sprinkle on top of a salad
3. Bake in to any bread or even treats!
4. Blend into a salad dressing
5. Top oatmeal, yogurt or soups with a sprinkle of seeds

THE HEALTHIEST SEEDS

1. Flax - Rich in omega-3 fatty acids to reduce inflammation.
2. Chia - Loaded with antioxidants, calcium and fiber.
3. Quinoa - Rich in protein and magnesium, containing 30% of your recommended daily intake of magnesium in 1 cup
4. Sunflower - Rich in Vitamin E which plays an important antioxidant role within our bodies. Just two tablespoons provide 50% of your daily recommended intake of vitamin E. Also rich vitamin B6, magnesium and zinc.
5. Pumpkin - Rich in magnesium, one of the most important trace minerals of which 50% of people are deficient! Magnesium is important for maintaining gut health and digestion as well as healthy levels of serotonin in the brain. Two tablespoons provide 40% of your daily recommended intake of magnesium!
6. Hemp - One of the best sources of plant protein and packed with omega-3s, vitamin E and minerals like potassium, calcium, iron, and zinc. Just 2 tablespoons on hemp seeds contain 20% of your recommended daily intake of zinc, the immunity boosting mineral.
7. Basil - Relatively new to the seed scene, basil seeds are Chia’s top competitor containing 2x the fiber, 2x the potassium, 2x the calcium and 2x the iron.

PROTEIN IN SEEDS

1. FLAX - 4g in 2 tablespoons
2. CHIA - 6g in 2 tablespoons
3. SUNFLOWER - 4g in 2 tablespoons
4. PUMPKIN - 4g in 2 tablespoons
5. HEMP - 8g in 2 tablespoons
6. BASIL - 5g in 2 tablespoons

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