Antioxidants, a digestive, a stress reliever or a purifier, seeds have many virtues but do you really know them ? Kazidomi will tell you all about it.
Sesame seeds or a boost for the brain
Where do they come from? Probably Africa
What do they do? The Japanese adore this little seed that stimulates your memory and your intellectual activity ! It is certain that sesame influences the nervous system and our cardiovascular system.
These grains are also very good for the intestinal system thanks to the presence of many natural fibres.
How do we use them? You can mix a tablespoon in your Asian dish, Asian patisserie, in a salad, on fish or with white meat.
Sunflower seeds or a boost for the skin
Where do they come from? Sunflower seeds originate from North-America and the North of Mexico and were introduced to Europe by the Spanish in the 16th century. Sunflower oil is one of the three most used oils in Europe but sunflower seeds have other virtues besides producing oil.
What do they do? Sunflower seeds help to prevent allergies and support the digestive system. Rich in vitamin E and antioxidants, they are also a great ally for your skin and can reduce the first signs of ageing.
How do we use them? Sunflower seeds should be grilled to bring out the vitamins they contain and they can be used in salads, muesli and cakes. They are also great in pesto, to replace pine nuts that contain more fat.
Chia seeds or the ultimate healthy snack
Where do they come from? These small seeds were already used thousands of years ago, by the Aztec and the Mayan people. Chia means force in the Maya language and these seeds were used as an energy boost for Central-American peoples.
What do they do? They stop hunger ! High in fibre and Omega-3, chia seeds help to feel satiated quickly, help digestion and reduce bad cholesterol.
How do we use them? They need to be soaked in water for 30 minutes until they become a grainy mass that has a positive effect on digestion. It is great in puddings or as a breakfast that will gives plenty or energy ! They can also be ground and added to cakes or your favourite morning smoothie.
Linseed or ally against cancer
Where do they come from? In ancient Egypt, more than 10.000 years ago, linseed was already used to cure all kinds of illnesses.
What do they do? They help to prevent cancers like breast cancer, prostate cancer or colon cancer due to their high levels of lignans (an antioxidant that is great against cancer). High in fatty acids like Omega-3 and Omega-6, they also support the cardiovascular and hormonal system and more specifically help to regulate post-menopausal symptoms.
How do we use them? It is best to use them slightly ground to free their fibres and nutrients and to make them more digestible. In powdered form they are great in bread or pies.
Fennel seeds or a great help for your digestion
Where do they come from? These needs originate from the Mediterranean and before becoming indispensable in Italian cuisine, they were much appreciated by the Egyptians.
What do they do? They give your breath a lovely aniseed smell and help digestion. They stimulate the bowel, reduce gas and help digestion. Like pumpkin seeds, they also work as a diuretic !
How do we use them? In all your dishes, in salads, with fish, in sausage, with white meats and with cheese, fennel seeds are great with everything except red meat.
Pumpkin seeds or a diuretic
Where do they come from? The pumpkin was one of the first vegetables to be taken back to Europe by Christopher Columbus
What do they do? They make you pee ! A diuretic is a substance that stimulates urine production and helps to treat cystitis, a recurring illness in many women. Rich in iron, pumpkin seeds help against fatigue.
How do we use them? They can simply be eaten as they are or in salads or on your breakfast cereal, about a tablespoon per day.
Hemp seeds or a plant based super protein
Where do they come from? Hemp is one of the first grains cultivated by man in the Neolithic age, probably around Asia. It has travelled the world following human migrations.
What do they do? They help reducing the intake of animal protein as they are healthy plant based replacement. Hemp seeds are rich in plants based protein. Like linseed, they are high in omega-3 and omega-6 which support the cardiovascular system.
How do we use them? On raw vegetables, on muesli, in dough (bread, pies etc.), in salads or simply as a snack.
Cocoa beans or food of the gods
Where do they come from? Often called food of the god, cocoa bean come from Mexico
What do they do? Raw cocoa contains over 200 ingredients that are considered beneficial for the human body, which explain is divine reputation. Helps against fatigue and stress. It is an antioxidant, it helps the cardiovascular system, regulates blood pressure and helps to burn fat. Once they have been grilled (transformed into chocolate or cocoa powder), they loose about half of their medicinal virtues so it is a good idea to eat the beans raw even if they taste bitter !
How do we use them? In yoghurt, in desserts, cakes, ice cream or at breakfast.
