Many of us know that nuts are very good for our health and can help us to lose weight, but a lot of seeds can also help you to become slimmer, even better than nuts. When nuts are excellent for you, some people find them not so easy to digest and difficult to portion out. Moreover, seeds are lower per serving than nuts are.
For example, a small handful of flax seeds, roughly 2 tbsp., has only 5 grams of fat, when a serving of almonds has about 15. You also need more nuts per serving than seeds, which makes them have higher solidity. Both nuts and seeds are useful for your body, and I like them just the same, but I’d prefer to make an accent on a few peculiar seeds, which can help you lose those unwanted pounds if this concerns you.
Nuts are known for having useful monounsaturated fats and protein, while most seeds have mainly fiber and good mineral composition. If you want to reveal one of nature’s most powerful little weight loss secrets, just eat these seeds during the day.
1. Quinoa
Did you know the fact that quinoa is not actually a grain, but a seed? It’s true! Quinoa is called a pseudo-grain because you cook it like a grain but in reality, it is a seed, so it is categorized as one. I like to call it nature’s “special” seed!
Quinoa is very rich in all necessary amino acids, protein, fiber, zinc, magnesium, and even some useful fats. It has more carbohydrates than other seeds and contains some farina as grains do, but most of these overflow carbs, which are used not for storage, but energy, so it’s nothing to worry about.
2. Hemp seeds
Hemp seeds are great for losing weight and brain function. This seed has a dual influence on weight loss. First of all, it contains nearly 12 grams of protein in just 3 tbsp. and omega 3 fats that help to fight fat. Eating these seeds will keep you always in a good mood, and avert from eating junk food later.
Hemp seeds also raise alkalinity in the body like pumpkin seeds do, which prevents inflammation. Hemp seeds are a wonderful source of being active and soothing magnesium, iron to retain your energy high, zinc, and a lot of potassium to prevent hoove. Finally, hemp seeds are loaded with fiber, which controls your blood sugar and contributes regularity.
3. Sunflower seeds
Sunflower seeds are very helpful for losing weight, but also are just fine to eat anytime you want. They are loaded with vitamin E, which is a powerful antioxidant to fight toxins and inflammation, but only when you eat them raw. Sunflower seeds are also rich in magnesium.
It helps to hold your fear at bay and averts excess cortisol in the body. Furthermore, magnesium helps boost your energy levels, so you burn more calories, and helps provide a healthy nervous system. A very important thing is that sunflower seeds also contain protein and fiber, and vitamin B, which are all very necessary for burning calories and keeping you full.
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4. Chia seeds
Nowadays a lot of people know that chia seeds are very good for losing weight. They are full of fiber, magnesium, iron, omega 3 fats, potassium, and are very low in fat. There are only 5 grams of fat for 2 tbsp.
I love using them in smoothies, but also you can add them to the porridge, or almond milk and prepare chia pudding. They say that chia seeds are the most energizing seed of all and, moreover, it helps you not to feel hunger much longer. I would really have to agree with that because they keep me running for hours still feeling full.
More: 7 Best Anti-Aging Foods to Eat Every Day
5. Flax seeds
Flax seeds are the richest in omega 3 fats, which control insulin levels in the body and help your body burn fat. Flax seeds are also loaded with protein, iron, and fiber to fill you fast. They also contain lots of phytoestrogens, which work like natural estrogen in the body, helping your hormones to remain stable and not let you become upset and worried.
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6. Sesame
Sesame seeds are great for you because they are very rich in numerous minerals and protein. They are loaded with magnesium, vitamin E, calcium, and zinc, which your body needs for excellent blood sugar regulation and metabolism.
Sesame seeds also contain fiber that keeps you full longer and controls digestion. You can add them to soups, salads, or smoothies. In addition, you can use tahini, which is the only oily spread made from sesame seeds.
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7. Pumpkin seeds
Pumpkin seeds are one of the best seeds that can help you to drop a few unwanted pounds. Pumpkin seeds are the richest in zinc, which is very necessary for fat burning. Zinc helps the body make the muscle forming and the fat-burning hormone testosterone.
It also raises lean muscle mass and maintains your blood sugar stable. Pumpkin seeds are loaded with iron and magnesium, both of which are necessary for your energy levels and prevent you from being anxious and tired. They are also excellent for your digestive tract and contain much protein to contribute to lean mass and fullness. You can add them to everything you like: yogurt, smoothies, porridge, salads, etc.
I always recommend consuming seeds raw whenever you can to receive the most nutrients. Roasting seeds can lead to weight gain. Furthermore, be sure not to eat too many salty or sweet seeds. Consume 2 tbsp. of seeds per serving and try to have more than two to three servings of seeds per day.
Do you use any of these seeds in your diet? How exactly?
