Seed and Nuts

Most of us do the same thing when eating fruits – we throw away the most valuable part of them, their seeds, without even thinking that they are edible, productive and rich in different compounds. And we do it over and over again with the most common fruits like apples, passion fruit, watermelon and grapes. We neglect their seeds probably because they are hard and have unpleasant taste. But the truth is that they are really beneficial for the body and contain huge amounts of antioxidants. An interesting fact is that in some countries people serve seeds as a delightful delicacy.

Apple seeds: Apple seeds are rich in vitamins and minerals, including phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, calcium and iron and contain a high amount of sulfur, used to treat acne, psoriasis and other skin conditions. They are also packed with iodine and pectin, which is a natural soluble dietary fiber that may lower blood cholesterol levels. That is why it is very helpful to eat an apple with the seeds every day or as they say ‘An apple a day keeps the doctor away’.

I would not trust in apple seeds or the seeds from any fruit alone to cure me from cancer, but I do believe that there are many things that protect our bodies in the early stages of many diseases. So I'm going to continue to eat my apple seeds. I would love to find a bitter almond tree to add to my orchard.  I keep a container of almonds by me to snack on all day.  They are not the bitter almonds, but it's a much better snack than chips or junk food.

There is much controversy over the substance Laetrile also know as Vitamin B 17 being found in apricot seeds and having the ability to cure cancer. I prefer to believe that it does have this ability, but it has been outlawed to be sold. Too bad that people don't have the ability to make their own choices in regards to their cancer treatment.

As I consider my eating fruit seeds I think about the fact that I want to stop cancer growth at it's beginning stages and not let it get a foothold in my body. I think that this may be one way of stopping cancer at it's early stages. There are also antioxidants that are useful in having good health and amino acids that build up the immune system. You can learn more about these substances by following the links.

Apple and Pear Seeds: The seeds from apples and pears also contain cyanide, although in such small amounts that consuming the seeds from an apple isn’t likely to cause any ill effects. However, I don’t recommend making a habit of consuming apple seeds on a daily basis, and I don’t recommend grinding them into fine powder in your blender where the toxins are extracted more efficiently and thus, more absorbable in your body.

Avocado Pits: Avocado pits are mildly toxic, though not generally dangerous when consumed in small amounts. Some people grind up and eat the pit, which contains soluble fiber. However, there is no reason to go out of your way to consume avocado pit for soluble fiber since most of the ingredients in green smoothies already contain fiber.

Citrus Seeds: The seeds of citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, lemons, limes and tangerines contain small amounts of cyanide compounds, much like apple seeds and stone fruits. However, the seeds in a typical orange do not contain enough of the toxin to do any harm. I regularly blend up an orange, seeds and all, in my green smoothies. I do this more for the convenience than any health benefit the seeds provide. Tangerine seeds, however, will make your smoothie very bitter because they have higher amounts of the toxins.

Flaxseeds: Flaxseeds are a wonderful source of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber. They are slightly larger than sesame seeds and much darker in color. Their shells are very hard, and the seeds are difficult to digest in their whole form. You can buy them ground or whole, and can grind whole flaxseeds yourself in a coffee or spice grinder. Once ground, you can sprinkle flaxseeds on everything from baked goods to beverages. Store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark location for best results.

Grapes seeds: The seeds of grapes are being actively used by the cosmetics industry. Specialists add them in various skin products because of the numerous benefitial ingredients they contain, especially vitamins like A, E and C. Grapes seeds contain linoleic acid, which has become increasingly popular in the beauty products industry. And yet – grape pips can slow down the aging process, moisturize skin and work well against acne. Most of the nutrients are contained in the grapes seeds’ extract. You can use it to rub the skin – becoming soft and gentle or make crushed seeds scrub.

Passion fruit seeds: Passion fruit seeds are abundant of nutritional and health benefits ranging from antioxidant protection to the maintenance of healthy cardiovascular and intestinal systems. They are rich in polyphenolic compounds such as piceatannol and scirpusin B, contain plenty of insoluble dietary fiber and magnesium. The tiny seeds of the Passion fruit are 100% edible and provide a little crunch when eaten with the fruit pulp or added to salads and sauces.

Pears: According to the Dave's Garden website, pears are some of the oldest and most revered fruits in the world. The most important aspect of growing pear trees is to give them full sun for six to eight hours every day, with quality soil and lots of space. Pear trees grow slowly, but they eventually attain heights and spreads of 25 to 30 feet and live for many years. Their fruit is green, yellow and sometimes dark pink or purple. Sweet and soft, pears contains many edible seeds.

Flaxseeds: Flaxseeds are a wonderful source of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber. They are slightly larger than sesame seeds and much darker in color. Their shells are very hard, and the seeds are difficult to digest in their whole form. You can buy them ground or whole, and can grind whole flaxseeds yourself in a coffee or spice grinder. Once ground, you can sprinkle flaxseeds on everything from baked goods to beverages. Store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark location for best results.

Guava and Cactus Pear (Tuna) Seeds: These seeds should NEVER be added to a smoothie, not because they are toxic but because a blender (even the most high-end blenders on the market) will break them into tiny, jagged pieces that can potentially scratch your esophagus and digestive tract. While time consuming, it is always best to remove the seeds from cactus pear and guava prior to blending.

Papaya Seeds: While not toxic, papaya seeds have a peppery flavor that may not be suitable in a green smoothie. The seeds may not blend properly in a low-end blender. (I like to save papaya seeds and let them dry, then place them in a pepper mill and use them as a seasoning.)

This isn’t a comprehensive list of all fruit seeds that I don’t consume. As I mentioned above, I almost never use any fruit seeds in my green smoothies.

Pumpkin seeds: Pumpkin seeds, also known as pepitas are not only delicious but are also a rich source for a wide range of nutrients for the human body – vitamins, minerals, omega-3 fatty acids, protein and monounsaturated fat These seeds have strong anti-inflammatory effect and their healing properties are widely researched with respect to arthritis treatment. Phytosterols found in pumpkin seeds are believed to reduce blood levels of cholesterol, enhance the immune response and decrease risk of certain cancers. Vitamin E and A, selenium and zinc are powerful weapons against wrinkles. Other health benefits of pumpkin seeds include successfully overcoming depression and exhaustion and improving eyesight. Pumpkin seeds are delicious and healthy. These seeds have properties that help alleviate inflammation without any side effect. It has properties which alleviate depression without any side effects that is caused by medications. It can be roasted with salt and pepper for better taste.

Sesame seeds: are considered most mineral-rich foods in the world. It is rich in calcium, magnesium, copper, iron, manganese, zinc, vitamins, and fiber. They are rich in anti-cancer lignin which is found in sesame seeds. Grind the seeds and mix it with salads and veggies to ensure a healthy meal.

Seeds are healthy, edible and yummy. Eating just the flesh of the fruit is a wasteful idea. Next time you eat a fruit or a vegetable, remember to eat those seeds as well. Chucking them away means throwing away a lot of goodness and health benefits.

Health benefits of sesame seeds: Delicious, crunchy sesame seeds are widely considered healthful foods. 100 g of seeds provide 573 calories. Although, much of its calorie comes from fats, sesame contains several notable health-benefiting nutrients, minerals, antioxidants and vitamins that are essential for wellness.

The seeds are especially rich in mono-unsaturated fatty acid oleic acid, which comprise up to 50% fatty acids in them. Oleic acid helps to lower LDL or "bad cholesterol" and increases HDL or "good cholesterol" in the blood. Research studies suggest that Mediterranean diet which is rich in mono-unsaturated fats help to prevent coronary artery disease and stroke by favoring healthy lipid profile.

The seeds are an also very valuable source of dietary proteins with fine quality amino acids that are essential for growth, especially in children. Just 100 g of seeds provide about 18 g of protein (32% of daily-recommended values).

In addition, sesame seeds contain health benefiting compounds such as sesamol (3, 4-methylene-dioxyphenol), sesaminol, furyl-methanthiol, guajacol (2-methoxyphenol), phenylethanthiol and furaneol, vinylguacol and decadienal. Sesamol and sesaminol are phenolic anti-oxidants. Together, these compounds help stave off harmful free radicals from the human body.

Sesame is among the seeds rich in quality vitamins and minerals. They are very good sources of B-complex vitamins such as niacin, folic acid, thiamin (vitamin B1), pyridoxine (vitamin B6), and riboflavin.

100 g of sesame contains 97 µg of folic acid, about 25% of recommended daily intake. Folic acid is essential for DNA synthesis. When given to expectant mothers during the peri-conception period, it may prevent neural tube defects in the baby.

Niacin is another B-complex vitamin found abundantly in sesame. About 4.5 mg or 28% of daily-required levels of niacin is provided by just 100 g of seeds. Niacin helps reduce LDL-cholesterol levels in the blood. In addition, it enhances GABA activity inside the brain, which in turn helps reduce anxiety and neurosis.

The seeds are incredibly rich sources of many essential minerals. Calcium, iron, manganese, zinc, magnesium, selenium, and copper are especially concentrated in sesame seeds. Many of these minerals have a vital role in bone mineralization, red blood cell production, enzyme synthesis, hormone production, as well as regulation of cardiac and skeletal muscle activities.

Just a hand full of sesame a day provides enough recommended levels of phenolic anti-oxidants, minerals, vitamins and protein.

See the table below for in depth analysis of nutrients: Sesame seeds (Sesamum indicum), whole, dried, Nutritional value per 100 g. (Source: USDA National Nutrient data base)
Principle	Nutrient Value	Percentage of RDA
Energy	573 Kcal	29%
Carbohydrates	23.45 g	18%
Protein	17.73 g	32%
Total Fat	49.67 g	166%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Dietary Fiber	11.8 g	31%
Vitamins
Folates	97 µg	25%
Niacin	4.515 mg	28%
Pantothenic acid	0.050 mg	1%
Pyridoxine	0.790 mg	61%
Riboflavin	0.247 mg	19%
Thiamin	0.791 mg	66%
Vitamin A	9 IU	<1%
Vitamin C	0	0%
Vitamin E	0.25 mg	2%
Electrolytes
Sodium	11 mg	1%
Potassium	468 mg	10%
Minerals
Calcium	975 mg	98%
Copper	4.082 mg	453%
Iron	14.55 mg	182%
Magnesium	351 mg	88%
Manganese	2.460 mg	107%
Phosphorus	629 mg	90%
Selenium	34.4 µg	62.5%
Zinc	7.75 mg	70%
Phyto-nutrients
Carotene-ß	5 µg	--
Crypto-xanthin-ß	0 µg	--
Lutein-zeaxanthin	0 µg	--

Sesame seeds - wonderful health properties

Sesame seeds - beneficial properties in small seeds 
I bet you thought often how healthy are sesame seeds when you eat a pretzel or a handful of Saltine crackers, flavored taste is enough to enjoy them. And yet ... when we are spoiled with sesame seeds, many beneficial properties come to our help to preserve and strengthen our health.

Vitamin A, B, E, C, calcium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, selenium, sodium, zinc, copper, protein, fiber and more sesame seeds offers the most various properties, essential for both health and beauty. Here are the most important:

Sesame Seeds - essential properties for the entire body:
- Sesame seeds - anti-inflammatory properties: due to large amount of copper and calcium, sesame seeds prevent and reduce pain caused by arthritis, strengthens bones, teeth, joints and blood vessels decrease the risk of osteoporosis installation;
- Sesame seeds because magnesium regulates blood pressure, removes insomnia and headaches and considerable amount of monounsaturated fat and vitamin E keep the heart healthy and protects us from heart disease;
- Sesame seeds - anticancer properties: sesame seeds contain a high dose of antioxidants and protects us from various cancers, especially colon, breast or prostate, due to its high lignans (natural compounds synthesized in plants);
- Sesame seeds - energizing properties: sesame seeds strengthen the immune system, gives us a big dose of energy and helps us rest better, improving quality of sleep;
- Sesame seeds - anti obesity: source of copper and manganese, sesame seeds reduce cravings for sweets, improves metabolism and helps maintain silhouette. Beware, however: any excess is harmful, and sesame seeds consumed in large amounts can lead to weight gain, containing about 200 calories per 35g;
- Sesame seeds lowers "bad" cholesterol and improve digestion, helping to improve bowel problems;
- Sesame seeds contain large amounts of folic acid extremely important especially for pregnant women, preterm birth prevention properties reduce the risk of abnormalities in the fetus, but also for everyone else, lowering risks of heart disease or cancer cervical cancer and improving mental performance.

Sunflower seeds: are rich in Vitamin E which can help the circulatory system function perform better. It also has a calming effect on your brain because of high levels of tryptophan which creates a relaxing effect. Baking these seeds with a sprinkling of salt makes it crunchy and even more palatable.

Watermelon seeds: Watermelon seeds are rich in fat, high quality protein and eight essential amino acids. They are also a good source of several vitamins and minerals, including but not limited to thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, foliate, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium. Because of their hard outer coating, watermelon seeds need to be chewed or otherwise broken down before swallowing or none of the nutrients will be processed. In China watermelon seeds are sold roasted or spicy, just like the sunflower seeds. In West Africa they are pressed out for oil or used for preparing soups and other dishes. Perhaps the next time you eat a fruit you won’t discard its seeds in the bin. And if you’re looking to get the most of the fruit seeds, without losing valuable constituents, use them raw without any processing. Watermelon seeds are often not eaten along with the fruit. In fact, sun dried watermelon seeds are very popular. It contains iron, potassium, vitamins, fats and calories which is important for everyday nutrition. Watermelon seeds should be chewed before swallowing if its nutritional content is desired.

What About The Anti-Cancer/Chi/Qi Benefits Of Consuming Fruit Seeds

There’s a pervasive rumor online stating that the seeds from apples or avocados prevents or cures cancer. This, of course, is rumor and has absolutely no credible, verifiable science behind it. There are no verified cases of people curing cancer by consuming avocado pits, and no definitive evidence that consuming fruit seeds will prevent cancer.

As for the more “spiritual” chi/qi benefits of blending whole fruits, seeds and all, I can’t really speak to that in scientific terms. But I will say that removing the seeds from fruits does not cause any “imbalance” in your body, or the food you eat. Keep in mind that your body will not normally digest seeds. They are meant to pass through your body by resisting digestion so they can become plants.

• Almonds are very high in minerals including calcium, magnesium, potassium
  and iron and are the only nut that is alkaline forming in the body. According to
  Ayurvedic medicine, almonds nourish the vital energy of the body. Almonds are
  also thought to contain a compound that is anti-carcinogenic and for this
  purpose it is recommended that six almonds are consumed daily.

• Brazil nuts are rich in the sulfur containing amino acids and selenium. Selenium
  has an important function as an antioxidant and is involved in immunity.

• Flaxseeds are the richest source of omega 3 fatty acids and thus help to
  improve immunity and reduce high cholesterol. When taken in the form of
  flaxseed meal they effectively prevent constipation and are a source of lignans -
  compounds that have antitumour and antioxidant properties. Flaxseeds also
  help to balance estrogen levels.

• Hazelnuts are very rich in calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, phosphorus,
  folic acid and vitamin E. Hazelnuts act as a general tonic and strengthen the
  stomach.

• Macadamia nuts are very high in fat and can contribute to weight gain if
  consumed in excess. However in moderation they can help to improve the
  balance of cholesterol due to their abundance of monounsaturated fats. They
  are also very low in carbohydrates and as such are suitable for low carb diets.

• Pistachio nuts are considered a tonic for the whole body in Ayurvedic
  medicine. They purify the blood, lubricate the intestines and can be used for
  constipation.

• Pumpkin seeds are known for their effects against intestinal parasites
  especially roundworm and tapeworm. Their high zinc content may explain the
  value pumpkin seeds for the treatment of impotence and prostate enlargement.
  Pumpkin seeds are also a valuable source of omega 3 fatty acids.

• Sesame seeds are very high in calcium and are a good source of magnesium,
  niacin, vitamins A and E, protein and unsaturated fats. In the form of tahini
  (sesame seed paste) they provide the richest and most bioavailable source of
  calcium.

• Sunflower seeds are high in protein, unsaturated fats, phosphorus, calcium,
  iron, fluorine, iodine, potassium, magnesium, zinc, B vitamins, and vitamin E and
  are one of the rare plant sources of vitamin D.

• Walnuts are high in protein, iron and contain omega 3 fatty acids. They can
  reduce inflammation and pain, lubricate the lungs and intestines, and nourish the
  brain and adrenal glands.

• Peanuts  are officially a legume but share many characteristics with other nuts.
  They are rich in B vitamins, vitamin E, iron, zinc, protein and monounsaturated
  fats. These healthy fats found in peanuts can help to improve blood cholesterol
  balance. Peanuts can potentially exacerbate gall bladder conditions and may
  reduce the metabolic rate and as such peanuts are best avoided if weight loss is
  desired.