Crunchy nutrient bombs
Nuts and seeds are packed with nutrients – and full of health benefits
Even the tiniest seeds are bursting with valuable nutrients because they need them to grow into strong and healthy plants. So it’s no surprise that kernels and seeds also have potent health benefits for us humans as a key element of a healthy and wholesome diet.
Omega fatty acids, vitamins and dietary fibre
Integrating oilseeds such as linseed, hempseed, sunflower seed and pumpkin seed into our diet provides us with essential fatty acids. They’re called “essential” because our body doesn’t produce them itself – so we have to get them from the foods we eat. The two main essential fatty acids are omega 3 and omega 6. They help our body to regulate blood pressure and blood fat. Kernels, grains and seeds also contain lots of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, trace elements and dietary fibre.
Chia seeds and linseed
Chia seeds pack a big nutritional punch as a genuine superfood with very beneficial effects on health. These tiny black seeds are produced by a herb-like plant called Salvia Hispanica, which grows natively in Mexico, and they were an important food for the Mayans back in the day. Chia pudding is a typical chia seed dish that is prepared by soaking the tiny seeds in liquid and allowing them to swell. Chia seeds can also be used in vegetable and meat dishes, bread and muesli. They share many of their properties, health benefits and their slightly nutty flavour with yellow and brown linseed.
Delicious toppings and snacks à la Kikkoman
Cook pumpkin or sunflower seeds, almonds or walnuts in a pan and flavour them by adding three to four tablespoons of soy sauce to the cooked nuts or seeds. You can create an even more delicious flavour if you add a little honey to caramelise the nuts and seeds. They make a great topping for soups and salads or you can eat them on their own as a snack.
