Seeds

Nuts and seeds are a good addition to your line-up of omega 3-rich foods. Walnuts of all kinds – black, butternut, English – can get you healthy doses of omega 3 fatty acid ALA. So can flaxseeds, mustard seeds, chia seeds, and pecans.

Kalonji or black seed oil has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant nutrients which strengthen hair, help treat hair loss, and may prevent premature graying. It also fights the Malassezia fungus that causes dandruff and works as a hair conditioner as well. Apply the oil on your scalp and keep for 30 minutes 2–3 times a week before washing off or just massage a few drops in your hair after a wash.

Poppy seeds contain healthy fats and are a rich source of vitamins and minerals. They can also soothe an irritated throat, ease abdominal pain, and help you sleep better. Apply a ground poppy seed and milk paste to moisturize your skin and replace animal fat with ground poppy seeds or poppy seed oil to lower your saturated fat and cholesterol intake.

Homegrown vegetables are cost-effective and safer alternatives for consumption when compared to the store-bought ones. One such vegetable you can grow in your balcony or garden is the cucumber. Being a summer vegetable, it needs plenty of sunlight. Once you find a good sunny spot, proper care is needed for about 60 days and your cucumbers will be ready for harvest.

Flaxseed lignans are plant estrogens that work like antioxidants. They help reduce cholesterol and prevent heart disease. Being similar to estrogen, they modulate estrogen production in the body and can fight against estrogen-dependent cancers like breast and endometrial cancers. They can also slow down osteoporosis which is linked to estrogen deficiency. Add flaxseed to your smoothies, oatmeal, or salads.

Tamarind is known for its sweet and tangy taste. It has been used all over the world for giving their dishes a burst of flavor and for treating several medical issues. From giving relief to constipation to keeping your liver and heart safe from diseases, tamarind has several uses. You could make chutneys, stews, sauces, and even desserts with it.

Fenugreek seeds are a natural alternative for several health problems. Especially revered for their ability to aid digestion, they can also treat gastric ulcers, soothe inflammation and skin irritation, improve glycemic control in diabetics, and even improve cholesterol levels in your body. They have special benefits for nursing mothers due to their galactagogue properties. Simply brew up fenugreek tea with the seeds, roast and powder them, or scatter some sprouted seeds over your next meal!

The rambutan is a rich source of vitamins and minerals that aids in losing weight, strengthening bones, and also offers anti-parasitic properties. The leaves can be juiced and used for a healthy scalp, while the seeds are anti-diabetic. The fruit peel has anti-cancerous properties and can cure dysentery. The bark is known to cure sores. Rambutan is safe for pregnant women, but it's best to consult a doctor and a herbalist just to be sure.

Pumpkin seeds are a mixed bag of antioxidants – vitamin E, phytosterols, and zinc – that reduce inflammation. They seem to support hair growth in balding men and may relieve menopausal women of some of their symptoms. Surprisingly, they may even reduce risks of breast, prostate, and colon cancers. Dry pumpkin seeds and roast them for 15 minutes to reap their benefits.

Shivlingi seeds (scientifically known as Bryonia Laciniosa) is one of ayurveda’s most well-known discoveries, specifically used for sterility treatment. These seeds are well known for their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, analgesic, anti-fungal, antihyperlipidemic, spermatogenic and antipyretic properties. These properties make it an effective uterine tonic that can cure infertility in women. Shivlingi[.....]

Flaxseeds are a popular dietary supplement for a range of ailments from diabetes to constipation. These seeds can also help with fighting off cancer and improving cardiovascular health. The seeds are roasted and ground into powder or flour or incorporated into capsules and tablets, but you can just as easily whip up a batch of the roasted powder for use in your diet.

Basil seeds, like much of the Ocimum sanctum plant, are a nutrient-packed natural remedy for a range of health conditions. With anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, it is a useful solution to everything from coronary artery disease to oral healthcare issues. Loaded with antioxidants and omega-3s, it can even work toward lowering overall mortality.

Nutritious sunflower seeds are good for your heart and hair. They can also improve sleep, mood, and male fertility. And they lower the risk of Parkinson’s disease, help with weight management, and reduce the risk of birth defects. Sunflower oil can moisturize skin and treat fungal nail infections when it’s ozonized.

What's the first thumb-rule when it comes to sticking to a healthy-eating plan? Don't get bored. Learn how to mix-and-match food elements to quickly whip up some delicious healthy snacks that promise to keep your energy levels high and your calorie count low!

For weight watchers, flax seeds are a must. Not only are they low in carbs and high in fiber, they also have essential omega-3 fats. Sprinkle the whole seeds on your toast, porridge, or pasta for an extra crunch. Mix the ground seeds into batter, sauces, and smoothies or coat lean meats with it. Use the oil in cold salads. You may also take flax seed pills. But work flax seeds into your diet gradually to avoid gas and constipation.