Super Seeds

SUPER SEEDS
(Family Circle 2/13)

Chia Seeds – dating back to the Aztecs, these tiny seeds are rich in omega-3s and may help alleviate hunger.  Add whole to cereals, baked goods and smoothies.

Flax Seeds – also packed with omega-es, they have a mildly nutty flavor that’s well suited to blending (into other foods).  Always grind before using or buy already ground – whole seeds are hard to digest.

Hemp Seeds – Similar in taste to sunflower seeds, these contain all the essential amino acids, making them an ideal protein source.  Sprinkle whole on yogurt, cereal or salads.

 

Sesame Seeds – deliciously crunchy and mildly sweet, sesames are high in magnesium, copper and calcium.  Try in stir-fries and coatings for fish or chicken or toss with cooked rice or steamed veggi

Good Seeds

Pumpkin – One serving has almost as much potassium as a small banana plus it has seven times the magnesium.  Potassium helps regulate your heartbeat and blood pressure.  Magnesium helps boost your immune system.  Delicious added to trail mix.

Black Sesame – These have more antioxidants than the pale ones, they have include a dose of iron and bone-building calcium.  They may even help prevent high blood pressure.  Black sesame seeds taste better toasted than their pale sisters.  Good sprinkled over stir-fry.

Flax – These seeds are a great source of lignans, a plant chemical that may lower your risk of heart disease.  Grinding the whole seed lets you absorb the nutrients more easily.  Great when ground and mixed in flour when making muffins, breads, cookies or just added to soups and casseroles.

Chia – Full of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.  Sprinkle them over oatmeal, granola and sliced fruit.

Sunflower – This is one of the richest sources of the disease-fighting antioxidant vitamin E.  Try these sprinkled over your salad.

Healthy Foods That Can Kill You - Part 1

Published January 04, 2012

A co-worker sent this to me and I found it to be important enough to share.  I'm posting this in parts because I feel each one should be read and remembered.  So, here is Part 1 of Healthy Foods That Can Kill You.

Most everyone admits that they don’t eat enough fruits and vegetables, but before you start trying to increase your daily intake, there are a few things you should know—especially if you like to grow-your-own food or if you're a start-from-scratch cook. Some of the healthiest vegetables have relatives that could kill you.

Seeds, Pits & Kernels
 
The unsavory seeds, pits, and kernels of some of our favorite fruits and vegetables contain a naturally occurring substance called amygdalin, which in large amounts can be fatal since amygdaline can turn into hydrogen cyanide. Apples, pears, mangoes, peaches, and apricots, all contain this chemical, but don’t worry: Accidental swallowing or the occasional ingestion is not dangerous since the amount needed to induce a reaction is very high