Seeds may be tiny, but they’re packed with nutrients like protein, fiber, iron, vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids. They truly provide an energy burst vital for life. Many people reach for a cup of coffee or one of those so-called energy drinks when they feel tired. A better energy snack is a combination of flaxseeds and honey.
Dr. Johanna Budwig helped cancer patients that were very weak and in advanced stages of cancer by feeding them a mixture of freshly ground flaxseeds and raw, pure honey, every two hours.
Dr. Budwig enrolled 600 patients from four big hospitals in Munster (Germany) who were all suffering from various stages of cancer into her program. She had outstanding results by giving them ground up flaxseeds and honey as well as a combination of flaxseed oil and Quark along with other selected foods and therapies. Linseed (flaxseeds) has always been capable of performing miracles – Dr. Johanna Budwig in her book The Oil Protein Cookbook.
The Energy Seed Snack
Here is a variation of Dr. Budwig’s recipe.
Grind up 2 tablespoons (British Dessert spoons) of flaxseed (linseeds) as well as 2 tablespoons of Chia seeds in a coffee grinder. Pour the ground up seeds into a small bowl and then add 3 to 4 tablespoons of cold pressed coconut oil (which is also anti-Candida) and 1 teaspoon of raw, unpasteurized honey. Mix well and enjoy!
Optional: sprinkle a few hemp seeds or sunflower seeds over the mixture.
Why Are Seeds so Good for You?
What is a seed? It is actually the embryonic plant itself and a true origin of nutrition. Indeed, a seed is life! It is truly a living food. It is impossible to eat raw seeds and not derive excellent nutrition. So, if you are looking for a high quality, nutritious and filling snack, seeds are tough to beat. However, remember, to obtain these amazing benefits the seeds must be consumed raw. When exposed to heat, they produce toxic substances and the vitamin, mineral and essential oil profiles are denatured and you end up with dead food not living food. They can be soaked, ground or mashed (i.e. tahini), especially if a seeds shell or coat is too difficult to break open with the teeth. Choose raw and unsalted seeds. Avoid coated, roasted or sugar-coated seeds.
1. CHIA SEEDS
Offers 2½ times more protein than kidney beans, 3 times the antioxidant strength of blueberries, 3 times more iron than spinach, 6 times more calcium than milk, 7 times more vitamin C than oranges, 8 times more omega-3 than salmon, 10 times more fiber than rice and 15 times more magnesium than broccoli. It has been reported that consuming chia seeds on a regular basis could help reduce joint pain, aid in weight loss, deliver an energy boost and protect against serious ailments such as diabetes and heart disease. The seeds are gluten-free, which also makes them appealing to people with celiac disease or an aversion to gluten. Consumption of chia seeds may increase blood levels of the long chain omega-3 EPA by 30%, says a new study from the Appalachian State University and the University of North Carolina.
2. HEMP SEEDS
This is a favorite of vegetarians as it contains all 20 amino acids, including the 9 essential amino acids (EAAs) our bodies cannot produce. They also contain a high protein percentage of the simple proteins that strengthen immunity and fend off toxins. Hemp seeds might just be Natures highest botanical source of essential fatty acid, with more essential fatty acid than flax or any other nut or seed oil. A perfect 3:1 ratio of Omega-6 Linoleic Acid and Omega-3 Linolenic Acid – for cardiovascular health and general strengthening of the immune system.
3. FLAX SEEDS
A mixture of seeds is excellent as a dessert after a meal, as it suppresses rises in blood levels of lipids after a meal and modulates the appetite. Researchers from the University of Copenhagen report that flax fiber suppresses appetite and helps support weight loss. Even Hippocrates wrote about using flax for the relief of abdominal pains, and the French Emperor Charlemagne favored flax seed so much that he passed laws requiring its consumption, imagine that!
Dr. Budwig chose flaxseeds due to their rich content of Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA), dietary fiber, and lignans. The essential fatty acid ALA is a powerful anti-inflammatory, decreasing the production of agents that promote inflammation and lowering blood levels of C-Reactive Protein (CRP), a biomarker of inflammation. Through the actions of the ALA and lignans, flax has been shown to block tumor growth in animals and may help reduce the risk cancer.
Lignans are phytoestrogens, plant compounds that have estrogen-like effects and antioxidant properties, which is just what you need in cases of breast and prostate cancers. Phytoestrogens help to stabilize hormonal levels, reducing the symptoms of PMS and menopause, and potentially reducing the risk of developing breast and prostate cancer.
The fiber in flax seeds promotes healthy bowel function, which makes it a very good choice if you suffer from constipation. One tablespoon of whole flax seeds contain as much fiber as half a cup of cooked oat bran. Flax soluble fibers can lower blood cholesterol levels, helping reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. Grind the seeds at home using a coffee grinder or blender, and add them to cereals, baked goods, and smoothies.
4. PUMPKIN SEEDS
(eat them as a snack or part of your meal daily). They are the only seed that is alkaline-forming in this world of highly acidic diets. Add pumpkin seeds to your list of foods rich in protein. 100 grams of seeds on a daily basis provide 54 percent of the daily requirement in terms of protein. Many take vitamin and mineral pills. It is better to consume pumpkin seeds as they are a good source of vitamin B such as thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B-6, and folates. For those who are down in the dumps, pumpkin seeds can even help fight depression. The chemical component L-tryptophan is the secret ingredient to boost your mood. Studies suggest that pumpkin seeds can also help prevent certain kidney stone formations like a calcium oxalate kidney stone. Pumpkin seeds even hold the secret to fighting parasites, especially tapeworms and have proven to be good nutrition for the prostate.
5. SESAME SEEDS
This seed is a very good source of manganese and copper, calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, vitamin B1, zinc and dietary fiber. In addition, sesame seeds have been shown to have a cholesterol-lowering effect in humans and to prevent high blood pressure and increase vitamin E supplies in animals.
6. SUNFLOWER SEEDS
Apparently, soldiers in the trenches survived for several weeks on sunflower seeds. You and your family would do well to eat a handful of raw, unroasted and unsalted sunflower seeds daily. They are an excellent source of vitamin E, the body’s primary fat-soluble antioxidant. Why is Vitamin E so important? Vitamin E travels throughout the body neutralizing free radicals that would otherwise damage fat-containing structures and molecules, such as cell membranes, brain cells, and cholesterol. These seeds are also a good source of magnesium which helps reduce the severity of asthma, lower high blood pressure, and prevent migraine headaches, as well as reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
7. GRAPE SEEDS
When you eat grapes do not throw out the seeds, but eat them along with the pulped fruit because these seeds have a great concentration of vitamin E, flavonoids, linoleic acid, and polyphenols. Grape seeds also may prevent heart diseases such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol. A study published in the journal Carcinogenesis shows that grape seed extract (GSE) kills squamous cell carcinoma cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed.
8. CUMIN SEEDS
Cumin is a seed that has been used for many centuries for digestive disorders and even as an antiseptic. The seeds themselves are rich in iron and help boost the power of the liver. If you catch a cold, remember that cumin can help relieve the symptoms. If you have a sore throat, try adding some dry ginger to cumin water, to help soothe it. Cumin juice makes for a great tonic as it will increase the heat in the body thus making metabolism more efficient. It is also considered to be a powerful kidney and liver herb, which can help boost the immune system. It is also believed that black cumin seeds can treat asthma and arthritis. Cumin is a herb that many associate with Mexican and Spanish foods, but it is also widely used in Middle Eastern and Indian cooking. It has a very distinct flavor. Cumin herb profile
Taco Seasoning Recipe:
1/4 cup Chili Powder
1/4 cup Cumin Powder
1 tablespoon Garlic powder
1 tablespoon Onion powder
1 teaspoon Oregano leaf (or oregano leaf powder)
1 teaspoon Paprika
1/4 cup Himalayan salt or sea salt (optional)
1 teaspoon ground Pepper
To make: Put all in jar and shake well or mix in a food processor until mixed. Store in an airtight jar for up to six months. Makes approximately 1 cup.
To use: sprinkle on ground beef or chicken as you would any store-bought taco seasoning. 3 tablespoons are the same as 1 packet of store bought taco seasoning. Great for lettuce tacos!
Homemade Curry Powder Recipe:
1/2 cup Paprika
1/4 cup Cumin
1 tablespoon Fennel Powder
2 Tablespoons Fenugreek powder (optional) – gives sweetness
2 tablespoons Ground Mustard Powder
1 tablespoon ground Red Pepper Flakes (optional)- adds spiciness
3 tablespoons ground Coriander (optional)
1/4 cup ground Turmeric root
1 tablespoon ground Cardamon (optional)
1 teaspoon Cinnamon powder
1/2 teaspoon Cloves powder (optional) Adds complex flavor
To make: Mix all ingredients in a bowl, jar or food processor, and store in an air-tight container until ready to use. Can be used on meats, vegetables or in soups. Especially good in with chicken, shrimp or vegetables.
Chili Seasoning Mix:
1/2 cup Chili powder
1/4 cup Garlic powder
3 tablespoons Onion powder
1/4 cup Oregano
2 tablespoons Paprika
1/4 cup Cumin
1 tablespoon Thyme
To Make: Mix all ingredients and store in an airtight container. 1/4 cup of the mix = 1 package of store bought chili seasoning. Great for all types of chili.
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