Seeds might be small but they have great capabilities when it comes to supporting your gut and digestion. Seeds are packed with essential nutrients and fibre needed to support a healthy and functional digestion system. Dr Saurabh Sethi, a gastroenterologist educated at Harvard and Stanford, states that three specific seeds can dramatically improve your gut health. Packed with fibre, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, these seeds provide your body with what it needs.

Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds (or linseeds) are truly one of the best food for your gut! They contain plenty of fibre as well as omega-3s (a special form of omega-3 called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)). Omega-3s are important for brain function as well as circulatory function, flaxseeds have omega-3s, but omega-3s and ALA in flaxseeds is held within a dense hard shell that is difficult for your gut to digest. For best benefit, think about using ground flaxseeds instead of whole seeds.

Flaxseeds are nutritionally dense! Just an ounce (28 grams) provides a decent source of protein, manganese, magnesium, and polyphenols (good for your gut) including lignans, which can protect against cellular injury as well as inflammation.

Chia Seeds
Although small in size, chia seeds pack a punch! They can absorb up to 12 times their weight in water and take on a gel-like consistency. This makes them helpful for moving food through your system and preventing constipation. Chia seeds, like flaxseeds, are rich in fiber and omega-3 fats. They can also contribute protein, vitamin b1, and magnesium.

Not only can eating chia seeds increase the ALA omega-3 fat levels in your blood (which helps to reduce inflammation), but research suggests that chia seeds can help regulate your appetite levels, and steady your blood sugar and cholesterol levels for an overall benefit to your health.

Black Sesame Seeds
Black sesame seeds are increasingly popular in Asian dishes, and quickly appearing in western dishes. These seeds are dense sources of nutrients such as copper, manganese, and omega-6 fats. The fiber found in black sesame seeds help encourage both healthy and regular bowel movements. The magnesium in black sesame seeds also acts to relax the muscles in your intestines and advance food through the digestion system.

Black sesame seeds contain a unique antioxidant called sesamin, which your gut bacteria metabolize into another compound called enterolactone. Enterolactone is similar to the hormone estrogen that our bodies need for a variety of functions. Low levels of enterolactone have been associated with heart disease and breast cancer, so adding black sesame seeds to your diet may help protect you from these diseases.

Also Read: Protein Packed Delicious Indian Dishes For Gym Goers

Adding flaxseeds, chia seeds, and black sesame seeds to your diet will maximize nutrients and fiber to support your gut. These seeds promote digestion, decrease inflammation, and help with overall gut health. So consider sprinkling them onto salads, yogurt, or smoothies, and give your gut the help it deserves!

Also Read: Like Cigarettes Government Mandates Health Warnings On Samosa And Jalebi

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