Superfood Snacks

Snack.

What do you think of when you hear this word?

For most people, it’s a bag of chips or a bowl of pretzels.

It’s the thing we reach for when our mouths itch and we crave a little something. But here’s another question: why go down the obviously unhealthier route when you can make a simple switch that will similarly satisfy your cravings?

Ever thought of eating a handful of seeds instead?

Edible seeds are full of proteins, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Additionally, these little things are filled with phytosterols, “compounds in plants that are as effective as prescription statins at lowering cholesterol.” Here are some seeds you should consider adding to your snack diet:

• Pumpkin seeds: These seeds are not only filled with protein, zinc, and iron, they are also high in magnesium, which helps to maintain blood pressure, reduce stress, and strengthen bones. Eat them raw, or pop them in the toaster, or if you’re feeling like adding these nutrient-packed snacks to a bigger meals, you can add them to your muffins or maybe even your salad!
• Sunflower seeds: Now these are the kind of seeds your teenagers might find in their high school vending machines. But, who wants to get a bag of sunflower seeds when their dollar could be much better spent on a tantalizing bag of baked Doritos? Here’s an idea: get these at the store for your kids and take that temptation away! It’ll be a dollar well saved. These seeds are filled with alpha-tocopherol, a form of vitamin E and a “powerful antioxidant that protects cells from free radicals and UV damage.” In other words, sunflower seeds prevent sun damage! Furthermore, they’re also packed with phenylalanine, which is an amino acid that the body converts into the chemical norepinephrine, which will keep your student alert in class!
• Chia seeds: Just one ounce of these amazing seeds will give you about half the amount of fiber you need every day. They also have about eighteen percent of the calcium your body needs daily and contain “some of the highest levels of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids of any seed.” They’re flavorless and can be easily added to your drink or into your meal.
• Hemp seeds: Now here’s something that you could easily sprinkle on top of your yogurt or cereal! These nutty-flavored treats are filled with fatty acids that boost your immune system and can provide you with vital amino acids that help build muscle.
• Papaya seeds: Probably not the first seed that comes to mind when you’re considering seeds for snacks. Usually these seeds are scraped off the meat of the fruit and thrown away, but  give them a try next time you get papaya from your local supermarket. The seeds contain palmitic and oleic acids, which are two fatty acids that are considered to be helpful in preventing cancer. They’re great ground up and eaten with some fruit or sprinkled on top of your next meal.