If you want to add extra oomph to your breakfast cereal, for more pep, vigor, and other health benefits, try sprinkling it with 3 super healthy power seeds.
It’s a good idea to purchase whole seeds and then run them through a coffee grinder, as you need them, to release their oils and keep them fresh.
Power seeds you should try:
1. Chia Seeds
Did you ever have a Chia Pet when you were growing up? They were toys that sprouted hair when you added water because each “pet” was filled with chia seeds. Little did we know, how nutritious and powerful chia seeds really are.
Chia seeds are tiny and black. They come from the Salvia Hispanica plant, which is similar to mint. The seeds were revered by the ancient Aztecs and Mayans. “Chia” is the Mayan word for strength. They believed the seeds would give them endurance, power, and energy. They’re sometimes called “runners seeds” because ancient “messengers” ran all day on just a handful of seeds.
A serving contains 11 grams of fiber, 4 grams of protein, 9 grams of Omega 3 fat, calcium, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, vitamin B3, potassium, vitamin B1, and B2.
Almost all chia seed varieties are “whole grain,” organic, non-GMO, and gluten-free.
Because they contain powerful antioxidants, they help prevent cancer, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes, strengthen your immune system, lower blood pressure, and improve a sluggish metabolism.
What I love is that the fiber in chia seeds expands in your stomach to curb your appetite. Who needs diet pills?
Funny story: A friend of mine said she couldn’t figure out why her kitchen sponge was growing hair. It turned out chia seeds were stuck in her sponge!
2. Flaxseed
Antioxidant-rich flaxseed has been around for thousands of years and has proven to lower cholesterol, stabilize blood sugar, reduce bone loss, promote weight loss, enhance immunity, ease the pain of inflammation. and fight cancer. It’s also an excellent source of Omega 3 fatty acids.
Flaxseed will also expand after you digest it so you won’t be as tempted to snack.
Sprinkle flaxseed on cold cereal or hot oatmeal, add a tsp of ground flax to mustard or mayo to be eaten on a sandwich, mix it into salads, soups, yogurt, tomato sauce, or add it to meatballs or hamburgers.
Warning: Some people need to avoid eating flaxseed. If you have Crohn’s disease, fibroids, endometriosis, or polycystic ovaries, don’t eat flaxseed because it has laxative effects. Men who eat it may have an increased risk. It’s also not a good idea to eat it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
3. Hemp Seeds
If you grew up in the ’60s or ’70s, you probably know that hemp seeds come from Cannabis Sativa, otherwise known as marijuana. It’s also one of the most nutritious foods on the planet! But don’t worry; you won’t get high from eating it.
Hemp seed contains essential amino and fatty acids and is easy to digest. It helps lower blood pressure, reduces cholesterol, prevents the onset of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, quells depression, controls blood sugar, and eases anxiety.
It’s a natural appetite suppressant and will give you more energy.
Sprinkle ground hemp seeds into cereal, smoothies, salads, baked goods and casseroles.
You may enjoy learning about Maca Root – Another superfood.
What power seeds, nuts or other items do you typically put in your cereal? Please leave a comment below.
I just discovered you after reading almost 65. I hope it is all right if I am 81. I enjoy you both and have to tell you I have putting those seeds in my yogurt every morning. Now I will have stewed apples first though. Thank you for your comments, I will bookmark your page.
Thanks Faye. I’m glad to hear you are using the seeds. And I love that you’re 81. You must be doing everything right! Make sure to grind up the seeds for the best results. Enjoy the stewed apples.