Which is Best for Health: Natural Seeds or Medicine! (PART-1)

Which is Best for Health: Natural Seeds or Medicine!  (PART-1)

 Hello Friends!

                        Hope you all are good and getting benefits from my previous posts. Today I will talk about most important topic that  Natural Seeds are more beneficial than medicine because Natural seeds are rich source of fiber, vitamins and minerals etc. As we all know that “Good vibes attract good lives”. Our mind is very powerful if we fill it with positive thoughts, we will get life which is full of joy and happiness. So always stay optimistic and do regular exercise, eat fiber enriched food, lower your carbohydrate diet and have enough sleep to keep your immune system strong. 

Natural Seeds:

 Natural Seeds are rich source of fiber, vitamins and minerals. Some seeds are eaten directly while others are used for manufacturing oil or some other edible products. One must consume these seeds as a part of healthy diet. You can use these seeds in salad, oat meal and yogurt to keep your life style healthy because they work to reduce C - reactive protein (CRP) as CRP causes inflammation in our body parts. Now let’s talk about some of those Natural Seeds that are easy to consume.

How Natural Seeds Improve our Health and Boost our Immune System?

1. Fennel Seeds (SAUNF):

Fennel is a flowering plant species. Its scientific name is “Foeniculum Vulgare”. It belongs to the carrot family. It is mainly found in Mediterranean region. It also grows on dry soil near the coast of sea and on bank of river.

Historical Background:

Fennel seeds play an important role in Ayurvedic system. In the ancient period it was used as a medicine, food and insect repellent by Greeks and Romans. According to Roman author ‘Pliny’ fennel seeds plays important role in improving eyesight. Another author ‘Culpepper’ believed that fennel is effective for snake bites also. It is believed that fennel was originated in Southern Europe. But now a days it is also grown in U.S, India, France and Russia.

How we can grow Fennel plant at home?

Fennel grows fast in that soil whose pH value is 5.5-6.8. It mainly grows on dry soil. First of all soak the seeds in water for couple of days because it will increase its germination process. It can be planted in late summer or early spring. It needs watering once or twice a week. Fennel bulbs grow at bottom of plant. Harvest these bulbs. When seeds become brown then harvest these seeds. But it should be noted that seeds must be dry and put them in air tight container.

Nutrients in Fennel Seeds:

Nutrients	Values
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)	14%
Fiber	10%
Potassium	8%
Manganese	7%
Copper	7%
Phosphorous	6%
Iron	4%
Calcium	4%
Vitamin B3 (Pyridine-3-Carboxylic Acid)	4%
Magnesium	4%

Amazing Health Benefits of Fennel Seeds:

1. Improve Eye Sight: 

Fennel seeds are the key ingredients to improve eyesight. As Fennel Seeds are rich in Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid). Vitamin C improves the health of blood vessels in the eyes. If we mix fennel seeds with rock sugar (Mishri) it will improve our eye sight very fast. It prevents eyes from dryness, watery eyes. When our eyes become dry then it affects our vision. Thus fennel seeds are used as an antiglaucoma medication.

2. Prevents Cataract: Fennel Seeds are rich source of Vitamin C. Thus it also prevents Cataract. According to one study one woman who takes daily 364 mg of fennel seeds experienced 57% reduction in risk of nuclear cataract.

3. GERD: Gastro Esophagel Reflux disease. In this disease acidity in stomach irritates the lining of stomach. Acid starts coming in mouth during night time while sleeping. Fennel seeds help in improving our digestive system. You can take fennel tea also to prevent gas, bloating, acidity, bowel movement improvement. Fennel tea absorbs the acid from stomach and works as protective coat on lining of stomach.

4. Menstrual Pain: Fennel seed works as a great remedy during painful periods. Because fennel seeds have ‘antispasmodic’ properties. An estrogen like compound is found in plant that is ‘Phytoestrogen’. Phytoestrogens elevate the level of good estrogen in body. Thus it prevents cramps during periods.

5. Constipation: Fennel Seeds give relief to patients from constipation as fennel seeds have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It improves functioning of intestine also.

6. Arthritis: In this disease inflammation in joint takes place. Fennel seeds give relief from arthritis. Fennel seeds are rich in fiber and calcium. It has anti inflammatory and antispasmodic properties. Thus it helps in relaxation of muscles.

7. Osteoprosis: It is that condition in which bones become weak. It mainly occurs in those people who have low calcium intake. Fennel seeds prevent osteoporosis as it contains 4% calcium. According to one study published in International Journal of Molecular Medicine (2012) fennel seeds prevent loss of bones. The fennel reduces ‘Osteoclast’. Osteoclast is a cell that breaks down weakened bone. Thus fennel seeds provide protection to bones.

8. Obesity: It is a condition when person becomes overweight. Fennel seeds play very important role to control obesity as fiber (10%) is found in these seeds. Fiber elevates our metabolism. When metabolic rate is high then stored fat starts burning.

9. Cancer: Fennel herbs play vital role in protection from cancer as it has antioxidant and anti inflammatory properties. It prevents women from breast cancer as it contains ‘Anethole’. Anethole phytonutrient which is found naturally in fennel seeds. Fennel contains 50-60% anethole.

10. Anti Ageing: Fennel seeds are rich source of Vitamin B3. It works as anti ageing ingredient because Vitamin B3 moisturizes the skin and promotes synthesis of collagen.

11. Enhance Respiratory System: Our respiratory system is affected due to obstruction in airways. Asthma also affects many people in this world due to growth of fungal balls ‘Aspergillus Fummigatus’ in lungs. Fennel seeds have anti inflammatory properties. It reduces inflammation from the alveoli. Phytonutrients in fennel seeds clear the sinus and give relief from congestion.

Under which conditions Fennel seeds should not be used?

1. Pregnancy: Fennel seeds should not be used during pregnancy. Estrogen is found in fennel seeds. It can promote miscarriage.

2. Breast feeding mothers: Fennel is believed to be a galactagogue. It brings more milk. If any breast feeding mother has problem of decrease supply of milk then she can take it. But in normal supply of milk do not take it as it increases supply of milk. There is always a contradiction in this condition. Before taking it consult with your doctor.

2. Flax Seeds (ALSI KE BEEJ):

Flax seeds belong to family of ‘Linaceae’. Its scientific name is ‘Linum Usitatissimum’. It is mainly found in cooler region of world. In India and China domesticated flax was cultivated 5000 years ago.

Historical Background:

Flax was first originated in Crescent region. Then its cultivation reached in Syria, Switzerland and Germany. Flax was cultivated in ancient Egypt. After decline of Roman empire Russia started to provide flax seeds to rest of world. With increase of time, flax became a commercial crop.

Nutrients in Flax Seeds:

Nutrients	Values (Per 100 grams)
Fat	64%
Cholesterol	0%
Sodium	1%
Potassium	23%
Carbohydrate	9%
Protein	36%
Calcium	25%
Vitamin C	1%
Iron	31%
Vitamin B-6	25%
Magnesium	98%

Amazing Health Benefits of Flax Seeds:

1. Cardiovascular Disease: 

When fat started depositing in walls of arteries then Coronary Artery disease takes place. Flax seeds play an important role in improvement of functioning of heart. Flax seeds contain omega-3 fatty acid. Omega-3 fatty acids reduce fat stored in walls of arteries, decrease blood clot and increase good cholesterol. Thus Flax seeds reduce inflammation from the walls of the arteries.

2. Protection from Cancer: 

Flax seeds contain natural estrogen. In the previous studies it was found that phytoestrogen in flax seeds increase risk of breast cancer. But in latest research it has been found that flax seeds elevate level of estrogen up to a certain limit. Thus there is no chance of ‘breast cancer’. Now it is considered that flax seeds fight against cancer cells. It also fights against ‘Prostate Cancer’.

3. Diabetes: Flax seeds play vital role in Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes. There was one research which showed that flax seeds consumption after a meal reduce blood sugar level and increase insulin. But in latest research it has been found that carbohydrate in flax seeds provides protection from Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes.

4. Constipation: Flax seeds are rich in Fat, Protein and Vitamin etc. It reduces the problem of constipation. Consumption of ground flax seeds enables the body to absorb nutrients more effectively.

5. Irritable Bowel Syndrome: It is intestinal disorder that causes pain in stomach, constipation. Flax seeds improve our digestive system because it contains Omega-3 fatty acid and fiber. It provides protection to lining of stomach, improves bowel movement. But flax seeds should be taken with plenty of lukewarm water because sometimes it causes bloating and gas.

6. Hair Growth: Flax seeds promote growth of hairs as flax seeds are rich in Omega-3 fatty acid. Omega-3 fatty acid provides nourishment to hair follicles and prevents them from damaging.

7. Menopause: It is that condition when reproductive hormone is naturally decline in body. It is declined in age group of 40-50. Flax seeds plays vital role in symptoms of menopause because flax seeds contain Omega-3 fatty acids. Flax seeds decrease the symptoms of hot flashes.

8. Skin Infection: In rainy season skin infection is common due to growth of fungus, bacteria. Flax seeds contain omega-3 fatty acids thus prevent skin from infection, rashes, redness and itching.

9. Treat Fungus in Nails: Flax seed oil treat fungus in the nails. Apply 1 tablespoon of flax seed oil on nails daily to get rid of fungal infection.

10. Sore throat: Flax seeds have anti inflammatory properties. If you do gargles with extract of flax seeds then you can get rid of sore throat and bronchitis.

Apart from Health benefits Flax oil is used for external purposes also:

1. Environmental factors: Flax oil is used to protect wood, iron. It provides protection to paintings also.

2. Textile purposes: Flax oil is used for textile purposes. It is used for production of cloth similar to cotton. Later due to discovery of synthetic fibers its popularity as commercial crop declined.

Special Note: Avoid using flax seeds during pregnancy and breast feeding as it contains phytoestrogen. Sometimes it increases supply of milk. Consult with doctor before taking it.

3. Pumpkin Seeds:

It is the edible seed. The seeds are light green in color. Pumpkin Seed in North America is known as ‘Pepita’. The word Pumpkin has been derived from Greek word “Pepon” which means “large melon”.

Historical Background:

Pumpkin Seeds were first found in Mexico (7000-5500 BC). Pumpkin has been originated in North America. Pumpkin belongs to ‘Cucurbita’ family. In colonial era Pumpkin was used for crust of pies, curing snake bites. In North America the seeds are dried then used for mat weaving.

Nutrients: 

Nutrients	Values (Per 100 grams)
Fat	29%
Potassium	26%
Carbohydrate	18%
Fiber	72%
Protein	38%
Vitamin A	1%
Calcium	5%
Iron	18%
Magnesium	65%
Cholesterol	0%

Amazing Health Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds:

1. High Blood Pressure: Due to Changing lifestyle people are facing problem of high BP. It increases when bad cholesterol in body rises and fat starts depositing in walls of arteries. Pumpkin seeds rich in Magnesium (65%). Thus it helps in lowering blood pressure.

2. Insomnia: It is problem of staying asleep. It leads to depression, anxiety also. Pumpkin seeds promote sleep because they are rich source of ‘Tryptophan’. Tryptophan is an essential amino acid. It increases ‘Serotonin’ level in body. Serotonin promotes sleep.

3. Diabetes: Pumpkin seeds play vital role in treatment of diabetes. It helps both pre-diabetic and pro-diabetic patients. According to one article published in Journal of Science of Food and Agriculture the extract of pumpkin maintain the blood glucose level in body. In China scientists has done experiment on rat and found that pumpkin extract brought insulin producing cells up to 51% in diabetic rats.

4. Pancreatitis: It is that condition in which inflammation on pancreas occur. It may be chronic or due to gall bladder stone. Pumpkin seeds protect pancreas from damage because of its antioxidant properties. The extract of pumpkin reduces the amount of oxidative cell damage.

5. Cancer: Pumpkin seeds are antioxidant in nature. Pumpkin seeds fight against Breast Cancer, Colorectal cancer and Prostate cancer. Pumpkin seeds are rich source of fiber, protein and cancer fighting agent polyphenol.

6. Immune System: Pumpkin seeds boost up the immunity system. It enhances metabolism because it is rich source of fiber, protein. It has antioxidant and anti inflammatory properties.

7. Anemia: It is that condition in which red blood cells in body start decreasing. Pumpkin seeds enhance functioning of RBCs because it contains 31% Iron. It also helps women in reproductive cycles, pregnant woman.

8. Prevent Hair Loss: 

Pumpkin Seeds prevent hair loss because it is rich source of magnesium, fiber and protein. Pumpkin seeds are rich in ‘phytosterols’. In research it was found that pumpkin seeds contain ‘Beta Sitosterol’. Beta Sitosterol blocks the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone by inhibiting enzyme 5-alpha-reductase. Thus in this way it prevents hair loss.

9. Central Nervous System (CNS): Pumpkin seeds improve functioning of Central Nervous System. They also prevent risk of Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease. These diseases occur when deficiency of zinc takes places in body. Pumpkin seeds have antioxidant properties. It prevents nerve cells from damage.

Side effects of eating too much Pumpkin Seeds:

1. Gas.

2. Bloating.

3. Constipation (Still contradiction is there that too much fiber content sometimes leads to constipation).

4. Migraine patients should consult with doctor before taking it. It sometimes trigger migraine headaches in patients.

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