3 healthy seeds to discover

Grains of Paradise: an aid to slimming

Why use them? While grains of Paradise (Aframomum melegueta) are still relatively unknown, these seeds are used for a range of purposes in their native Africa. Also known as maniguette pepper or Guinea pepper, they are used in cooking for their intense, pungent and slightly lemony taste. They also offer benefits to those who want to lose weight because of their content in 6-paradol. This powerful active principle has a fat-burning effect, and is thus ideal for supporting a weight-loss program.

How should they be consumed? Just like black pepper, grains of Paradise can be used as a spice to season savoury dishes. They should, however, be used sparingly as they have a pungent flavour. To benefit from their slimming effect, extracts standardised in 6-paradol are also available, such as the product Paradoxine®. This slimming supplement works as a natural fat-burner, increasing thermogenesis and facilitating weight loss.

Sesame seeds: benefits for cardiovascular health

Why use them? Mainly grown in Asia and the Middle East, sesame seeds (Sesamum indicum) have been the focus of a number of research studies in recent years. This scientific interest is due to their exceptional nutritional composition and significant therapeutic potential. Sesame seeds contain several nutrients beneficial to health, including B group vitamins, vitamin E, calcium, iron and magnesium. They also contain lignans, active principles from the polyphenol family. Two such lignans, sesamin and sesamolin, are of particular scientific interest as they are believed to have considerable antioxidant potency for protecting the cardiovascular system, as well as hypotensive and cholesterol-lowering effects that help maintain normal blood pressure and lipid profiles.

How should they be consumed? While sesame seeds can be incorporated into various recipes, you would have to consume vast quantities to fully benefit from their cardio-protective properties. Hence the development of extracts standardised in sesamin and sesamolin.

Pumpkin seeds: support for urinary function

Why use them? Pumpkin seeds (Cucurbita pepo) have been growing in popularity in recent years. Though long side-lined in favour of the pumpkin’s sweet, tasty flesh, the seeds are now coming to the forefront because of their excellent nutritional profile and natural health benefits. Pumpkin seeds are rich in plant proteins, fibre, vitamins, minerals, unsaturated fatty acids and phytosterols, all of which help the body function properly. Widely-studied, pumpkin seeds have demonstrated particular benefits for urinary health. Several studies have also shown that they combat symptoms of the menopause and prostate-related problems such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

How should they be consumed? Pumpkin seeds can be consumed in a variety of ways. In cooking, these distinctive green seeds are often added to salads and soups. In phytotherapy, specialists usually recommend the use of pumpkin seed oil. Rich in nutrients and active principles, this plant oil is now available in dietary supplement form such as in the product Pumpkin Seed Oil.