Did you know that gourmet walnuts are one of the healthiest snacks to eat and serve? And in the nut family, gourmet seeds like pumpkin, sesame, flax, and sunflower are also packed with vitamins and nutrients. Let’s take a closer look at its health benefits …

You may know that most varieties of nuts are very good for you. Nuts like almonds, cashews, pistachios, and various others contain high amounts of fiber, protein, and other essential nutrients. Seeds, such as pumpkin, sunflower, and flax, have long been a popular snack option and are just as healthy as gourmet nuts. Here are five types of seeds and information on their health benefits:

Pumpkin seeds

Pumpkin seeds are available year round, but are obviously most abundant in the fall. The pumpkins themselves are from the pumpkin and melon family. The seeds are best served lightly roasted and salted, and they contain numerous B vitamins that are beneficial for the skin, eyesight, and circulation. They are also an excellent source of iron and protein.

Flax seeds

Flax seeds are becoming more popular due to the well-known health benefits of flax seed oil. These seeds taste similar to sunflower seeds and are loaded with vitamins. They are high in fiber, contain no cholesterol, and contain significant amounts of helpful omega-3 compounds. Flax seeds contain minimal carbohydrates and are often recommended as an ideal snack for those concerned about heart health.

Sunflower seeds

Sunflower seeds, a long popular snack, contain healthy fats similar to those found in olive oil. This type of fat helps blood flow and lowers cholesterol levels. Like flax seeds, sunflower seeds are a low-carb, high-protein option.

Sesame seeds

These seeds are most commonly used as a topping for salads or baked into artisan breads. They are also one of the main ingredients in hummus. They have a unique nutty flavor and are low in saturated fat. In addition, they contain significant amounts of iron and fiber.

Watermelon seeds

Did you know that you can eat watermelon seeds? They are delicious toasted and slightly salty, with a flavor similar to sunflower seeds. They contain several B vitamins, zinc, magnesium, protein, and fiber.

Summary

Like gourmet nuts, these seed varieties are ideal snack options not only because of their great taste, but also because of their healthy qualities. Plus, they are highly versatile and can be used as garnishes, in recipes, or as a standalone treat.