Tag: Ground seeds

Over 2,000 years ago, Greek physician Dioscorides first noted the healing properties of milk thistle, a practice that continues today. The seeds contain a potent antioxidant complex called silymarin, leading many to ask if they can eat milk thistle seeds whole to gain its benefits.

According to the USDA, 100 grams of dried watermelon seed kernels contain over 28 grams of protein, making them a potent plant-based protein source. But are ground up watermelon seeds good for you and how can they be used to boost your nutrition? These tiny powerhouses offer a surprising array of health benefits, moving them from a discarded afterthought to a versatile ingredient in many dishes.

According to a 2023 study in the journal *Food & Function*, whole chia seeds may sometimes pass through the digestive system without full nutrient release. However, that does not mean whole seeds are ineffective; understanding how do chia seeds work if not blended is key to maximizing their benefits.

Watermelon seeds contain a remarkable amount of protein, iron, and magnesium, often overlooked by consumers. But is it okay to grind watermelon seeds to make these nutrients more accessible? The answer is yes, and preparing them this way unlocks their full potential for nutrition and culinary versatility.

Seeds are often considered nutritional powerhouses, but a common question is whether the body can fully access these benefits. The short answer is that while our bodies are equipped to process food, the tough outer shell of many seeds makes it difficult for digestive enzymes to access the nutrients inside.

Approximately 75-80% of nutrients in whole, unground flaxseeds can pass through the digestive system undigested. This is a crucial statistic for anyone looking to optimize their seed consumption. The decision to grind your seeds, therefore, is directly tied to how much nutritional value you actually absorb from them.

According to a review in the *Journal of Food Biochemistry*, sesame seeds are lauded as the “Queen of Oilseeds” due to their rich profile of proteins, healthy fats, and powerful antioxidants. However, simply sprinkling them whole onto a dish is not the most effective way to reap their nutritional rewards, as their tough outer hull can hinder absorption.

Many seeds, by their very nature, are designed with a tough, fibrous outer shell to protect the inner nutrients and ensure survival through the digestive tracts of animals for dispersal. For humans, this natural defense can be a barrier, leading to seeds passing through the body undigested, taking their valuable nutrients with them.

According to a 2013 study published in *The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine*, ground chia seeds may increase blood levels of omega-3s more effectively than whole seeds. This has led many to question whether they have to blend chia seeds to get the full benefits, or if consuming them whole is equally effective for a healthy diet.

With more than 90% of adults not getting enough fiber, whole pumpkin seeds offer a significant boost to your intake compared to their shelled counterparts. However, the debate over whether it is better to eat pumpkin seeds whole or ground depends on your specific health goals, digestive needs, and how you plan to use them.