Essential fatty acids and seeds

Before talking about fatty acids in seeds it is good to remember that fatty acids are not all the same; it is necessary to clarify the distinction between these acids and the "toxic" ones.

Seeds and essential fatty acids

The category "toxic acids" includes all the saturated fatty acids that make the cholesterol that obstructs the arteries rise. The main sources of fat are those derived from animals (beef, pork, lamb, chicken cooked with skin and duck). Along with these, whole milk and derived products (cheese, butter, cream).

Then there are the so-called trans fatty acids (AGT) . These are artificially solidified acids such as margarine, spreads and some vegetable oils. They are divided into industrial AGTs (in the labels you find them indicated as "hydrogenated vegetable fats") and natural AGT, which are present in small quantities in meat and milk and seem to be less harmful than industrial ones.

The intake of these fats should be reduced, while the consumption of omega-3 and monounsaturated fatty acids should be increased. Let's discover some antioxidant seeds par excellence, which contain "good" fatty acids at will.

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The properties of flax seeds

Flax seeds contain high amounts of essential fatty acids especially Omega 3 . Indispensable for the health of our circulatory, nervous, skin and immune systems.

Flax seeds are energetitic, emollient, laxatives, wormers ; they carry out an action of a certain relevance with respect to some disorders related to menopause (hot flushes, mood alterations).

In the case of phlegm, hoarseness and cough, it is advisable to apply a hot poultice of flour obtained from the ground seeds (50g per 200ml of water) on the chest. They can be added to bread or a mixture of flakes for breakfast.

Poppy seeds

Poppy seeds are rich in essential fatty acids : 60% linoleic acid (Omega6), 30% oleic acid and 3% linolenic fat (Omega 3 ), all useful for heart and brain health. The seeds have a slightly relaxing and anti-stress action. Products such as sweets, bread and the like can also be added to the dough.

They can be added to the seasoning of rice, pasta, vegetables and in sauces that accompany meat or fish. Excellent for sprinkling on cream, ice cream, fruit salads. On salads they make their figure. Toast them, you will enhance the flavor.

Anise seeds and digestion

Anise seeds contain resins, mucilage (useful fibers for the intestine), flavonoids (with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action) and an essential oil rich in anethole. They stimulate the appetite and the digestion, they facilitate the elimination of the intestinal gases, they attenuate the pains due to intestinal colics, they calm the cough, they stimulate the production of the maternal milk; they are useful in case of insomnia and stress .

A spoonful of anise seeds in a cup of boiling water for 10 minutes gives a digestive and relaxing herbal tea . In the kitchen it is added to stews, milk-based soups, bread, olives, dried figs, cooked fruit and sweets.