A seed is the start of a new plant life.
Much like our tiny souls, seeds fly and tumble, spill and splash, pop and hop, to grow in spaces around us. They may be tiny but best known as nutritional powerhouses that boost immunity and are vital for our holistic well-being. Known as superfoods, seeds like sunflower, nuts and sesame brings along tremendous health benefits for babies and adults. Incorporating them into our daily diet is easy and one of the best ways to boost your intake of several essential nutrients.
“Oh! We will soon have a plant growing inside your stomach, now that you’ve swallowed seeds”. Didn’t our mothers often say this when we were growing up? Well, it turns out that the nutritional benefits of seeds are back into our bodies through foods, oils and topical applications. In this article, we will cover the goodness of 5 super seeds that go a long way in nourishing our babies:
1. Fenugreek (Methi)
Native to Western Asia and the Mediterranean, Trigonella Foenum Graecum, also known as Fenugreek or Methi is a multi-purpose herb. Traditionally, Methi seeds have been integrated in Indian households to promote better health. Right from flavouring up dishes to manage several health conditions, Fenugreek seeds are considered effective for a healthy lifestyle. Rich in protein, fibre, fat, iron, manganese, copper, magnesium, phosphorus and vitamin B6, Fenugreek seeds have moisturising and anti-fungal properties. Research studies have shown that fenugreek seeds can protect cellular structures against oxidative damage due to their antioxidant content. Consumption of fenugreek seeds has several health benefits for children. A primary ingredient in our Hair Cleansers and Face Butter, fenugreek strengthens hair follicles, treats flaky scalp and fights fungal infections. Its antioxidant properties keep your baby’s skin healthy and radiant.
2. Sunflower Seed
Do you know a single sunflower can have as many as 2000 seeds? Ayurveda suggests that sunflower seed is one of top three super seeds with superior nutritional content. Sunflower seed extracts are a staple in many nutrient bars and health mix powders. They have a nutty flavour that are easy to digest. They are enriched with essential nutrients that make for a well-balanced diet. An anti-inflammatory food, sunflower seeds have proven cardio protective properties. With an ocean of health benefits and relatively free from toxic effect, Sunflower seeds are a go-to-snack to keep illnesses at bay. Sunflower seed oil contains oleic acid that can stop hair breakage and improve hair growth. A key ingredient in our Hair Massage Oil, it is enriched with nature's premium oils and tested herbs that increases the proliferation of follicular cells and improves baby’s hair growth.
3. Almond (Badam)
Also known as Vatada in Ayurveda, Almond trees are small and cultivated in the Kashmir region and other temperate regions of India. They are highly nutritional and packed with calcium, iron, zinc, phosphorus, niacin, copper, and selenium that have several health benefits. Eating 3-4 almonds daily keeps children nourished in winters. Known for their good fats, this high potent seed has tremendous hydration properties that fastens healing process and strengthens immunity. Almonds enhance skin and hair health. Almond oil has high levels of omega-6 fatty acids, excellent for strengthening hair from the roots and for supple skin. It also boosts the health of your baby's hair follicles, and increases the lustre and volume of their hair.
4. Pomegranate
Fondly referred to as "Fruit of Life", Pomegranate is an ancient seed for modern cure! Also called "Dadima" in Sanskrit, this nutritional fruit has incredible health benefits and is reported to have huge medicinal value. It is commonly used to treat anemia. The fruit's bright red colour attracts insects and birds and is cultivated across India, Spain, South Africa, modern-day Iran and Mediterranean region. Pomegranate seeds have several health benefits including antiviral and antibacterial properties. Its strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties increases blood circulation, improves joint's health and relaxes muscles. As a key ingredient in our Baby Body Massage oil, it deeply nourishes little babies and enables the flow of essential nutrients to your baby’s body cells.
5. Green Gram (Moong beans)
Widely cultivated in India since ancient times, it is believed that green gram or Moong bean (Vigna radiata) is a native of India and Central Asia. Moong beans have impressive amounts of protein content. Enriched with iron and potassium, it is considered the best among the group of pulses (shimbi dhanya). Moong Beans are a good source of antioxidants and Vitamin C that improves hair health. It is also believed to have anti-inflammatory properties. Moong beans have properties that revive the skin by nourishing and exfoliating it. It removes the dead skin cells and brightens up the texture of the skin. In many Asian countries Moong Bean Soup is consumed on hot summer days to prevent heat stroke. A key ingredient in our Hair Cleansers, the pulse promotes hair growth and conditions the hair scalp. Packed with essential minerals, fats, and vitamins, it controls hair breakage and improves hair texture in little babies.
Seeds inherently are as nourishing as their nature can be. They are one of nature’s best kept secrets that are just about as nutrient-dense as any food on the planet. Seeds are superfoods that must get added to your child’s wellness routine to reap its many nutritional benefits.
