Seeds are packed with not just flavour but immense health benefits, which include providing nutrition and good health. Harvard- and Stanford-educated gastroenterologist Dr Saurabh Sethi recently explained how the timing of eating certain healthy seeds makes a lot of difference in how effectively the body absorbs their nutrients and benefits.
In a video on social media, he said, “Eat chia seeds in the morning or pre-workout because their soluble fibre slows digestion and stabilises blood sugar.”
“Eat flax seeds in the morning, preferably ground, as they can help reduce gut inflammation. Consume sesame seeds with dinner, as they contain calcium and can improve bone density while reducing oxidative stress overnight. Eat fennel seeds after every meal because anethole relaxes GI muscles and relieves gas and bloating,” Dr Sethi told his followers on Instagram.
How are timings important when it comes to consuming seeds?
While many people wonder what the role of timing is when it comes to getting nutrition from seeds, Dr Sethi stresses the fact that these are extremely helpful when it comes to regulating your gut health.
In the morning hours, these seeds stimulate the production of digestive enzymes to aid in food breakdown and can help alleviate stomach cramps.
Chia seeds benefits
Chia seeds are a powerhouse of both soluble and insoluble fibre, which helps regulate bowel movements and prevents constipation. According to experts, fibre content in chia seeds acts as a prebiotic, which helps feed beneficial gut bacteria and promote a healthy, balanced gut microbiome. Apart from that, chia seeds absorb a lot of water and form a gel that helps hydrate and lubricate your digestive tract – thereby easing digestion.
Loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, chia seeds have anti-inflammatory properties that significantly reduce gut inflammation and reduce harmful bacteria. Chia seeds can be incorporated into your daily meals by adding them to your breakfast smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal, or chia pudding. You can also soak them in water, which you can sip throughout the day.
Flaxseed benefits
Flaxseeds are extremely beneficial for your gut health, as they not only improve digestion because of their high fibre content, which promotes regular bowel movements and relieves constipation. They are also a great prebiotic, which helps nourish beneficial gut bacteria and foster a healthy gut microbiome.
According to doctors, flax seeds are packed with mucilage and omega-3 fatty acids, which not only reduce inflammation but also protect the lining of your gut.
You can use flaxseeds in your meals in various ways, which include:
- Having them as a whole by roasting and adding a little salt
- Sprinkling ground flax seeds onto yogurt, oatmeal, cereal, or into smoothies
- Incorporating ground flaxseed into baked goods like cookies or muffins.
Fennel seeds benefits
Fennel seeds are super beneficial for your stomach, as they are packed with fibre, which not only promotes healthy bowel movements but also has carminative properties that relieve gas and bloating by relaxing digestive tract muscles.
According to experts, fennel, or saunf is instrumental in stimulating the production of digestive enzymes to aid in food breakdown and can help alleviate stomach cramps due to their anti-spasmodic effects.