Hidden Health Benefits

Organic Watermelon Seeds

Watermelon seeds are one of the most nutrient-dense varieties of seeds found. They are a rich source of proteins, B complex vitamins, omega 3 fatty acids, omega 6 fatty acids, magnesium, zinc, copper, potassium, iron and folate.

Watermelon seeds are scientifically shown to:

Assist in energy production and weight management
Regulate blood pressure
Improve immune function
Assist digestion
Stabilise mental health
Promote cardiovascular health – because of the effects of lycopene, electrolytes and trace elements. Eating watermelon seeds regularly may prevent heart related diseases (e.g. atherosclerosis and ventricular arrhythmia).
Provide antioxidant support for hair, skin and nails
Provide essential nutrients to human protein structures
Support the production of collagen
Strengthen bone density and combat the early onset of osteoporosis.

Organic Pepitas

Pepitas are:

Rich in magnesium - helps to control blood pressure/reduces risk of heart disease/regulates blood sugar levels/forms and maintain healthy bones.
Rich in iron; zinc; manganese; copper; phosphorus; potassium; polyunsaturated fatty acids; folate and vitamin B2.
Rich in fibre – associated with a reduced risk of heart disease, diabetes and obesity.
Rich in antioxidants (carotenoids; vitamin E) – reduces inflammation; protects against free radical damage to cells; protects against disease.
Known to improve prostate and bladder health.
Linked to a reduced risk of some cancers (stomach, breast, lung, prostate and colon cancers).
Beneficial to heart health – due to nutrients reducing blood pressure and increasing good cholesterol (HDL).
Beneficial to sleep – due to tryptophan, zinc and magnesium content.

Organic Coconut Oil

The following are health benefits associated with coconut oil:

Medium chain triglycerides in coconut oil: - Are metabolised in the liver, where they are used as a quick source of energy or turned into ketones. Ketones can have powerful benefits for the brain. - Increase blood concentration of ketone bodies, which reduces seizures in epileptic children and preliminary studies suggest this may relieve symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. - May prevent infections: 12-carbon lauric acid makes up about 50% of the fatty acids in coconut oil. When lauric acid is digested, it forms monolaurin. Lauric acid and monolaurin can both kill harmful pathogens (bacteria, viruses and fungi). - Increase fat burning and may assist with abdominal fat loss. - Significantly reduces appetite, which may lead to reduced body weight over the long term. - Increases blood levels of HDL (good) cholesterol in the body, which is linked to improved metabolic health and a lower risk of heart disease. - May transform LDL (bad) cholesterol into a less harmful form.
Improves dental health and prevents bad breath.

Organic Coconut Sugar

Coconut sugar comes from the sap of the coconut palm. Granulated coconut sugar is produced by leaving the nectar to dry and crystallize. Compared to table sugar and high-fructose corn syrup, coconut sugar:

Has higher levels of iron, zinc, and calcium.
Contains trace amounts of phytonutrients and antioxidants (flavonoids, and anthocyanidin).
Contains some inulin which is a specific fibre that may be beneficial to the body by improving gut health and slowing glucose absorption.

Organic Tigernut Flour

Tiger nuts (chufa, yellow nutsedge or earth almonds), are not nuts, but edible tubers (root vegetables). Tigernut flour is made by grinding organic tiger nuts.

Tiger nuts are:

Gluten-free
Nut free
Allergen free
Prebiotic
Vegan
Dairy free
Paleo
FODMAP friendly
Rich in vitamins C & E, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, potassium, manganese and calcium.
A good source of insoluble fibre - assisting digestion. The insoluble fibre adds bulk to stools and allows food to move through the digestive tract easily.
A source of natural resistant starch - a prebiotic that feeds the gut bacteria (probiotics) with enzymes (catalase, lipase and amylase), to help break down food; relieves gas, indigestion and diarrhoea.
Known to improve insulin sensitivity; lower blood sugar levels; prevent gastrointestinal disease – these health benefits are because of the fibre, resistant starch and enzymes.
A source of monounsaturated fats (mainly oleic acid) and the amino acid arginine.
Known to improve vein and artery flexibility - this allows increased blood circulation and decreases the risk of heart and other cardiovascular related diseases.

Organic Sunflower Seeds

Sunflower seeds are rich in vitamin E and selenium. These function as antioxidants to protect your body’s cells against free radical damage, which plays a role in several chronic diseases. In addition, sunflower seeds are a good source of phenolic acids and flavonoids — which also function as antioxidants. Sunflower seeds may help lower blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar as they contain vitamin E, magnesium, protein, linoleic fatty acids and several plant compounds.

Organic Cacao

Raw cacao is produced by cold-pressing raw cacao beans, which maintains its nutritional integrity. Unlike cocoa which has been roasted and heavily processed, raw cacao maintains its high nutritional profile making it a superfood loaded with flavonoids and magnesium. Containing anandamide, sometimes referred to as the bliss molecule, cacao boosts serotonin levels in the brain by creating a sense of ease and happiness and boosting energy levels. Also assisting in cognitive function, flavonoids in cacao are absorbed into the bloodstream and accumulate in the hippocampus, the region of the brain responsible for memory and learning. The flavonoids work to form new neurons, while improving their functionality and potency. Celebrated for its antioxidant benefits, cacao also increases blood flow to the skin's surface in order to assist with cell regeneration and repair. In addition, theobromine, an antibacterial component in cacao beans, is also shown to protect against tooth decay by hardening tooth enamel. In turn, this allows cacao to serve as a healthier alternative to traditional chocolate.

By Dr Sandy Krafchik (@nutrition_doctor)

References:

1. NDTV.com. 2019. Health Benefits Of Watermelon Seeds, Are Watermelon Seeds Healthy? Everything You Need To Know. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.ndtv.com/health/health-benefits-of-watermelon-seeds-are-watermelon-seeds-healthy-everything-you-need-to-know-1869355. [Accessed 05 November 2019].

2. WebMD. 2019. The Health Benefits of Watermelon. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.webmd.com/diet/ss/slideshow-health-benefits-of-watermelon. [Accessed 05 November 2019].

3. Healthline. 2019. Top 11 Science-Based Health Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-benefits-of-pumpkin-seeds. [Accessed 05 October 2019].

4. Healthline. 2019. Sunflower Seeds: Nutrition, Health Benefits and How to Eat Them. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/sunflower-seeds#nutrition. [Accessed 05 October 2019].

5. Healthline. 2019. Top 10 Evidence-Based Health Benefits of Coconut Oil. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/top-10-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-coconut-oil#section9. [Accessed 06 October 2019].

6. Medical News Today. 2019. Is coconut sugar good for you: The truth. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323047.php. [Accessed 06 October 2019].

7. Healthline. 2019. 11 Health and Nutrition Benefits of Cocoa Powder. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cocoa-powder-nutrition-benefits#section2. [Accessed 06 October 2019].

8. Healthline. 2019. 6 Emerging Health Benefits of Tiger Nuts. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/tiger-nuts#section1. [Accessed 06 October 2019].

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