Best Foods To Eat For A Healthy Heart – Part 6: Seeds And Spices

Last time we talked about the health benefits of nuts. Today we continue with seeds and spices.

Flaxseed

Flaxseed has loads of fiber, omega-3s and other beneficial nutrients. It is a great addition to salads, muffins, cereal and cookies.

Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds contain beta-sitosterol, less than pecans and hazelnuts but enough to help lower our cholesterol and ease prostatic hyperplasia. They also have a respectable amount of phytosterols of 265 mg per 100 g serving; less than pistachios, but still helpful.

See my Healthy Homemade Breakfast Cereal

Sesame Seeds and Sesame Butter (Tahini)

Among many other benefits, sesame seeds are a good source of cholesterol-reducing phytosterols. As I mentioned above, beta-sitosterol is known to lower cholesterol. As a matter of fact, they contain 400 mg per 100 g of beta-sitosterol. The same as wheat-germ! They are in good company indeed.

Sunflower Seeds

Sunflower seeds contain a good amount of fiber (4 g per serving) and our old friend, beta-sitosterol, a phytosterol known for its ability to lower cholesterol levels and help with prostate health.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is known for its anti-inflammatory benefits and high antioxidant content. A recent study in Diabetic Care reported that in people with type 2 diabetes, cinnamon not only reduced blood sugar levels but more importantly for us, total cholesterol and LDL (bad) cholesterol as well as triglyceride levels.

Cayenne

Cayenne has been called the King of Spices for good reason, and that is especially true when it comes to heart health. It is loaded with antioxidants and other valuable compounds which help protect the heart and arteries.

Ginger

In lab tests, ginger extracts inhibited the oxidation of LDL (bad) cholesterol and lowered total cholesterol levels.

Now read on about the Health Benefits Of Dairy Products And Eggs

Healthy Seeds and Spices