As the saying goes, 'don't judge a book by its cover', the same goes for seeds - don't judge them by their tiny size! These minuscule yet mighty seeds are packed to the brim with nutrients such as protein, iron, fiber and antioxidants that all work together for better health and better skin.

Seeds are also incredibly easy to incorporate into our diets - just sprinkle them over your smoothie, or add them to your rice. Read on for 8 healthy seeds to incorporate into your diet!

1. Pumpkin Seeds

These nutritional powerhouses pack a ton of phytosterols, which have proven to help lower blood cholesterol. After scraping clean the inside of your pumpkin to create your favourite jack-o-lanterns, don't throw all that gunk away! Save those pumpkin seeds, top them with a little olive oil and salt, give them a good roast in the oven, and you'll have tasty seeds to snack on. These pumpkin seeds are tasty enough to be eaten alone, or you can sprinkle them over your oatmeal or add them into your favourite muffins!

2. Chia Seeds

Image Credits: Toa Heftiba on Unsplash

These tiny black seeds are an excellent source of protein and fiber - a 28g serving of chia seeds contains 10.6 grams of fiber and 4.4 grams of protein. These seeds are a vital part of a healthy diet, and have also shown to lead to better skin with their high antioxidant content. In addition to keeping our complexion clear and healthy, chia seeds also can aid in reducing the risk of diabetes. Research has shown that a high-fiber diet can help to curb Type 2 diabetes - so go ahead and gobble these tiny titans up to keep diabetes at bay!

3. Pomegranate Seeds

Image Credits: Samay Bhavsar on Unsplash

The beautiful ruby seeds found in pomegranates boast a multitude of benefits. Not only are they juicy and refreshing, pomegranate seeds contain a type of antioxidants called flavonols, which have anti-inflammatory properties. Pomegranate seeds also pack a ton of Vitamin C, which can offer protection against deficiencies in our immune system and skin wrinkling - all contributing to better skin and health!

4. Flaxseeds

Image Credits: Pezibear on Pixabay

Flaxseeds are a great source of fiber and omega-3 fats, which work together to reduce the risk of heart disease and lower cholesterol levels in the body. However, the hard, fibrous outer-shell of flaxseeds are not digested by our bodies - which can inhibit the absorption of those precious omega-3 fats. When consuming flaxseeds, grind them up in a blender first to ensure that you reap the most out of these tiny seeds!

5. Sunflower Seeds

Image Credits: Peter Griffin on Public Domain Pictures

Remember those brightly coloured, chocolate-coated snacks we used to gobble up when we were young? Yup, those sunflower seeds are actually good for us - but without all that colouring and chocolate-coating! Sunflower seeds are high in vitamin E, which can help to maintain healthy hair and skin by fighting off free radicals. Forget all your expensive face masks - beauty starts from a right diet!

6. Hemp Seeds

Image Credits: Sweetlouise on Pixabay

While hemp seeds come from the same plant, Canabis sativa, as marijuana, they do not contain enough tetrahydrocannabinoids (THC) to make a person high. In fact, when THC is consumed and not smoked, they provide a plethora of health benefits to the consumer. Hemp seeds are rich in Gamma-Linolenic acid (GLA), which encourage hormone health in our bodies, therefore reducing the symptoms of pre-menstrual syndrome.

7. Sesame Seeds

Image Credits: Dabok2014 on Pixabay

Commonly sprinkled on top of our sushi and rice bowls, these tiny seeds pack 2g of protein per tablespoon, which aids greatly in digestion. A high-fiber diet results in healthy digestion by promoting bowel movement, which eventually aids in better absorption of all the valuable nutrients that we consume through sesame seeds. The organic compound, sesamol, protects DNA against harmful radiation which can be emitted from computers or our phones, and therefore reduces the risk of cancer.

8. Quinoa

Quinoa has been touted as one of the superfoods years ago - but what exactly is so amazing about this unimpressionable seed? The answer lies in its plant antioxidants called flavanoids, namely quercetin and kaempferol, which have been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-viral effects in animals. This supergrain is also rich in magnesium, which works towards healthy bones and teeth. Best of all? Quinoa is gluten-free, so if you're looking to eliminate gluten out of your diet, quinoa is a perfect addition to your diet!

These 8 seeds are incredibly easy to incorporate into your diet - just top your yogurt, oatmeal or rice with them - the possibilities are endless. So, let your imagination run wild, and go forth to reap the benefits of these tiny nutritional powerhouses!

Image Credits: Chuttersnap on Unsplash