Health Benefits

Here’s just a little more information on the ingredients used in our delicious Munchy Seeds and why they are positively healthy and should be included in your daily diet.

Seeds

All seeds are little ‘power plants’ of energy with all the nutrients, such as protein and vitamins, needed for development. In fact they are positively bursting with energy, so there’s no surprise that these nutritional wonders can play an important role in any healthy balanced diet.

Sunflower Seeds

These could be considered a ‘super seed’; they have it all, protein, vitamins, minerals and fibre.

Sunflower seeds are low in saturated fat, and contain a healthy combination of Omega 3, 6 & 9 essential fatty acids, crucial to the diet as the body cannot produce them itself – that’s why they’re called ‘essential’. These ‘good fats’ are vital for cell maintenance and helping to regulate blood clotting, blood pressure, immune function and reproduction – all the birds and the bees stuff!

Sunflowers seeds are one of the best whole food sources of vitamin E, an antioxidant that mops up harmful free radicals, protecting our cells and cell membranes from damage and reducing our risk of serious diseases such as heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

If that’s not enough for one little seed, they are also high in folic acid, selenium, iron and zinc, which are all essential for a healthy happy body.

Where to find them: Sunflower seeds can be found in our Savoury, spicy & breakfasty seedy Snacks.



Sesame Seeds

“Open sesame” – These tasty little seeds are high in calcium, healthy polyunsaturated fats, zinc, manganese, copper, Vitamin B1 and Vitamin E.

We all know that we need calcium for strong, healthy bones and teeth, but did you know that half a cup of sesame seeds contains three times more calcium than half a cup of milk – interesting!

Zinc is needed for a strong immune system, so we need good supplies to protect us from all those bugs and infections that are always going around.

Sesame seeds also contain plant compounds called phytosterols, associated with reducing cholesterol levels, and therefore lessening our risk of heart disease and strokes.

Where to find them: Sesame seeds can be found in most of our savoury snacks and our breakfast Munchy Granola.



Rapeseed

These tiny little round black oil seeds are grown across the UK, and are easily recognised as yellow fields of gold in spring. We source ours locally from Farmer Sam. Rape seed is rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, including your Omega 3, Omega 6 and Omega 9, and are low in saturated fat.

Omega 3 essential fatty acids are also found in oily fish, but for those who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, rapeseed is a valuable food source. And why are omega 3’s so valuable you ask? Well, firstly, they lower your cholesterol levels, which reduces your risk of cardiovascular disease (that’s heart disease and strokes). Plus they can improve the symptoms in a number of inflammatory conditions such as, asthma, Crohn’s disease, psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis, not forgetting joint problems and maybe helping to stem the bone loss in ladies after the menopause. Oh, and if you have a ‘forgettery’ instead of a memory, they can help with brain function too!

Where to find them: Rapeseeds are found in our Omega Mix



Pumpkin Seeds

A ‘power pack’ seed full of healthy benefits, they are rich in amino acids, iron, protein, phytosterols and immune-boosting zinc.

The rich source of essential fatty acids found in pumpkin seeds also helps to maintain healthy blood vessels, as do the plant compounds called phytosterols.

They also contain phytoestrogens, plant chemicals with a structure rather like the hormone oestrogen, which have been found to help with balancing women’s hormones, and also in helping to prevent heart disease.

Well, that’s the P’s dealt with, now for an interesting T. Tryptophan, an essential amino acid. Tryptophan has the ability to increase brain levels of serotonin, a so-called happy chemical which can help fight depression.

Where to find them: Pumpkin seeds are found in our Munchy granola, sweet pumpkin seed snacks and our savoury & spicy sprinkles.



Linseed or Flax Seed

Linseed is the seed of the flax plant and is also known as flax seed, just to clear up any confusion. Another valuable addition to your diet, it’s high in healthy polyunsaturated fats, folic acid (also known as folate), fibre, vitamins and minerals. All these are helpful in reducing inflammation and protecting against heart disease and arthritis.

Like rapeseed, linseed is a great source of omega 3 (a kind of polyunsaturated fat), that’s suitable for vegetarians, or people who simply don’t like oily fish.

Folic acid is especially important for ladies from pre conception to pregnancy to meet the needs of the developing baby.

Linseed has lubricating and bulking properties, so to put it delicately, will keep you nice and regular.

Where to find them: Linseed is found in our Omega & Cajun mixes and Munchy Granola.



Hemp Seeds

Hemp seeds are a super food, no doubt about it, with plenty of essential fatty acids and amino acids, necessary to maintain a healthy happy body.

They have a good spectrum of amino acids, the building blocks of protein (great for budding athletes and vegetarians), and the ideal balance of Omega 3 and Omega 6 for your daily requirements of essential fatty acids.

A complete package of goodness, great for your skin and hair.

Where to find them: Hulled Hemp seeds (no crunchy bits)! are found in our Omega mix



Apricot Kernels

These natural nutritious little nibbles are the seed of the Apricot, and, like all seeds are rich in protein and fat. The oil from the kernel has traditionally been used for its anti-spasmodic effect; it is said to bring relief to strained muscles and help to promote healing by boosting the immune system.

Where to find them: Apricot kernels are found in our Festive Mix and Crunchy Bites.

Oats

Ok, we know oats are not a seed! They are a wholegrain - packed full of goodness, with a low GI (glycaemic index), helping to control blood glucose levels and providing a steady release of energy.

They can help to reduce cholesterol and, as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle, can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Oats provide fibre, B vitamins, particularly thiamine, riboflavin, B6 and folate, as well as vitamin E, iron and potassium.

How could we leave them out?

Where to find them: Oats are found in our Munchy Granola



Natural Ingredients

The ingredients we use to flavour our seedy snacks are all natural and not only do they taste good, they have many health benefits too!

Soya beans - The proteins and fibre found in Soya can help to reduce cholesterol, and their phytoestrogens may help to prevent heart disease and balance hormones. Original, pumpkin, omega, chilly, Cajun and bar nibbles

Chilli and cayenne - Contain capsaicin, the substance that gives the heat, but is also good for increasing the metabolism and helping stimulate the circulatory system. Chilly, Bar nibbles, Cajun

Cinnamon - Research shows that cinnamon contains a compound which can help to regulate the blood sugar levels, especially important for diabetics. Munchy Granola

Honey - This nutritious nectar, with its natural unrefined sugars, is easily absorbed into the bloodstream to help combat fatigue, an ideal energy boost. Munchy Granola

Maple Syrup – From the Maple tree, it’s sweeter than sugar and has its own distinct flavour, but with less calories. It also contains manganese and zinc. Munchy Granola

Nutmeg - An aromatic seed that tastes good and traditionally used for easing digestive problems and helping to soothe upset tummies. Munchy Granola

Coconut - Highly nutritious and rich in fibre, vitamins and minerals. Munchy Granola

Sultanas - These little high-energy, low-fat, dried grapes are a good source of fibre and minerals, with antioxidant properties to help keep you healthy. Munchy Granola

Roasted Pumpkin Seed Oil

Our roasted seed oil contains all the benefits of Pumpkin and Sunflower seeds. It’s high in Omega 6 and Omega 3, plus Vitamin E, with its antioxidant properties to help protect your body’s cells, and possibly even slow the ageing process.

This oil is for eating cold, drizzled on salads or used for dipping.


Summary of Benefits

Pumpkin Seeds	Immune-boosting zincs Healthy unsaturated fats, good for lowering cholesterol Tryptophan and Phytosterols Phytoestrogens for hormone balancing and reducing heart risk
Rape Seeds	Omega 3, for a healthy heart and circulation Inflammatory conditions Locally sourced
Sesame Seeds	Calcium for healthy bones (good for non-dairy eaters) Phytosterols for a healthy heart
Hemp Seeds	Omega 3 and Omega 6 in a perfect balance – good for your circulatory system and to reduce your cardiovascular risk
Linseed/Flax Seeds	Omega 3 for a healthy heart and brain Phytoestrogens Fibre, to keep you going – literally
Oats	Wholegrain food, can help to lower cholesterol Low Glycaemic Index, helps maintain steady blood glucose levels.
Apricot Kernels	Nutritious, high in vitamins Antioxidant properties
Chilli	Capsaicin, metabolism boosting and pain relief
Cayenne Pepper	Capsaicin, increases metabolism, warms the body
Cinnamon	Could help regulate blood sugar levels
Soya	Soya proteins and soluble fibres Helps control blood cholesterol
Roasted Pumpkin Oil	Rich in Omega 3 and Omega 6, good for your cholesterol levels. Antioxidants, reduce your disease risk and help keep your body ‘young’
Honey	Natural unrefined sugars, easily absorbed into the bloodstream to help combat fatigue, an ideal energy boost.
Maple Syrup	A rich source of manganese, and immune-boosting zinc, beneficial to the immune system and supports healing.
Nutmeg	Good for easing digestive problems and helping to soothe upset tummies.
Coconut	Highly nutritious and rich in fibre, vitamins and minerals. A healthy energy source
Sultanas	High energy, low fat and a good source of fibre and minerals, with antioxidant properties to help keep you healthy.