Nutritional and Health Potential of Edible Seeds: Micronutrient Bioavailability and Mechanistic Insights
Nighat Raza, Alina Sadaf, Reeha Mushtaq, Mirza Abid Mehmood, Luqman Amrao, Fakhar Islam, Muhammad Afzaal, Mohd Asif Shah
TL;DR
Edible seeds like pumpkin, flax, and chia offer rich nutrients and health benefits, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which may help prevent chronic diseases.
Contribution
This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the micronutrient bioavailability and health mechanisms of specific edible seeds.
Findings
Pumpkin seeds enhance immune strength due to their mineral profile.
Chia and flax seeds provide omega-3 fatty acids with cardioprotective and neuroprotective benefits.
Sesame lignans and melon seed squalene show lipid-lowering, anti-aging, and anti-cancer properties.
Abstract
Edible seeds have gained substantial scientific attention for their exceptional nutrient density and potential health‐promoting properties. They are rich in dietary fiber, high‐quality proteins, mono‐ and polyunsaturated fatty acids, omega‐3 fatty acids, vitamins (E, C, and K), and minerals such as magnesium, zinc, potassium, and iron. Bioactive compounds like polyphenols, carotenoids, and peptides contribute to their strong antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory effects, helping to mitigate oxidative stress and inflammation linked to chronic diseases. This review focuses on pumpkin, flax, sesame, chia, and melon seeds, valuable sources of essential micronutrients and bioactives with demonstrated nutraceutical potential. Pumpkin seeds enhance immune strength because of their mineral profile, whereas chia seeds provide omega‐3 fatty acids associated with neuroprotection and anti‐Alzheimer's…
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Taxonomy
TopicsPolysaccharides Composition and Applications · Sesame and Sesamin Research · Advances in Cucurbitaceae Research