I promised myself that I would write an article every week, but last week, I missed my appointment with my keyboard due to a high level of stress. Throughout my life, I have been through a lot, but sometimes I still forget to pause and realise how much I have actually done for myself and my health.
Years ago, a stressful week would have derailed me. I would have cried for days, and it would have taken weeks to bounce back and feel like a "normal" person without fear. I wouldn’t have cooked, and I probably would have survived on quick takeaways made of 1% veggies and 99% trans fats and sugars.
But something has changed. Nutrition and fitness have rebuilt a piece of me, day by day.
Increasing my knowledge about food made me a conscious person, and being conscious is an incredibly powerful tool for managing anxiety and depression. In the UK, 1 in 6 people report experiencing anxiety and depression, and over 1 million people every year are referred to NHS Talking Therapies (I was one of them).
While therapy is a priority for mental support, nutrition and movement are essential for your physical body. We all know that the mind and body are not strangers to each other: if the body is strong, the mind follows; if the mind is strong, the body is inspired to feel better.
In a previous article, I spoke about how my diet changed my life. Today, I want to dive deeper into one of my favourite daily ingredients: seeds.
The Ancient Medicine Cabinet
The benefits of seeds go back over 9,000 years, heavily relied upon by Egyptians, Asians, and Native Americans. They were praised for providing long-term energy, their unique ability to absorb water, and as medicine for neurological issues.
Chia Seeds: These were highly valued among the Maya and Aztecs to maintain stamina during high-intensity physical activity and to prevent dehydration, as they are packed with minerals like Zinc, Potassium, and Magnesium. They were also used to soothe coughs and inflammation. Unfortunately, Spanish colonisers suppressed chia cultivation simply because the seeds were tied to indigenous ceremonies. Earth almost lost chia forever, but luckily, it survived to help us handle the stress of modern society!
Flaxseeds: Highly valued in Mesopotamia and Egypt, flaxseeds were used to treat skin disorders, as well as digestive and nervous issues. King Charlemagne believed so strongly in their properties that he actually passed laws requiring his subjects to eat them to enhance their vitality. Ayurvedic medicine later proved that the high 𝛼-linolenic acid in flaxseeds helps with joint lubrication and calms the nervous system.
Hemp Hearts: Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine categorised hemp hearts (Cannabis sativa) as calming and anti-inflammatory, using them to improve the respiratory system and ease chronic pain.
Sunflower & Pumpkin Seeds: These are still used by various indigenous tribes as a natural diuretic, a detoxifying agent, and to treat the flu.
Where Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Science
Modern medicine has analysed these seeds and confirmed what our ancestors already knew. Today, science categorises seeds as essential support for:
- Bone Health (Calcium and Phosphorus)
- Muscle & Nerve Function (Magnesium and Potassium)
- Combating Oxidative Stress (Vitamin E and Selenium)
- Serotonin Production (Tryptophan)
- Brain Health & Cognitive Function (Zinc)
All these elements create an environment in our body that prevents low mood, reduces anxiety, and lowers cortisol.
Specifically, pumpkin seeds are incredibly high in Tryptophan. Pairing them with a complex carbohydrate (like a piece of fruit, potatoes, or oatmeal) will actively help improve your mood. Furthermore, a 2023 study with human volunteers confirmed that consuming 30g of hemp hearts a day showed remarkable accuracy in providing anti-depressant effects.
I think this is an amazing discovery. It confirms that Mother Nature already provides exactly what we need.
The introduction of seeds into my diet has been a revolution for my mental health and energy levels. I add them to my meals daily because I have experienced their effects firsthand. While seeds are not a substitute for prescribed medications, building a strong nutritional foundation definitely supports our resilience and helps protect against mental health lapses.
Our ancestors understood these effects without modern technology. In our modern era, we often need to see things with our own eyes, and scientists have finally proved it. What has been left to us is exactly what we need today: the ingredients for health and happiness.
Beatrice Monti
Healthy Flame by B Founder
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