**6. Nutritive properties and health benefits of some selected seed**

#### **6.1 Flaxseeds**

Flaxseeds is one of the best sources of plant-proteins and it contains omegathree fatty acids. They are also rich in vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus and copper. Flaxseeds are rich in lignans (plant compounds with antioxidant and oestrogen properties), which lowers cancer risk and relieves menopausal symptoms. Flaxseed contains both soluble and insoluble fibres, which are worked upon by the bacteria in the large bowel, bulk up stools to allow regular bowel movements. The soluble fibres increase the intestine's consistency and slow down the rate of digestion. The insoluble fibres aid with the prevention of constipation by allowing more water to bind up the stools, increase their bulk to allow for softer stools. Flaxseed protein helps to improve the body's immunity, lowers cholesterol level, prevents tumour and has antifungal properties. Flaxseeds have health-impacting benefits such as reducing cardiovascular disease, decreased risk of cancer, anti-inflammatory activities, and laxative effects [87].

#### **6.2 Chia seeds**

Chia seeds are tiny dark seeds packed with proteins and nutrients including iron, calcium, thiamin, manganese, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, B-vitamins, folate and riboflavin. The carbohydrate content of chia seeds is majorly in fibre, and this insoluble fibre makes humans less prone to diabetes [49]. *Chia seeds* are a high- quality plant-based protein since the seeds contain all the nine essential amino acids. Chia seeds contain beneficial plant compounds such as chlorogenic acids, caffeic acid, quercetin, and kaempferol, which help reduce chronic illnesses [88]. Chia seeds are versatile. They can be soaked and added to porridge, used in baked goods, and sprinkled on top of salads or yoghurt.

#### **6.3 Pumpkin seeds**

Pumpkins are a widely cultivated vegetable worldwide, used for human consumption and traditional medicine [89]. There are different species of pumpkins, all belonging to the genus *Cucurbita*, and are an essential source of carotenoid [90]. Pumpkin contains crispy flavourful seeds rich in amino acids. Pumpkin seed is high in protein content, iron, phosphorus and is low in carbohydrates. Pumpkin seeds are a treasured trove of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. In traditional medicine and modern therapy, pumpkin seeds are used to treat minor disorders of the

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*Nutritional Composition of Grain and Seed Proteins DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.97878*

acid [93].

and more.

**6.5 Sunflower seeds**

of zinc, sunflower seeds are immune boosters.

**6.6 Almonds (***Prunus dulcis)*

milk, oil, butter, flour or paste.

**grains and seeds**

**6.4 Sesame seeds**

prostate gland and urinary bladder [91, 92]. Powdered pumpkin seeds mixed with cereals are roasted, baked as bread and eaten as snacks [89]. Pumpkin seeds are rich in unsaturated fatty acids, namely palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid and linoleic

Sesame Seeds are tiny, oil-rich seeds with many potential health benefits and long-standing history in traditional folk medicine [94]. The tiny seeds, hulled or unhulled, are packed with protein, iron, zinc, magnesium, calcium and phytic acid, and low carbohydrates. Sesame seeds contain 15% saturated fat, 41% polyunsaturated fat, and 39% monounsaturated fat [95]. Studies have shown that more polyunsaturated fat and monounsaturated fat relative to saturated fat helps lower cholesterol level and reduce heart disease risk [96]. Hulled sesame seeds are a good source of protein which is a necessary building block of the body. Sesame seeds are rich in B vitamins- niacin, thiamine, and vitamin B6, essential for proper cellular function and metabolism. Sesame seeds contain sesamin – a compound with antiinflammatory and antioxidant effects reported to soothe arthritic knee pain [97]. Ground sesame seed (sesame flour) can be used in smoothies, fish batter, baking,

Sunflower seeds are white tender-texture seeds encased in a black and white striped shell of the sunflower plant. Sunflower seeds have a distinct nutty flavour and high nutritional value – the seeds can be eaten raw, roasted or incorporated with other dishes. Sunflower seeds have a good amount of fibre, rich in protein and calories, and contain majorly polysaturated and monosaturated fats. The seeds are loaded with vitamins and minerals like sodium, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese and zinc. The vitamins and minerals in sunflower seeds enhance body immunity, reduce cholesterol levels, and protect against

cardiovascular diseases [98]. Sunflower seeds also contain plant compounds such as flavonoids and phenolic acids that are potent antioxidants [99]. As a natural source

Almonds (*Prunus dulcis*) are not true nuts. The edible part commonly referred to as a nut is a seed. Almonds are rich in monounsaturated healthy fats, fibre, protein and other essential nutrients. The brown layer of the almond seed contains powerful antioxidants that protect the body against oxidative-stress related diseases [100]. Almonds are high in vitamin E, which lowers the rates of heart disease, cancer and Alzheimer disease [101]. It has been documented that consumption of almonds reduces hunger and lowers overall calorie intake [102]. Almonds are used to produce

**7. Pharmacological properties associated with bioactive peptides in** 

Proteins and peptides derived from grains and seeds play essential roles in the metabolic functions of man and, consequently, in his general well-being. They exhibit drug-like activities and can be classified based on their mode of action as

prostate gland and urinary bladder [91, 92]. Powdered pumpkin seeds mixed with cereals are roasted, baked as bread and eaten as snacks [89]. Pumpkin seeds are rich in unsaturated fatty acids, namely palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid and linoleic acid [93].
