**6.4 Sesame seeds**

*Grain and Seed Proteins Functionality*

Mung bean is a substantive source of dietary protein containing a greater quantity of essential amino acids. Mung bean's palatable taste and high nutritional quality have endeared it as an iron-rich dietary source for infants and children. The dry weight of mung bean is composed of 20–25% protein, 55–65% carbohydrate, and vitamins and minerals. Mung bean contains much health benefiting bioactive compounds. The compounds are responsible for the antidiabetic, antihypertensive effect, anti-tumour, anti-inflammatory, and anti-mutagenic properties of the mung bean [84]. Mung bean is consumed as a fresh salad, vegetable, or ordinary food, and it is used to alleviate heat stroke [85]. The paste made out of mung bean can be used

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

of cancer, anti-inflammatory activities, and laxative effects [87].

and sprinkled on top of salads or yoghurt.

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

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,

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

to relieve itching, treat acne, eczema and dermatitis [86].

**5.5 Mung bean**

**6.1 Flaxseeds**

**6.2 Chia seeds**

**6.3 Pumpkin seeds**

**38**

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, and more.
