Compiled & reviewed  by

        Dr.Sanjana.VB.BHMS.DBRM.CDN

HEALTH BENEFITS OF SEEDS IN CANCER PREVENTION &OTHER DISEASES

 Cancer is a morbidity with multifactorial causation and inflammation is the major trigger  associated with cancers. Chronic inflammations may predispose to cancer. Anti-inflammatory properties of seeds help prevent cancer. Seeds also boost immunity. Immunity is very much significant in cancer prevention and treatment.

The immune system is important to people with cancer because:

·        Cancer can weaken the immune system

·        Cancer treatments might weaken the immune system

·        The immune system may help to fight cancer.

         Cancer can weaken the immune system by spreading into the bone marrow, as often found in leukaemia or lymphoma. Certain cancer treatments can temporarily weaken the immune system, such as:

Chemotherapy

Targeted cancer drugs

Radiotherapy

High dose of steroids

    The immune system can help to fight against cancer. Some cells of the immune system can recognize cancer cells as abnormal and kill them.SO immunity has a pivotal role in our body in the prevention of cancers.

Seeds are one of the most important anti-inflammatory agents helping to boost immunity.

Seeds are having great anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential owing to the presence of  vitamins, minerals and  other antioxidant compounds in them. The anti-cancer properties of seeds are due to anti-inflammatory potential of seeds. In addition most of the seeds contain antioxidant compounds and immunity boosting minerals such as zinc .

Seeds beneficial in preventing inflammation & free radical scavenging include:

  Sunflower seeds 

    Sunflower seeds are a rich source of vitamin E, an antioxidant which can improve immune function and it is good for repairing sun induced skin damages. Antioxidant vitamin E fights against free radicals which can damage cells.

Vitamin B6 is also found in abundance in sunflower seeds.

Consuming sunflower seeds help to prevent high blood pressure or heart disease.

Sun flower seeds can offer anti-inflammatory benefits. Sunflower seeds contain vitamin E, flavonoids, and other plant compounds that can reduce inflammation. They can make a tasty addition to salads or breakfast foods.

  Sesame Seeds 

  Sesame seeds are rich in proteins, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Sesame seeds contain lignans and phytosterols, which are plant compounds that can help lower cholesterol.

The sesamin and sesamolin in sesame seeds have antioxidant and antibacterial properties.

The sesamol in sesame seeds are having anticancerous, antiaging and anti-inflammatory properties also.

They contain minerals like phosphorous, magnesium, iron, zinc, molybdenum, selenium.

Sesame seeds are rich in Vitamin B1thiamine which helps in healthy functioning of heart and nervous system. They are excellent source of manganese and calcium.

Sesame seeds can be found in various colors, including brown, red, black, yellow, and ivory. Many people say that the darker seeds have the most flavors.

In European and North American cuisines, sesame seeds are mostly used for garnishing bread, pastries etc. However, Asian, South American, and African cuisines feature sesame seeds more heavily in both sweet and savory dishes.

Sesame seeds can be eaten raw, or they can be baked or toasted. They are used as topping on bagels, burger buns, salads, etc.

 Hemp Seeds  

  Hemp seeds contain good healthy proteins with all 9 essential amino acids, Omega 3 fatty acids and fibers. Fibers are good for your gut health, weight loss. 

Hemp seeds contain vitamin E which is a great antioxidant to boost immunity and skin health.

Magnesium of the seeds promotes bone and heart health. Phosphorous and potassium also maintains bone and cardiac health.

They are also a good source of iron, zinc, and B vitamins, including:

The seeds are rich source of B vitamins-niacin, riboflavin, thiamine, vitamin B-6 and folate.

Hemp seeds have cannabidiol (CBD) content. CBD may help with the  neurological conditions like :

Parkinson’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease

Multiple sclerosis

Neuropathy

Childhood fits or convulsions.

   Hemp seeds contain high levels of omega-3s and a healthful ratio of omega3 to omega-6 fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acids has protective actions over cardiovascular system and nervous system. The omega  3 to omega 6 ratio in hemp is balanced or healthful. If omega 6 fatty acids become high it may lead to chronic inflammations.

    The seeds also contain high levels of arginine, an amino acid that is converted into nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide is essential for artery and vein dilation, and it helps keep blood vessel walls smooth and elastic.

       Although hemp seeds come from the cannabis plant, they ideally contain no tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the active ingredient in cannabis. Hemp seeds will not produce a mind-altering effect.

      However, athletes and other people who undergo drug testing should be aware that consuming hemp products can, in some cases, may cause failed urine tests.

The level of THC in any hemp-based product varies from supplier to supplier. So it is necessary to be cautious about hemp seeds intake in various situations.

 Flax Seeds 

 Flax seeds are rich source of omega-3 essential fatty acids. It has Lignans, which have both plant estrogen and antioxidant qualities. Flaxseed contains 75 to 800 times more lignans than other plant foods.

Fiber content of flaxseed is both the soluble and insoluble types.

 Quinoa 

The quinoa plant is very similar to beetroots and spinach and people may eat both the seeds and leaves of it. There are around 120 different types of quinoa. The most common varieties available in the markets are white, red, and black quinoa. Quinoa is rich in antioxidants, particularly vitamin E.

It is also a good source of proteins, fiber, iron, mg &folates.

Chia Seeds

    Chia seeds are great source of polyunsaturated fatty acids, omega-3 fatty acids.

Omega-3 fatty acids have shown positive effect on cardiovascular health  as they help lowering cholesterol, regulating heart rhythms and blood pressure, preventing blood clots, decreasing inflammation.

In chia seeds alpha-linolenic (ALA) fatty acid content is high.

The studies shows that there is 50% lowering in the incidence of ischemic heart disease with higher intakes of ALA. 

   Fiber content is also high in chia seeds. The fiber in chia seeds is mainly soluble fiber and mucilage, the substance responsible for the gluey texture of moistened chia seeds. These fibers may help to lower LDL cholesterol and slow down digestion, which can prevent blood sugar spikes after eating a meal and promote a feeling of fullness or satiety.

 In chia seeds protein content is good. It also has minerals calcium, phosphorus and zinc which are essential for immunity and bone health.

 You may include chia seeds in your food in different ways. Sprinkle a few teaspoons into breakfast cereal (hot or cold) salads, soups, or stews. Stir into salad dressings, sauces, marinades, or cake/muffin/bread batter. Use chia gel as a thickener added to smoothies, puddings, and soups.

 Pumpkin seeds 

 Pumpkin seeds are edible seeds used commonly in Mexican cuisine, and individuals often eat them as a nutritious snack after roasting. Pumpkin seeds are commonly known as “pepitas,” which is Spanish for “little seed of squash. They are great source of zinc, phosphorus and manganese which boost immunity.

Pumpkin seeds contain Healthy fats and magnesium which are integral to heart health.

The protein content also is good.

Fibers in these seeds help in weight loss, lowering cholesterol &digestion.

Vitamin E and other antioxidants are free radical scavengers which help to fight against oxidative stress.

Pumpkin seeds are rich in the amino acid tryptophan amino acid which is converted to serotonin by the body .Serotonin controls sleep. Pumpkin seeds helps to regulate normal sleep.

Zinc in pumpkin seeds also helps immunity and prevents inflammations.

Pumpkin seeds may be added to salads, granola, and nut mixes. They contain a range of nutrients that are beneficial to health.

 Pumpkin seeds need to be stored in a cool, dark place and supervise children who are eating them.

All these seeds boost your immunity preventing inflammations, which is the most important factor causing cancers.

Seeds are also  rich in nutrients which have anti cancer potential.

However in the treatment of cancer immunological agents are used to kill cancer cells

.The role of natural anti-inflammatory agents are in boosting immunity and thus prevent cancer ,helping immunological surveillance of the body systems.

References 

1.    https://www.health.harvard.edu/category/staying-healthy

2.    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3257681/ 

3.    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12444864/ 

4.    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16357111/ 

5.    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8357360/

6.    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18937902/

7.    https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/food-features/chia-seeds/ 

8.    https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article/77/2/319/4689669