Ground seeds are an excellent way to pack vital nutrients into your little one (starting around 10-12 months). Try adding ground flax, pumpkin, and sunflower seeds to your child’s (and yours!) morning oatmeal. Or sprinkle them in smoothies. You can always add a couple tablespoons to your favorite baked goods too, like blueberry muffins with added flax. Your child will have no idea, I promise you! Add to soups and vegetable medleys. The possibilities are endless!

You can buy pre-ground flax seeds, but its best to buy them fresh and then ground them yourself. Flax seeds can go rancid very easily (the particular omega-3 fatty acids are very fragile). To grind them yourself, just throw some in a coffee grinder. Store in a glass jar and store in the freezer.* But if you do not have time to grind them yourself, buying pre-ground seeds are better than no seeds at all.

Always buy RAW nuts and seeds. When nuts and seeds are roasted, they are exposed to very high temperatures, thus breaking down the fragile mono and poly-unsaturated fatty acids. this leads to free radical formation. Free radicals cause damage to cells, particularly DNA.

Health Benefits of Flax Seeds
-High in Omega-3 fatty acids–> great for nourishing your child’s growing brain and prevention of chronic diseases
-High in fiber–> helps with constipation or sluggish bowels, also lowers cholesterol and stabilizes blood sugar (great for the whole family)
-Rich in Phytochemicals–> antioxidant effect, boost the immune system, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, and cellular repair.

Health Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds
-Excellent source of Zinc–> supports a healthy immune system and skin health
-High in Omega-3 fatty acids
-Great source of Magnesium–> so many Americans are Magnesium-deficient. Supports healthy cardiovascualr system. Also a natural relaxant!

Health Benefits of Sunflower Seeds
-Good source of Omega-6 fatty acids
-High in Vitamin E–> will give your child’s skin radiance
-High in Selenium and Copper–> prevention of chronic disease
-Good source of Zinc–> supports healthy immune system and skin health

**It’s a good idea to store all nuts and seeds in your freezer. The fats are very fragile!

Editor’s Note: The information in this article is intended for your educational use only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health practitioners with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition and before undertaking any diet, supplement, fitness, or other health program.