Black Sesame Seeds a.k.a kala til, are one of the oldest condiments known which are highly valued for their oil. They are widely used across India. They are often blended with sugar, palm sugar or jaggery and made into delicious snack balls. These seeds have several health benefits to offer. They have anti-ageing properties. They are known to stabilize the blood pressure levels and reduce the risk of cancer. The snacks made from these seeds provide a relief to constipation and indigestion.

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Watermelon seeds are a good source of proteins, minerals and fatty acids. They are good sources of antioxidants which are beneficial for blood. These seeds are really good for men. They help in cleansing the kidney system and urinary tracts if they are consumed after boiling in drinking water. Watermelon seeds increase the immune power and prevent blood pressure. It is anti-aging, good source of amino acids and helps to treat edema. However, they need to be cooked before consumption.

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The powerful flax seeds have been known for their nutritional and medicinal properties for centuries now. Flax seeds are great sources of insoluble fiber and omega-3 fatty acids which help to promote excellent heart health. They have anti-inflammatory properties which help to reduce chronic inflammation and also lower the risk of deadly cancer. They are useful in treating constipation and regular bowel movements. They are fully packed with antioxidants which have anti-aging properties.

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While goji berries did not stick for long, there are a few health foods that we will be seeing a lot in 2016. Matcha tops the list. Derived from green tea leaves, there are more than a million pictures on Instagram where people have used it in various food preparations. Seeds like sunflower, watermelon, pumpkin, chia and hemp to name a few are second on the list. Sauerkraut and Sorghum also make the list. Sauerkraut is a probiotic made by fermenting cabbage and Sorghum is a gluten free grain rich in essential nutrients.

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Chia seeds are tiny seeds packed with nutrients and can be considered as a vegetarian superfood that can provide nutrients equivalent to fish. Native to central and southern Mexico and Guatemala, they belong to the mint family, Lamiaceae. It's referred as the healthiest food as it is a good source of proteins, healthy fats and dietary fibres. Their popularity is increasing as they are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids and fibre. They are convenient to consume and can be incorporated to almost every food.

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