Seed Fats: They may be small but not to be forgotten

As a nutrition expert and mom, healthy fats play a BIG role in my family’s food plan. In an attempt to be healthier, we often focus on fruits and vegetables with our children. Sometimes we do it at the expense of healthy fats from nut and seed sources. With nut allergies becoming more prominent amongst children, I find it even harder for parents to include these fats in school boxes! SO, when at home, focus on fats – the healthy ones that is!

Chia, ground flax and hemp are all amazing sources of fiber, omega fatty acids and protein. 3 tablespoons of hemp hearts provide as much as 10 grams of protein while flax and chia provide about half that. This makes hemp hearts a great addition to cereal or oatmeal in the morning when wanting to add in a bit more protein to our breakfast or for families with children that do not tend to love protein.

For adults trying lower carbohydrate diets like paleo, hemp hearts have far less carbohydrates than flax or chia. Children are busy growing and often have more active lifestyles than adults so typically I suggest parents rotate the seed sources of their children to optimize the nutritional spectrum found amongst them.

Sprinkle into cereals, on salads or even mix in with morning nut butters and spread on toasts or bagels. Seed fats are an amazing source of energy and fuel… so start spreading the seeds and the news!!

Dr. Kristin Heins ND, RP

Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine
Registered Psychotherapist
Co-Author "Who Am I?" book series