The seeds make your legs look fat. A useful antidepressant? Are pumpkin seeds high in calories?


Cakes are high in calories, sausages are too, but can you gain weight from seeds? It seems to be plant food, but on the other hand, it is an oilseed crop... Therefore, to eat or not to eat?

What are sunflower seeds and how to deal with them

Is it possible to gain weight from seeds? And if so, how much? Hand on heart: we rarely think about this. If we talk about seeds, then mainly on two points: first, clicking them in public places is considered a sign of low culture, and second, seeds are such an infectious thing that you won’t stop clicking until you eat every single one.

But for those who take their weight seriously and study all existing diets, seeds are very relevant. For these people it is important:

  • how do seeds affect weight change (they make you lose weight or gain weight);
  • Is it possible to introduce seeds into your diet during a diet;
  • in what quantities you can eat these foods without fear of gaining excess weight.
And all these fears can be understood if removing extra pounds takes a lot of work and effort, but they come back easily and naturally, and it is not clear how or why.

Nutritionists look at seeds from a slightly different angle. For them, it is the same food as everything else, with its own useful and not so useful properties. First of all, it is a plant product, rich not only in vitamins and microelements, but also in polyunsaturated and unsaturated fatty acids. These substances are useful because:

  • reduce cholesterol levels and, therefore, improve the condition of blood vessels;
  • “push” the body so that it primarily uses fat deposits for its vital functions.
Thus, seeds are involved in fat burning. And the vitamins and microelements contained allow you to:
  • improve the condition of hair and nails;
  • make bones stronger;
  • maintain good vision, etc.
The seeds contain very small amounts of carbohydrates, so you can safely include them in carbohydrate diets.

Seeds and diet – are they compatible?

The biggest contradiction, it would seem, is that nutritionists strongly advise introducing seeds into the diet of dieters - and at the same time they claim that these same seeds are not a dietary product. But upon closer examination, it turns out that nutritionists (as always, however) are absolutely right.

The dietary or non-dietary nature of a product is determined by its calorie content. So, seeds are seven and a half times higher in calories than pasta, i.e. Eating 100 g of seeds is the same as eating 750 g of boiled pasta. Impressive? For this reason, seeds cannot be the main product of the diet, although there are also diets based on seeds. In addition, this product contains the same amount of protein as meat and dairy products, and sometimes more. What conclusion should be drawn from this?

It's simple, nutritionists say. 50 g of seeds (hulled grains) per day is a completely acceptable portion, which contains vitamins, proteins, and other things the body needs in reasonable quantities. If this norm is exceeded, then the seeds will stimulate the body not to burn excess fat, but, on the contrary, to create unnecessary deposits in completely unacceptable places. Women know what it is. Especially when literally half a centimeter is not enough to fasten your favorite jeans.

If we are talking about a diet, then you need to remember that although seeds can be compared with other products in some respects, they cannot completely replace them. This applies to meat, fish, milk and dairy products, eggs. But at the same time, seeds can be an excellent addition to almost any diet. In addition to the fact that they are quite high in calories and contain proteins and fats, they take quite a long time to digest. Therefore, eaten seeds give a feeling of fullness. And those who have at least once been on a diet know what the feeling of hunger is, and how often they simply break down because of this and eat forbidden foods.

It's possible, but be careful

Fans of express diets and other miracles of weight loss often resort to the help of seeds, sitting on them for two or even three days in a row. Nutritionists, and even more gastroenterologists, are categorically against such a diet, since in this situation the seeds have a number of contraindications. It has already been said that this is a fairly high-calorie product, as well as the fact that it does not replace other protein products. Vegetarians, and especially vegans, can talk as much as they want about how great they feel by replacing meat in their diet with seeds, nuts and other things, but doctors cite statistics: in this category, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract are much more common than in those who eat both plant and animal foods. Also, seeds as the basis of the diet can significantly affect the hormonal balance of the body.

Seeds are different

When it comes to seeds, in our area they mostly use sunflower seeds, and a little less often pumpkin seeds. If you look to the very south, you can see how people happily crack watermelon seeds dried with salt, but for us this is more of a curiosity. Is it possible to gain weight from seeds if they are not sunflowers? It is possible, but it requires a lot of effort. Therefore, sometimes it is very useful to switch from sunflower seeds to pumpkin seeds, which are in no way inferior in useful substances, and are much lower in calorie content.

In an effort to lose weight, you should not limit yourself to all your favorite foods. There is a group of treats that, in moderation, will not harm your figure. The answer to the question whether seeds can be eaten on a diet is positive, because only 20-30 grams of kernels will enrich the body with high-quality proteins, fats and carbohydrates. However, you will have to count calories to maintain the energy deficit needed for weight loss.

Useful properties of seeds

In our area, sunflower and pumpkin seeds are especially popular, less often flax, sesame, and cumin. Benefits of seeds:

Whether you can chew seeds while on a diet, you decide for yourself, looking at the ratio of BJU, energy value, saturation with vitamins, macro- and microelements. A handful of the product can replace breakfast or a snack in the morning. It is better to choose another food for dinner. Chemical composition of sunflower seeds (per 100 g):

  • Proteins – 21 g, fats – 53 g, carbohydrates – 11 g.
  • Vitamins: E (208% of the daily value), B1 (123%), PP (79%), B6 ​​(67%), B9 (57%), B2, B4 and B5 - a small amount.
  • Macroelements: magnesium (79% of the daily value), phosphorus (66%), calcium (37%), potassium (26%), sodium (12%).
  • Microelements: manganese (98% of the daily value), selenium (96%), zinc (42%), iron (34%).

Chemical composition of pumpkin seeds

This tasty product is also a storehouse of healthy substances. Pumpkin kernels have a beneficial effect on metabolism, general well-being, and digestive processes. You shouldn’t eat them by the glass, but you can enjoy them a little. Chemical composition of pumpkin seeds (per 100 g):

  • Proteins – 30 g, fats – 49 g, carbohydrates – 11 g.
  • Vitamins: PP (25% of the daily value), B1 (18%), B5 (15%), B9 (15%), E (15%), B2, B4, B6, C, K - less than 10%.
  • Macroelements: phosphorus (154% of the daily value), magnesium (148%), potassium (32%), calcium (5%).
  • Microelements: manganese (227% of the daily value), copper (134%), zinc (65%), iron (49%). Pumpkin seeds do not contain iodine and silicon, which are so important for the body.

Is it possible to eat seeds while losing weight?

During weight loss, the body more than ever needs nutrients that help systems function normally. To avoid gaining excess body weight, monitor the energy value of your diet - the number of calories should be 10% less than the body's energy expenditure. If you want to eat seeds as part of your diet, consider their contribution to the daily calorie content of food. It is better to consume kernels before lunch so that the energy received does not turn into fat mass.

Sunflower seeds for weight loss

If you are overweight, your diet should consist of protein foods, vegetables and complex carbohydrates. Is it possible to have seeds on a diet, will they be beneficial? Eat sunflower kernels raw, and leave the fried product until better times. You will not gain weight from semen unless its amount exceeds 20-30 g per day. The kernels take about two hours to digest, so during this time you can forget about the feeling of hunger.

Sunflower seeds for weight loss act as a supporting product. The delicacy is also popular in the field of bodybuilding. The kernels are rich in the amino acid arginine, which stimulates the blood supply to the muscles. The product contains a lot of betaine, which is responsible for the health of joints and liver. If you exercise intensively, be sure to include sunflower kernels in your diet to achieve healthy weight loss.

Calorie content of sunflower seeds

According to this indicator, the product is equivalent to a chocolate bar, 750 g of boiled rice or pasta. Is it possible to get better from sunflower seeds? Judge for yourself by looking at the energy value of the product. The calorie content of sunflower seeds in their raw form is 520 kcal. A handful of fried product can be “heavier” than pork kebab - up to 700 kcal/100 g. There is no talk of a slim figure here.

Pumpkin seeds for weight loss

By limiting yourself to your favorite unhealthy treats, you can lose weight, but you risk being in a bad mood for the entire period of the diet. Pumpkin seeds can improve the situation when losing weight. They contain the amino acid L-tryptophan, which is broken down into serotonin and niacin. These two substances are responsible for a good emotional state and quality sleep. Reviews from knowledgeable people claim that slowly clicking pumpkin seeds helps you temporarily forget about the desire to eat forbidden foods and maintains a stable feeling of fullness.

Are pumpkin seeds high in calories?

Use the product with the skin - it contains all the useful components. Even a small number of kernels will provide the daily requirement of phosphorus, manganese, and copper. Is it possible to get fat from seeds? Changes in your figure for the worse will become noticeable if you regularly eat more than 50-100 g of kernels per day. Calorie content of pumpkin seeds.

To effectively get rid of extra pounds, you should know exactly which foods lead to excess weight and in what quantities. For example, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds and other plants often seem completely harmless. However, those who like to chew seeds and are overly keen on this process will not escape excess fat deposits.

The connection between eating seeds and excess weight

Any seeds, be they sunflower, pumpkin, pine or others, are a high-calorie product. Thus, one hundred grams of sunflower seeds, which many cannot refuse while walking or sitting in front of the TV, contains about 520 calories, the same value as a full and fairly plentiful meal. And since few people perceive seeds as regular food, their calorie content is simply not taken into account, which ultimately leads to... Therefore, the question of whether seeds make you better can give a positive answer.

The benefits of seeds for losing weight

However, you can’t always get better from seeds. People who consume them in moderation receive not only pleasure, but also benefits. This is because the seeds contain vegetable oils - sources of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Our body requires such acids to build the membranes of its cells, so consuming vegetable oils in certain doses is even useful, because it helps to normalize all metabolic processes.

It is also impossible not to mention that seeds are a source of a wide variety of minerals and vitamins; in fact, the vitamin and mineral composition of the seeds of different plants is different. Again, everyone’s favorite sunflower seeds are rich in vitamins A, E, D, so their consumption has the best effect on the condition of the skin, hair, nails and the body as a whole. These seeds also contain calcium - elements without which the normal function of the musculoskeletal system is impossible. Therefore, despite the fact that in order to lose weight you reduce calories, you still shouldn’t categorically exclude seeds from your menu. Only those who use them incorrectly get fat from seeds.

Rules for eating seeds on a diet
  1. Add seeds to various dishes - soups, salads, vegetable stews.
  2. It is best to eat unroasted seeds, since heat treatment destroys the beneficial substances in them.
  3. It is enough to eat one or two handfuls of seeds per week to get the benefits and not gain excess weight.

Follow these simple rules, and the question of whether you can gain weight from seeds will no longer bother you.

Created 10/14/2011

Many are sure that seeds are high in calories, contain a lot of fat and make you fat. Indeed, they are high in calories and fat. But do seeds make you fat?

Pumpkin seeds

Per 100 grams:

  • Calorie content- 550 kcal
  • Fats- 45.8g
  • Squirrels- 24.5g
  • Carbohydrates- 4.7g

We see that pumpkin seeds are rich in fats, but these are unsaturated fats that are easily digested, good for the body and do not lead to weight gain if consumed in moderation.

Pumpkin seeds are a rich source of iron, zinc, magnesium and calcium. Magnesium and zinc are vital for the normal functioning of nerve cells. If you are prone to depression and nervous disorders, eat at least 1 cup of pumpkin seeds daily.

Pumpkin seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and contain phytosterols, which reduce the level of bad cholesterol in the blood, strengthen the immune system, and reduce the risk of cancer.

How to cook pumpkin seeds

Cut the pumpkin in half and scoop out the seeds. Rinse the seeds to remove the pulp and soak them overnight in salt water. Then place the seeds on a paper towel and leave for several hours to dry a little. Then spread the seeds evenly on a baking sheet and bake in the oven at low temperature until they turn light brown. Why not just fry the seeds in a frying pan? Yes, because when exposed to high temperatures, beneficial substances are not retained in the seeds.

Peeled pumpkin seeds can be added to various vegetable and fruit salads, thereby obtaining even greater benefits. Pumpkin seeds can be used as an evening snack.

Sunflower seeds

Per 100 grams:

  • Calorie content- 600kcal
  • Fats- 52.7g
  • Squirrels- 20.2g
  • Carbohydrates- 10.5g

Sunflower seeds are very high in calories and contain a high percentage of fat. However, consuming them in moderation will not make you gain weight. The seeds are nutritious and energizing. In addition, after the seeds, a feeling of fullness appears. With their help, you can curb the constant feeling of hunger, especially in the evening. The most important thing is to be able to stop in time and not chew a whole bowl of seeds.

Sunflower seeds are native to North America and were an important food source for Native Americans. Sunflower seeds are high in vitamin E, fiber and protein. They contain monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are healthy and essential for the body.

Sunflower seeds have a low glycemic index, so they are good for keeping blood sugar levels under control (for diabetics).

Even if you are losing weight and dieting, your body must receive fats. So, under no circumstances give up seeds, thinking that they will make you fat.

In order not to harm the figure, you can eat about 30-50 grams of seeds per day.

Also, a lot depends on the calorie content of other foods that you eat during the day. You can afford 100 grams of seeds, but if other products

Surely, you were overcome by the question, is it possible to get better from sunflower seeds? After all, it is often very difficult to stop, and we quietly eat a whole pack at a time.

Beneficial infection: Is it possible to get better from sunflower seeds?

Looking ahead, I will say that seeds are such a useful infection! But now, of course, I’m talking about raw seeds, and not about fried ones, which are sold everywhere on every corner.

In today’s article, nutritionist I.S. Musaeva, a doctor of the highest category, will answer our reader’s question. Is it possible to get better from sunflower seeds? Let's find out!

Question: I read on the package of seeds that it contains almost 1000 calories! And sometimes I chew on a pack a day. Did you gain weight because of them?


Nutritionist's answer:

Sunflower seeds should definitely be in our diet. This is an excellent prevention of heart attack and atherosclerosis. With their help you can prevent some skin diseases.

The main thing is that everything should be in moderation and eating a whole pack at a time is not recommended, because the energy value of sunflower seeds is very high: 60 g of calorie content is equal to 30 g of sunflower oil. Moreover, our body can absorb a maximum of 80 g of seeds per day.

If you are struggling with excess weight, save the seeds for a snack or second breakfast. Pour yourself a small handful and put the pack away so that there is no unnecessary temptation.

When you eat seeds, it is better to keep your attention on them. That is, don’t watch TV, don’t read a book, don’t talk to someone, but simply devote all your attention to the process of eating seeds. So your body will understand that it is full, you will go into oblivion and eat much less.