All about seeds...

 

The original 9Bar was designed to get the maximum nutritional goodness from seeds in a convenient and delicious way. So no big surprise if we tell you the main ingredient is a mix of seeds.

 

Sunflower seeds form the main base of the bar but the mix also includes poppy, pumpkin, sesame and the legendary hemp. The flax variety also, believe it or not has added flax, or linseed as it is often better known, one of the best plant sources of Omega 3.

 

Super seeds superfood...

Seeds are a nutritionally dense food, often referred to as a super-food but nutrition is not about selecting foods in isolation no matter how good their nutrition. However seeds can provide a range of nutrients as part of a balanced diet particularly if you are vegetarian. Seeds contain a rich source of plant-based essential fatty and amino acids, a valuable source of fibre and energy. Generally animal based food such as meat are regarded as complete protein sources because they contain all the essential amino acids our body cannot produce itself. Many plant-based foods have a low biological value but seeds, particularly a combination of seeds as found in 9Bar can provide a more complete range. Hemp seeds, the 9Bar star ingredient, actually contains all 20 amino acids, including the 9 essentials.

 

Bursting with nutrition...

The unique combination of protein and complex carbohydrate found in seeds provides a valuable source of slow release energy. Seeds also contain plant pytosterols, known to help reduce cholesterol levels and improve heart health. Studies have shown sunflower and sesame in particular have some of the highest levels of phytosterols. Seeds are also an excellent source of dietary fibre. And if that’s not enough, nutritionally dense seeds also contain a wide range of vitamins and minerals, in particular magnesium, selenium, zinc and vitamin B1, helping maintain good health and boost energy. Seeds can provide an additional alternative source of calcium, poppy seeds have one of the highest levels in seeds. Seeds are also a good source of Vitamin E, an important antioxidant that protects our cells from damage and helps supports the immune system.

Why are seeds so nutritious?

Humans often have an arrogant belief that everything on the planet is done for their benefit but plants don’t throw all their nutrition into a tiny little removable package for us, it’s actually a totally selfish plant thing which fortunately happens to benefit you and I. The whole point of a seed is to propagate another plant elsewhere so the plant species can spread and flourish. A new plant is totally dependent on what’s in the seed so it’s important that enough of the right nutritional resources are packed into this high energy pod. One of the tricks a plant uses to disperse its seed is to put a sweet, sugary coating or brightly coloured frills around it attracting insects, animals and us. These tempting outer layers are what we know as fruit, vegetables or flowers but often the premium goodness is wrapped up in those little seeds within. Some plants make their seeds inedible and toxic to humans but fortunately for us, some are more than just edible, they’re deliciously tasty.

Go for good fats...

Some people are put off by seeds because they have a high fat content but there are a whole range of fats available in our diet and through science we have discovered some are much better for us than others. The majority of fat in seeds is the healthier mono or polyunsaturated varieties, for example, the fat in sunflower seeds is around 90% unsaturated. Seeds also contain essential fatty acids including Omega 3 and 6.

 

Omega 3 has a range of health benefits including anti-inflammatory properties delete but is more readily available in animal sources such as fish.

 

..and nutritionally dense calories

Although seeds do have a high calorific value this is because they are nutritionally dense so you only need a small serving to get a valuable nutritional contribution. Some high calorie foods, particularly processed ones are more likely to contain “dead calories,” high in saturated fat and refined carbohydrates but are low in other nutritional components needed to keep your body functioning effectively. Also protein, fibre and complex carbohydrates are more likely to suppress your appetite and stabilize energy levels, reducing the likelihood of cravings.