Nutrients Derived From Seeds of Fruits
The most common way that we consume fruits and vegetables is to use the fruit and get rid of peels and seeds. While some peels like banana and custard apple have little we can do with them, many others can be used productively to reap great benefits for the body.
Jack fruits are commonly consumed in the East. While they may be had either raw when used to make vegetables and other main courses, the ripened form is a good fruit to eat. The seeds are most often discarded.
However, these are full of minerals and calcium, and are very good for health. They can be boiled in vegetable or chicken broth till they soften and their juices mingle with the broth and then discarded. Alternatively, they may be boiled and used as additions to curries, or made into vegetables on their own.
Papaya seeds are rarely ever used. They may be quite difficult to eat along with the fruit due to their distinct taste. Try drying the seeds out before making a powder and adding it to other foods you cook. The nutrients present in the pulp of the papaya are all concentrated in the seeds to make them more potent.
Parents take great trouble to squash, blend and extract juice from the pomegranate for their children so the seeds do not come in their way. However, the seeds are full of fibre, and other vital nutrients. If the jucie of the fruit is good for the blood and body, the seeds also have their own key role to play in ensuring good health.
Try and encourage children to eat the fruit with the seeds. The seeds are not difficult to digest and can safely be given to children who have learnt to bite and swallow their food.
Fruits and vegetable seeds have a great digestive power. When they are boiled in water, they have the ability to cure pains in the stomach that can arise from indigestion as well.
