Raw or Toasted Seedalicious

by Cindy
(Phoenix, AZ)

Should the seeds for the Seedalicious salad topping be raw or toasted before making the mix?

*****
Sassy Sez: Hi Cindy, While toasted seeds may be more flavorful, I have always used raw seeds because they contain beneficial enzymes.

Now, it's interesting to note that seeds contain that tough exterior that Mother Nature built into them that ensures they will not germinate before they come into contact with water. And the reason they do not germinate is because there are enzyme inhibitors present. When you eat foods with enzyme inhibitors, over time they can lead to problems with your pancreas (for example, swelling)).

So grinding (or soaking) helps to remove that tough exterior so the enzymes can be present for your body to make use of. This is also why we soak rice (and many other whole grains) and beans before cooking, to break down those walls and remove the enzyme inhibitors and make them easier to digest.

xo
Sassy