When chatting or watching TV, people often love to buy some seeds to crack while gossiping. However, it should be noted that although seeds have certain health benefits, excessive and continuous consumption can often lead to symptoms such as a swollen and sore tongue, abdominal discomfort, and indigestion, a condition some call "seed sickness."
Nutritional Value of Seeds
Taking a 100g portion as an example, roasted sunflower seeds contain 52.8% fat and 22.6% protein; roasted watermelon seeds contain 44.8% fat and 32.7% protein; and roasted pumpkin seeds contain 46.1% fat and 36% protein. Additionally, they all contain trace elements like calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc, as well as various vitamins, though the vitamin content is low. As a type of nut, these seeds also contain fatty acids, which is one of the reasons we are generally advised to consume nuts in moderation.
The Dangers of Eating Too Many Seeds
1. Eating too many seeds can easily cause stomach problems
It's common to hear people say their stomachs ache after eating seeds all morning. The main reason is that air continuously enters the gastrointestinal tract along with the swallowed, crushed kernels, causing gas in the intestines and leading to abdominal discomfort symptoms such as belching, bloating, and abdominal pain. The tempting aroma of the seeds also continuously stimulates the gallbladder to contract, which can also trigger abdominal pain.
2. Eating too many seeds can easily cause indigestion
Furthermore, consuming a large quantity of seeds at once will inevitably deplete a large amount of saliva and gastric juice, affecting the digestion of normal food and leading to indigestion and other problems.
3. Eating too many seeds can easily damage the tongue
If you eat too many seeds at once over a prolonged period, the repeated friction between the seeds and the tongue can cause swelling, soreness, redness, and even blood blisters on the tip of the tongue.
4. Frequently eating "flavored seeds" can easily induce liver disease, poisoning, or premature aging. Flavored seeds are made by adding spices, salt, and saccharin to seeds. Spices are divided into two categories: natural and artificial. Natural spices, such as fennel and Sichuan peppercorns, contain trace amounts of safrole. Excessive intake of safrole by the human body can cause liver damage.
Precautions for Eating Seeds
Sunflower seeds should not be eaten in excess, and it's best to peel them by hand. Cracking them with your teeth can easily cause your tongue and the corners of your mouth to become sore, and spitting out the shells will also expel a large amount of saliva, leading to a dull sense of taste, reduced appetite, and even stomach cramps. Saliva helps clear food residue from the mouth, reduce bacterial growth and fermentation, and protect the oral mucosa. It has been measured that eating 250 grams of sunflower seeds a day can cause you to lose 2500 grams of saliva. No wonder people often feel their mouths are dry and their tongues are sore after eating sunflower seeds.
Additionally, patients with hepatitis should avoid eating sunflower seeds, as they can damage the liver and lead to cirrhosis.
Everything in moderation: About 80 grams per serving is appropriate.
Eat for comfort: Eating a large number of seeds will severely deplete saliva. Over time, this can affect a person's oral health and even digestion.
You shouldn't eat too many seeds at once to avoid getting "heatiness" (a concept in traditional Chinese medicine), which can lead to mouth sores and ulcers.