What are they? Pumpkin seeds come, unsurprisingly, from the inside of the pumpkin.

Why are they good for you? Pumpkin seeds are rich in zinc, vital for the immune system. They're also one of the few vegetarian-friendly sources of the essential fatty acid, alpha linolenic acid (ALA), one of the omega-3s, which are important for blood circulation and heart health.

They're also a useful source of plant oestrogens, important for easing the menopause.

You might also like...
Eating to ease the menopause
Super-healthy smoothie supplements
Superfood nuts and pulses

What are they? Hemp seeds are the seeds of the cannabis plant, but a different variety from the one that produces marijuana, so you may feel better, but you won't get arrested.

Why are they good for you? Hemp seeds are high in protein, containing 35g protein per 100g. They're also a good source of iron which carries oxygen to red blood cells and reduces tiredness. Just one serving can also supply almost 40% of your recommended daily intake of magnesium. Like iron, magnesium helps fight fatigue. 

You might also like...
Why you may feel tired
Superfood nuts and pulses
Super-healthy smoothie supplements

What are they? Sunflower seeds are found in the dark central part of the sunflower.

Why are they good for you? These crunchy treats are packed with immune-boosting zinc, energising magnesium, potassium, iron and B vitamins. 'They're also a good source of vitamin E, which may help alleviate hot flushes,' says nutritional therapist Marian Bourne. 

You might also like...
Superfood nuts and pulses
Eating to ease the menopause
Grow your own sunflowers

What are they? Sesame seeds come from a flowering plant found in tropical regions. They can be black and white, as well as reddish brown and beige colours depending on the variety harvested.

Why are they good for you? It may be one of the tiniest seeds in the storecupboard but sesame is hard to beat for nutritional content. As well as being packed with protein, iron, zinc, magnesium and calcium, they also contain cholesterol-lowering substances, vitamin E and omega-6. Not only that, they're a god source of plant oestrogens.

You might also like...
Superfood nuts and pulses
Eating to ease the menopause
Super-healthy smoothie supplements

What are they? The ruby-red, jewel-like seeds of the pomegranate are the part of the fruit we eat.

Why are they good for you? Bursting with juice, pomegranates are also bursting with antioxidants, which help protect against cancer and heart disease. The seeds are high in vitamins A, C and E, and research also suggests that fresh pomegranate juice has antiviral and antibacterial properties.

You might also like...
Try our pomegranate recipes
Sneaky ways to eat more fruit and veg
Superfood nuts and pulses

What are they? We may call them nuts, but these kernels are the seeds of certain pine trees.

Why are they good for you? Perhap their most remarkable component is pinolenic acid, which helps suppress the appetite. Not only that, but they also contain the essential element, manganese, and vitamin K, beneficial for healthy bones and blood.

You might also like...
Superfood nuts and pulses
Try our pine nut recipes
Healthy snacks to keep handy

What are they? Flax seeds, also known as linseeds, come from a pretty blue-flowered plant, and.

Why are they good for you? Flax seeds are another great vegetarian source of omega-3 fatty acids. They're rich in lignans, a type of plant oestrogen that can help reduce menopausal symptoms.

You might also like...
Superfood nuts and pulses
Eating to ease the menopause
The healthy fats you need to eat

What are they? Chia seeds come from a species of flowering mint that's native to South America.

Why are they good for you? Chia seeds basically contain almost every nutrient you could wish for: vitamins, minerals, amino acids and more. When added to liquid, they produce a gel-like substance which makes them a useful addition to smoothies, and thyey can even be used in baking.

You might also like...
Read more on chia seeds
Superfood nuts and pulses
Super-healthy smoothie supplements