Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41625268›Full record

ReviewFood science & nutrition2026

Nutritional and Health Potential of Edible Seeds: Micronutrient Bioavailability and Mechanistic Insights.

Nighat Raza, Alina Sadaf, Reeha Mushtaq, Mirza Abid Mehmood, Luqman Amrao, Fakhar Islam, Muhammad Afzaal, Mohd Asif Shah

Abstract readReview
In one paragraph

Review in Food science & nutrition, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
2citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

2 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Article
  2. Review
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

8 authors.

Nighat RazaDeparment of Food Science and Technology Muhammad Nawaz Shareef University of Agriculture Multan Pakistan.
Alina SadafDeparment of Food Science and Technology Muhammad Nawaz Shareef University of Agriculture Multan Pakistan.
Reeha MushtaqDepartment of Dietetics and Nutrition Lahore General Hospital Lahore Pakistan.
Mirza Abid MehmoodInstitute of Plant Protection Muhammad Nawaz Shareef University of Agriculture Multan Pakistan.
Luqman AmraoDepartment of Plant Pathology University of Agriculture Faisalabad Pakistan.
Fakhar IslamDepartment of Food Science Government College University Faisalabad Pakistan.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6935-5924
Muhammad AfzaalDepartment of Food Science Government College University Faisalabad Pakistan.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9047-9075
Mohd Asif ShahDepartment of Agriculture Economics Kardan University Kabul Afghanistan.ORCID https://orcid.org/0009-0000-2821-5423

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Edible seeds have gained substantial scientific attention for their exceptional nutrient density and potential health-promoting properties. They are rich in dietary fiber, high-quality proteins, mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins (E, C, and K), and minerals such as magnesium, zinc, potassium, and iron. Bioactive compounds like polyphenols, carotenoids, and peptides contribute to their strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, helping to mitigate oxidative stress and inflammation linked to chronic diseases. This review focuses on pumpkin, flax, sesame, chia, and melon seeds, valuable sources of essential micronutrients and bioactives with demonstrated nutraceutical potential. Pumpkin seeds enhance immune strength because of their mineral profile, whereas chia seeds provide omega-3 fatty acids associated with neuroprotection and anti-Alzheimer's effects. The omega-3 content of flax and chia seeds offers cardioprotective benefits, whereas sesame lignans (sesamin) exhibit lipid-lowering and anti-aging properties. Flaxseed's secoisolariciresinol diglycoside (SDG) contributes to cardiovascular and anti-cancer effects, and melon seed squalene supports immune health and exerts anti-cancer activity. Mechanistic studies highlight these seeds' ability to regulate molecular pathways related to oxidative stress, inflammation, hypertension, diabetes, cancer, and metabolic disorders. Their bioactive constituents act through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic-regulating mechanisms, validating their classification as functional foods. Evidence from clinical and biochemical studies largely supports these benefits, although some claims stem from preliminary or in vitro findings. Overall, pumpkin, flax, sesame, chia, and melon seeds demonstrate significant potential as natural sources of nutrients and bioactive compounds that promote cardiovascular, metabolic, and immune health. Their integration into daily diets and functional food formulations could play a vital role in preventing lifestyle-related chronic diseases and enhancing overall well-being.

Indexed as

bioactive constituentsbiochemical mechanismedible seedsmicronutrients

Identifiers

PMID41625268
PMCPMC12852966

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY
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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.