Looking for a health-promoting snack? Enjoy a handful of mild nutty tasting sunflower seeds with their firm but tender texture to take care of your hunger and get a wealth of nutrition at the same time. The various health benefits of sunflower seeds can be attributed to the high levels of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, vitamin E, selenium, protein, copper, folates, iron, zinc and B vitamins that it contains.
Sunflower seeds are a highly nutritious food that we often supply to our parrots and chickens, yet neglect it in our own diets. Sunflower seeds are power-packed with healthy fats, proteins, fibers, minerals, and phytochemicals - all important to the nutritional quality of the diet and of fundamental importance to human health. Sunflower seeds can be used to enrich any meal. They can be sprinkled over cereals, salads, soups, mixed with vegetables, used on desserts or as snacks.
The most important health benefit of sunflower seeds is imparted by the polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats that it contains. These components protect the heart against various heart diseases like blockage of arteries, by lowering cholesterol and eliminating bad cholesterol or low density lipoprotein. More than 90% of the fat that sunflower seeds contain is unsaturated fat which help maintain high density lipoprotein.
Sunflower seeds are an excellent source of vitamin E. Vitamin E rids the body of free radicals, that cause heart ailments like atherosclerosis and can also cause cellular damage. The vitamin E, contained in sunflower seeds have antioxidant properties and help in the rapid clotting of blood and healing of wounds, regulates the functioning of the circulatory system and reduces the risk of developing heart ailments and diabetes. Vitamin E also imparts anti-inflammatory properties to sunflower seeds, that is essential in the cure and reduction of arthritis symptoms.
Selenium is an important trace mineral which works in conjunction with vitamin E to impart antioxidant properties, that prevent the formation of cancerous cells and heart problems. Selenium promotes DNA repair and induces apoptosis and the synthesis of damaged cells. This is an health benefit.
The proteins that sunflower seeds contain enable the supply of amino acids to the body. These amino acids are essential for the maintenance, growth and repair of tissues.
Folate, also known as folic acid, is a type of B vitamin that is very essential for pregnant women as it aids the production of new cells in the body by forming their DNA and RNA which is very important for the growth and development of the fetus. It works together with vitamin B-12 to form hemoglobin in red blood cells. Intake of folate also lowers the risks of developing heart ailments.
Magnesium contained in sunflower seeds prevents the entry of calcium into the nerve cells, muscles and blood vessels which enables the prevention of muscle spasms and sudden nerve contractions. Magnesium also lowers blood pressure and reduces and prevents asthma attacks and migraine headaches.
Sunflower seeds contain tryptophan, an amino acid that helps in the production of serotonin, which is an important neurotransmitter. Serotonin relieves tension, calms the brain and promotes relaxation.
Sunflower seeds contain phytochemicals like choline, phenolic acids, lignan and betaine. Phytochemicals are plant chemicals, that are known to prevent heart diseases and the growth of cancerous cells, that cause breast colon and prostate cancer.
Fiber that sunflower seeds contain promotes easy digestion and prevents constipation, lowers blood cholesterol levels and manages blood sugar levels. These fibers also help control weight and prevent obesity.