Are Sunflower Seeds Good For You? | 5 Amazing Benefits
Sunflowers are often a subject of art and photos since they’re easy on the eyes. However, they have more to offer other than aesthetic value, especially if you count their healthful seeds. These seeds are a great source of vitamins and minerals, making them good for you. Check out some of the amazing benefits they have to offer below!
About Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds may not be on the list of the world’s oldest foods, but they have been around for a really long time. Domesticated around 1000 B.C., this superfood is harvested from the sunflower plant’s largest flower heads. Each of these heads produces a whopping 1000 to 2000 individual seeds, which can be used for sustenance, oil production, and dye pigment.
Remember, you’re not meant to consume the seeds as it is. The black and white hull only covers the sunflower kernel or heart. Once you get these outer shells out of the way and taste the distinct nutty flavor, you’re sure to enjoy a flurry of great benefits.
5 Amazing Benefits of Sunflower Seeds
Loaded with Vitamins and Minerals
Underestimating sunflower seeds just because they’re itsy-bitsy is one mistake you shouldn’t make. Their miniature hulls and kernels are unbelievably loaded with vitamins and minerals. They’re filled to the brim with nutrients that even a small portion can upgrade your food intake by a mile.
In fact, an ounce (30 grams) of sunflower seeds daily is enough to give you the benefits of magnesium, selenium, phosphorus, and folate. These seeds have so much to offer, especially as they’re filled with fats, protein, and much-needed vitamin E. The cherry on top of all these is that the kernels are yummy, with a distinct nutty taste.
Filling and Packed With Healthy Calories
Hunting for the ideal snack that will leave you full and satiated rather than guilty and disappointed? Look no more if you have sunflower seeds in the pantry or the nearby grocery store. It’s a healthful goodie you can nibble on without remorse, especially if you look at its list of macronutrients. Protein, fiber, and healthy fats – it has an ideal mix for those on a weight gain diet or looking to shed extra pounds.
Sunflower seeds are a perfect on-the-go snack, too, so you can whip them out of your pockets any time. Hungry after an outdoor workout but don’t want to get some fast food? Reach into your backpack and munch on this super-filling food on the way home.
Fights Off Inflammation and Viruses
Sunflower seeds are the bane of both short-term and chronic inflammation; useful if you suffer from swelling and sensitivity. They’re a powerhouse of nutrients known for their anti-inflammatory benefits, such as vitamin E and flavonoids. They also have potent anti-microbial properties, so consuming them can help root out the underlying cause of inflammation.
To top it all off, the seeds are also rich in zinc and selenium, known to strengthen the immune system. Fighting off an infection or randomly catching a cold? Load up on sunflower seeds, and you’ll soon be on your feet. They’re effective in boosting immune cell production and eliminating foreign bodies and pathogens.
Good for the Heart
Yet another reason to keep munching on sunflower seeds is that they’re good for the heart. That’s right; this superfood is filled with the nutrients vital for heart health. In fact, a three-fourth cup serving of sunflower seeds contains 14 grams of beneficial fats. These include polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, which protect you against heart disease.
Aside from the healthy fat content, sunflower seeds are also full of other vitamins and minerals. Daily consumption of these can lead to lower rates of high blood pressure and serum cholesterol levels. They’re also effective in reducing arrhythmias, however, note that they’re by no means an alternative to prescribed medications.
Boosts Energy Levels and Brain Functions
In need of a little pick-me-up to staying focused and energized throughout the day? There’s nothing better than sunflower seeds to snack on during break or while working on a project. They’re filled with vitamin B, particularly pyridoxine, which improves mood and concentration. It also triggers the release of serotonin and norepinephrine in the body, which keeps you on your feet.
Thiamine is also present, a nutrient that’s crucial in breaking down ingested carbs, proteins, and fats. With it, you’d get an endless energy supply without ever consuming a cup of coffee. Pair these up with selenium, yet another mineral found in sunflower seeds, and you’ll be zestful all day.
Eating Sunflower Seeds
People from all over the world have their preferences when eating sunflower seeds. Generally, they’re eaten raw or dry roasted to make the distinct nutty flavor stand out even more. However, some include the kernels as part of a trail mix or sprinkle it on top of bread and muffins. They’re also a famous addition to salads, chia puddings, and even pasta dishes.
In any case, sunflower seeds are versatile. It can even be made into delicious butter so long as you have a high-speed blender. You can even enjoy it with your toddlers; it’s a healthy snack, like spinach for kids.
Conclusion
Sunflower seeds are a fountain of healthy benefits, overflowing with vitamins and minerals. Don’t be fooled by their small size; they’re a filling snack known for being a superfood. These kernels are packed with several macronutrients, so adding them to your diet is good for you. However, they’re quite high in calories, meaning you should still be mindful of your intake.
