Sunflower seeds are an excellent source of many different nutrients.
They, if consumed regularly and the right way, may significantly improve your overall health.
Read ahead to learn more!
Sunflower seeds are harvested from the flower head of the sunflower plant. These tiny and white-colored seeds boast a distinctive nutty flavor. They can be either consumed raw or added to a variety of dishes (like oatmeal, porridge, smoothies, etc.)
Sunflower seeds are made of mono and polyunsaturated fats which are beneficial for your health. They are also rich in protein, making them a good choice for vegans. What's more, they contain huge amounts of iron, fiber, zinc, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, folate, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin B6, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, choline, etc. along with a lot of plant compounds (like flavonoids and phenolic acids).
Now, let's get a look at the potential health benefits that sunflower seeds have to offer.
May aid in weight loss
Sunflower seeds are rich in both protein and dietary fiber. They help keep you full for a long time, restricting you from overeating throughout the day. Also, these seeds contain several compounds that aid in metabolism and further promote your body to shed the excess kilos.
Hence, sunflower seeds are recommended for people struggling with obesity.
May boost energy levels
Thanks to their high thiamine content, sunflower seeds help break down fats, carbohydrates, and protein in the food you consume into energy. This, in turn, provides your body with an abundance of energy. The high amounts of selenium, on the other hand, in them keep you energized for a long time as well.
May promote immunity
Sunflower seeds contain huge amounts of zinc that helps reduce inflammation in your body. Also, they have selenium and vitamin E that boost immune responses, improving the overall functioning of your immune system. What's more, the high amounts of vitamin C found in them aid in white blood cell production, which is directly associated with better immunity.
May improve brain health
Being a vitamin B6 powerhouse, sunflower seeds help improve the overall functioning of your brain. Also, they help stimulate the secretion of serotonin and norepinephrine which ease several brain-related issues quite significantly. Many research studies have found that people who eat sunflower seeds daily have better mood, concentration, and memory power.
May enhance heart functions
The essential fatty acids present in sunflower seeds are highly beneficial for all the functions of your heart. They also have a high amount of fiber that helps increase HDL cholesterol levels and lower LDL cholesterol levels in your bloodstream. The potassium found in sunflower seeds helps regulate the blood pressure levels in your body. All of these, in turn, reduce your risk of various cardiovascular disorders, including a heart attack.
Besides these, sunflower seeds may also detoxify the body, boost hair growth, enhance skin health, control diabetes, and reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.
