8 Sunflower Seeds Benefits for Health and Weight Loss
Introduction
Hello Friends, and welcome to Flowerdiaries! In today’s Blog, we’re diving into the amazing health benefits of sunflower seeds, scientifically known as Helianthus annuus. You’ve probably seen the vibrant yellow flowers of the sunflower plant, which produce seeds harvested from their large, striking heads. The flower head measures up to 12 inches in diameter and One flowering head might contain up to 2,000 seeds. Sunflower seeds are white but have a tough outer shell. The shell is black and white with a striped appearance. In many parts of the world, including my own which is India, Humans have been consuming sunflower seeds since the time immemorial in many forms
- Raw seeds are eaten a portable and easy snack
- Roasted seeds are sprinkled on top of cereals, cooked vegetables, or salads
- SF seeds can also be added to breads or muffins
- Oil and butter are obviously the most common use of sunflower seeds worldwide.
- In this Blog, we will talk about some of the scientifically backed health benefits of consuming sunflower seeds. So, sit back, relax, let me simplify it for you
Sunflower Seeds, Weight Loss, and Health Benefits
Nutrient Powerhouse
Sunflower seeds are a nutritious seed with lots of vitamins and minerals in it. In fact 100g of this seed has 585 calories, 8.5g of fiber and less than 5g of healthy fats which are mostly polyunsaturated and monounsaturated. The “good” fats in this food helps in reducing cholesterol and cardiovascular health. They also have 20g of protein and packed with micronutrients like Vit B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, Vit C, Vit E and essential minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and zinc.
Heart Health Benefits
Sunflower seeds are good for your heart because of their high fat content, especially linoleic acid. This relaxes blood vessels and lowers cholesterol. A 2014 Harvard study found that eating more seeds, including sunflower seeds, is associated with lower risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), fibre, magnesium and cynarin are the key components that reduce cholesterol and blood pressure.
Weight Loss Aid
Sunflower seeds are another perfect snack for everyone because they take many calories but they are not a contradiction to dieters. Due to fiber content in the veggie it reduces swelling of the stomach and protein contains in it a good metabolism of food and increase in muscular tissues Eating a bowl of sunflower seeds helps both and I shed off and manage weight
Boosted Immunity
Sunflower seeds have all the vitamins and minerals for immune system. Vitamin E, zinc and selenium are the key players. Vitamin E is an antioxidant, zinc helps build and maintain immune cells and selenium fights inflammation and infections and brain health.
Improved Mood and Brain Function
These seeds are also rich in vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) which plays important roles in CNS by synthesizing neurotransmitters. Sunflower seeds are known to have properties that will help overcome anorexia, aid in increased alertness, enhance memory, and help combat PMS, particularly irritability and depression..
Reduced Inflammation
Sunflower seeds contain fatty acids and other nutrients that are good for the heart and contains anti-inflammatory issues, reduces chronic inflammation which is the root cause of most diseases. It also has other elements such as C-reactive protein (CRP), Interleukin-6, and Fibrinogen known to have a negative correlation with reduced inflammation. Daily intakes can help to reduce the odds of developing heart diseases, diabetes and skin cancer.
Great for Pregnant Women
These vitamins such as zinc, folate and vitamin E are optimal in sunflower seeds for pregnant women. Folate is needed to help build the placenta and to assist in the baby’s brain and nervous system and zinc is required for the baby’s pancreas and its ability to produce enzymes and vitamin E needed for muscle growth and proper functions of red blood cells.
Skin and Hair Benefits
sunflower seeds contain zinc, vitamin E, essential fatty acids that help the skin and hair to be healthier. They assist in avoiding skin diseases, nurturing the injured skin and avoiding UV radiation to come in contact with the skin to ensure its smooth texture.
Conclusion
Sunflower seeds indeed contain highly nutritious material and can be useful for our health in many ways. They help to condense the heart and get better shape and size, thus serving as a health promoting food for weight loss, improved immunity and better skin and hair. Therefore, feel free to give these nuts on your salads, cereal or smoothies, and benefit from the multiple health uses they have.
Remember, moderation is key. Even though sunflower seeds contain several nutrients, having too many causes problem such as upset stomach or weight gain. SENSITIVE TO SEEDS: Do not take seeds if you are allergic to them and consult your doctor before incorporating them into your meals.
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