Sunflower Seeds Benefits: 12 Amazing Health Benefits You Should Know

Sunflower seeds are officially the sunflower plant’s fruits.
The seeds come from the plant’s huge flower heads, which can reach a diameter of more than 12 inches (30.5 cm). Up to 2,000 seeds can be found in a single sunflower head.
Sunflower crops are divided into two categories. The seeds are cultivated for one type, while the oil is grown for the other (which is the majority farmed).
The inedible black-and-white striped shells, sometimes known as hulls, surround the sunflower seeds you consume. The shells of those used to extract sunflower oil are solid black.
Sunflower seeds are mildly nutty in flavor and have a solid but tender texture. They’re usually roasted to enhance the flavor, but you can get them raw as well.

Nutritional value of sunflower seeds

The main nutrients in 1 ounce (30 grams or 1/4 cup) of shelled, dry-roasted sunflower seeds are (3):

Sunflower seeds
Calories: 163
Total fat, which includes:14 grams
Saturated fat: 1.5 grams
Polyunsaturated fat: 9.2 grams
Monounsaturated fat: 2.7 grams
Protein: 5.5 grams
Carbs: 6.5 grams
Fiber: 3 grams
Vitamin E: 37% of the RDI
Niacin: 10% of the RDI
Vitamin B6: 11% of the RDI
Folate: 17% of the RDI
Pantothenic acid: 20% of the RDI
Iron: 6% of the RDI
Magnesium: 9% of the RDI
Zinc: 10% of the RDI
Copper: 26% of the RDI
Manganese: 30% of the RDI
Selenium: 32% of the RDI

Sunflower seeds benefits

Booster of Immunity

Health benefits of sunflower seeds have anti-inflammatory properties due to the presence of vitamin E, zinc, and selenium. Vitamin E boosts immune responses and protects against a variety of infections. It’s also a potent antioxidant, preventing free radicals from harming our body’s healthy cells. Zinc helps to protect our bodies from inflammation, allergies, and invading pathogens, which helps to prevent infections and boost overall immunity. Selenium helps to reduce inflammation and boost immunity. It also aids in the reduction of oxidative stress caused by free radicals.

Lowers Cholesterol

Sunflower seeds have a high fiber content, which lowers LDL cholesterol levels in the blood. Seeds include niacin, or vitamin B3, which lowers total cholesterol and lowers the risk of heart disease. Sunflower seeds include vitamin B5, also known as pantothenic acid, which raises HDL cholesterol while lowering total blood cholesterol.

Cardioprotective Effects

Sunflower seeds are rich in oleic and linoleic acid and low in saturated fats and sodium. They also contain magnesium, potassium and fiber. They help to lower blood pressure and serum cholesterol levels. Consuming them also reduces the occurrence of arrhythmias. All these effects help to protect our body from occurrence of cardiovascular disorders.

Cancer risk is reduced

Sunflower seeds contain beta-sitosterol, a phytosterol that helps to prevent breast cancer.It stops tumor cells from growing, shrinks the size of the tumor, and prevents metastasis. Sunflower seeds have powerful antioxidants that help to lessen cancer risk. In addition, eating these seeds lowers the risk of colon cancer.

Diabetic Management

Are sunflower seeds good for diabetes? Sunflower seeds can help people with type 2 diabetes mellitus decrease their blood sugar levels. What is type 2 diabetes, and how does it affect you? It’s a long-term disorder in which your body’s cells don’t respond to insulin as well as they should, resulting in excessive blood sugar levels. Increased thirst and hunger, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, exhaustion, and blurred vision are just a few of the symptoms.

Enhances brain function

Vitamin B6 is found in sunflower seeds. It boosts memory and improves mood and focus. It causes our bodies to produce serotonin and norepinephrine. Sunflower seeds can also help with the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

Weight loss is aided by this supplement

Sunflower seeds benefits for male are a good source of protein and fiber. They make us feel full for a long time, causing us to eat less and ultimately consume fewer calories. This aids in the weight loss process.

An Energy Powerhouse

Sunflower seeds are high in B vitamin thiamine ( vitamin B1 ). Thiamine aids in the conversion of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids in our diet into energy. They also aid with muscle development. When you eat a handful of sunflower seeds, you will feel energized right away.

Aids in the treatment of anemia

Iron is abundant in sunflower seeds. These seeds help to raise our iron levels, which is beneficial to persons who suffer from anemia.

Aids in the detoxification of our bodies

Sunflower seeds contain antimicrobial properties. They assist in the removal of bacteria and germs from cells. They also aid in the removal of pollutants from our bodies.

Beneficial to Our Skin

Our skin glows when we eat sunflower seeds. These seeds’ antibacterial and antifungal properties help to keep our skin clear by preventing infections. Sunflower seeds include oleic and linoleic acids, which aid in the synthesis of collagen and elastin, accelerating wound healing. They also help to avoid scarring.

During Pregnancy, It’s Beneficial

Sunflower seeds benefits for females are high in Vitamin E, a substance that is believed to be good for prenatal health. Vitamin E aids in the development of the infant in the womb, in other words. As a result, sunflower seeds are a good source of nutrients for expecting mothers and their kids.

Inflammation is reduced

People who suffer from chronic inflammation can benefit from sunflower seeds, which can be eaten as part of a trail mix, added to breakfast cereal, or sprinkled on soup or salad. Sunflower seeds have anti-inflammatory effects in the form of flavonoids, Vitamin E, and other substances. Experts discovered that eating sunflower seeds 3-5 times a week as part of any meal reduces your risk of developing chronic illnesses like arthritis or joint discomfort.

Side effects of sunflower seeds

Sodium and Calories

Sunflower seeds are heavy in calories, despite their nutritional value.
Because it takes time to split open and spit out each shell, eating the seeds in the shell is a simple strategy to slow down your eating pace and calorie intake while snacking.
If you’re limiting your sodium intake, bear in mind that the shells — which people typically eat before cracking them open — can contain more than 2,500 mg of sodium per 1/4 cup, 108 percent of the RDI (30 grams).
If the nutrition information on the label is only for the edible section — the kernels inside the shells 4the sodium amount may be hidden. Reduced-sodium versions are available from several brands.

Also read, 10 No Calorie Foods That Are Hiding Under Your Bed

Sodium and Calories

Sunflower seeds are heavy in calories, despite their nutritional value. Because it takes time to split open and spit out each shell, eating the seeds in the shell is a simple strategy to slow down your eating pace and calorie intake while snacking.
If you’re limiting your sodium intake, bear in mind that the shells — which people typically eat before cracking them open — can contain more than 2,500 mg of sodium per 1/4 cup, which is 108 percent of the RDI (30 grams).

If the nutrition information on the label is only for the edible section the kernels inside the shells the sodium amount may be hidden. Reduced-sodium versions are available from several brands.

Seeds that have sprouted

Sprouting is becoming a more popular way to prepare seeds.
Seeds can occasionally be tainted with hazardous bacteria like Salmonella, which flourish in the warm, damp environment of sprouting.
Raw sprouted sunflower seeds, which may not have been cooked above 118°F (48°C), are especially vulnerable.
High-temperature drying of sunflower seeds aids in the destruction of dangerous germs. According to one study, drying partially sprouted sunflower seeds at temperatures of 122°F (50°C) or above dramatically reduced the level of Salmonella.
Certain products may be recalled if bacterial contamination is discovered, as was the case with raw sprouted sunflower seeds. Recalled products should never be consumed.

Blockages in the Stool

Fecal impaction or stool obstructions have been seen in both children and adults after eating a significant amount of sunflower seeds at once.
Eating sunflower seeds in their shells may raise your chances of fecal impaction because you may accidentally consume shell fragments that your body cannot process.
You may be unable to have a bowel movement due to impaction. While you’re under general anesthesia, your doctor may need to remove the obstruction.
You may experience constipation as a result of the fecal impaction, as well as leakage of liquid stool surrounding the obstruction, abdominal pain, and nausea, among other symptoms.

Allergies

Although allergies to sunflower seeds are uncommon, they have been reported in a few cases. Asthma, mouth swelling, mouth irritation, hay fever, skin rashes, lesions, vomiting, and anaphylaxis are all possible reactions.
The allergens in the seeds are different proteins. Sunflower seed butter, which is made from roasted, crushed sunflower seeds, can be just as allergenic as whole sunflower seeds.
Although refined sunflower oil is less likely to contain enough allergenic proteins, highly sensitive people have had responses to trace levels in the oil in rare situations.

How to consume sunflower seeds?

Sunflower seeds are available in two forms: whole seeds and shelled kernels.
Those that are still in the shell are typically eaten by shattering them with your teeth and spitting off the shell, which should not be consumed. At baseball games and other outdoor sporting events, these seeds are a favorite snack.
Sunflower seeds that have been shelled are more adaptable. You can consume them in a variety of ways:

Add to trail mix.
Stir into homemade granola bars.
Sprinkle on a leafy green salad.
Stir into hot or cold cereal.
Sprinkle over fruit or yogurt parfaits.
Add to stir-fries.
Stir into tuna or chicken salad.
Sprinkle over sautéed vegetables.
Add to veggie burgers.
Use in place of pine nuts in pesto.
Top casseroles.
Grind the seeds and use them as a coating for fish.
Add to baked goods, such as bread and muffins.
Dip an apple or banana in sunflower seed butter.

Best time to eat sunflower seeds

In the morning, soak a tablespoon of these seeds in water overnight and drink. Sabja seeds will provide you with everything you need, from weight loss to immunity,” she explained. “Every day, 15 grams of these seeds should be consumed first thing in the morning.

Sunflower seeds are a nutty, crunchy snack that goes well with a variety of cuisines. They include a variety of minerals and plant components that may aid in the treatment of inflammatory diseases, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. They are, however, calorie-dense and may have negative side effects if consumed in excess.