This article is about the benefits of sunflower seeds and it is not about the benefits of sunflower oil. Pros and cons of sunflower seeds and oil are different one.
NUTRIENTS OF SUNFLOWER SEEDS
Sun flower (Helianthus annuus L.) seeds are very rich in good and beneficial nutrients like fiber, protein, selenium vitamin B, thiamine and vitamin E, tocopherol, magnesium, manganese, zinc, flavonoids, calcium, folate, iron, phenolic compound, phytosterol (plant sterol) especially beta sitosterol, unsaturated fatty acids, oleic acid and linoleic acid. Because of all these beneficial nutrients, sun flower seeds are supposed to be as popular snack along with all positive health outcomes. Let’s check out all the health benefits of sunflower seeds one by one,
ANTI INFLAMMATORY PROPERTIES OF SUNFLOWER SEEDS
Because of flavonoid and Vitamin E, sun flower seeds have very strong anti-inflammatory properties. Vitamin E neutralize free radicals and protect cells from oxidative damage and act as powerful anti-inflammatory agent. It reduces short term or chronic state of inflammation. As it is well established fact that inflammation is itself a risk factor for many chronic illnesses like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, bronchial asthma rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, cancer, neuro degenerative disorder (Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease). That’s why reduction in inflammation reduces the risk of all above mentioned metabolic syndromes.
LOWER BODY WEIGHT
Sun flower seeds contain fiber, protein and
tryptophan (an essential amino acid which can be obtain only through diet) and all of them are very helpful in reducing hunger and in controlling body weight.
IMPROVE DIGESTION
Because of fibers, vitamins, minerals and protein, sun flower seeds are very helpful in treating constipation and improving digestion.
IMPROVE SKIN HEALTH
Sun flower seeds enhance skin health by maintaining skin hydration and by preventing it from dryness due to richness in oleic acid and linoleic acid. Both of them are helpful in reducing inflammation of skin and promote wound healing and make the skin healthier and glowing. Presence of Vitamin E makes sun flower seeds a powerful antioxidant for boosting skin health.
CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE
Vitamin E, magnesium, oleic acid, linoleic acid and Phytosterols are very beneficial in preventing cardiovascular disease. Sun flower seeds are low in sodium content and rich in magnesium and potassium content are quite helpful in reducing blood pressure which is one of critical risk factor for CVS disease. Sunflower seeds reduce cholesterol and triglycerides levels of the body while phytosterols block the absorption of cholesterol in the body. Oleic acid and linoleic acid are supposed to be beneficial for heart health and helpful in preventing arrhythmia.
SUN FLOWER SEEDS AND DEPRESSION
As we know that sunflower seeds contain tryptophan (an essential amino acid). Serotonin is synthesized from tryptophan which is very much helpful in reducing depression.
SUNFLOWER SEEDS AND IMMUNITY
Sunflower seeds improve immunity of body because of powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory vitamin E and very effective mineral that is zinc.
SUNFLOWER SEEDS AND DIABETES
As Sunflower seeds are rich in healthy fats and protein and low in carbohydrates due to which it is supposed to maintain a steady blood sugar level and prevent spikes of blood sugar level. However, portion size must be considered before eating.
SUNFLOWER SEEDS AND CANCER
Sunflower seeds contain Phytosterol that is beta sitosterol which has potential of reducing size and spreading of breast cancer. Sunflower seeds contain selenium which is an essential mineral and it is an essential component of many antioxidant enzymes which exhibits protective effects against cancer and aids in DNA repairing. Some non-conclusive evidences also indicate the potential of selenium against the Prostrate cancer. Polyphenols which are present in sunflower seeds has the potential of inhibiting cancerous cells growth and helpful in promoting apoptosis (programmed cell death). Sun flower seeds are rich in antioxidants like Vitamin E which prevent cells from oxidative damage and reduces the risk of inflammation and neutralize the free radicals.
CAUTION
Sunflower seeds is considered to be as dense calorie snack due to which its portion size must be considered before eating. It also contains cadmium which can cause kidney problems if taken in large portion size.
