The Benefits of Sunflower Seed
Sunflower seed is one of the most used and popular seeds in the world, and for good reason – it contains a multitude of beneficial nutrients. It’s particularly high in Vitamin E: (1 ounce (28 grams) provides 28 percent of the RDA for this nutrient.) This makes sunflower seeds great at protecting your cells from free radicals.
Sunflower seeds contain a significant amount of zinc, selenium, and magnesium which is beneficial in preventing heart disease and diabetes. They’re also a source of high-quality protein, making them a great option for vegetarians or those looking to add some meatless proteins into their diet regimen.
The benefits of sunflower seed oil:
Sunflower seed oil – a great source of Vitamin E – can help to reduce your risk of heart disease and lower cholesterol. It has been found that, as opposed to other oils high in Omega-6 fatty acids, sunflower oil does not result in an increase in inflammation. This makes it a great oil to use when cooking or baking.
Sunflower seed oil is also high in Vitamin A, making it a great choice for healthy eyes and skin. When applied to the skin, sunflower seed oil has been found to provide moisture and help to protect the skin from damage due to exposure to UV rays. Sunflowers and skin:
Sunflower seed oil can also be used in commercial products designed for skincare. In fact, the sunflower seed oil is a common ingredient in many leading brands of facial cleansers and moisturizers.
In addition to this, the seeds themselves make a great addition to any healthy diet regimen. Sunflower seeds are often used as a healthy snack food and can be enjoyed in various ways. Some people like to eat them straight from the bag, while others like to add them to a salad. There is also a huge range of cookbooks and recipes available that incorporate sunflower seeds into main courses or desserts.
Sunflower seed benefits:
Helps prevent heart disease and lower cholesterol
Prevents diabetes
A great source of protein – a great option for vegetarians or those looking to add some meatless proteins into their diet regimen.
High in Vitamin E, A, and magnesium which helps protect cells from free radicals.
Helps prevent sunburns and skin damage when applied topically.
Reduces risk of heart disease and cholesterol.
Ingredients:
1 bag of Sun-Maid Natural California Raisins (sold in most grocery stores)
1/4 cup sunflower seeds (sliced or whole, as desired)
2 cups Chex cereal (check local store for specific flavor; I used honey nut)
2 eggs white
1/2 cup oil
Preheat oven to 300. Place raisins and sunflower seeds into blender or food processor and pulse just a few times till finely chopped (don’t want them too powdery but you don’t want big chunks either). Combine raisin/sunflower mixture with cereal and pour onto a large cookie sheet. Wipe out the blender.
Beat eggs whites until stiff peaks form (you’ll know because it will stand up straight if you turn the bowl upside down). Gently fold in oil and pour over dry ingredients on the cookie sheet.
Stir gently with fork or spoon until all combined and well coated. Place in oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool. Store in an air-tight container once completely cooled.
Sunflower seeds benefit males:
Sunflower Seeds are very low in calories, which makes them an ideal choice for people who are on a weight loss diet. Sunflower Seeds’ high protein content promotes muscle mass and reduces your waistline. A high protein diet is often recommended by nutritionists to obese people because proteins enable the body to burn more calories than carbs or fat.
Sunflower Seeds are rich in minerals like selenium, phosphorus, magnesium, and zinc. A handful of Sunflower Seeds every day gives you the recommended daily allowances for these minerals.
Sunflower Seeds are high in fiber, which helps keep your digestive tract healthy by preventing constipation. They also prevent cancerous cells from gathering together to form tumors or clumps.
Sunflower Seeds are rich in Vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect your skin cells from damage by harmful oxygen molecules called free radicals. Daily consumption of Sunflower Seeds reduces the risk of cancer and keeps you looking younger for longer.
Sunflower seeds benefit weight loss:
Salmon is also high in protein which keeps you full for a long time after consumption, due to its satiating effect. So, if you are looking for foods that promote weight loss naturally try out some recipes that include Salmon or incorporate it into your daily diet in the form of a salad mixed with other ingredients like Sunflower Seeds.
Sunflower seeds benefit hair:
Sunflower oil is beneficial for hair care and is used in various hair treatments. Sunflower oil has an emollient property that helps strengthen the soft, protective covering of the hair and also smoothens and adds luster to it.
Sunflower seeds benefit female fertility:
Sunflower Seeds are rich in folic acid, a vitamin essential for pregnant women. Consumption of Sunflower Seeds ensures the mother’s blood volume increases and improves oxygen flow to the fetus.
Sunflower seeds for weight loss:
1) 100 grams of sunflower seeds contain 16% of the RDA of phosphorus. Phosphorus is an important mineral that plays a vital role in the production of insulin. In turn, insulin aids in the utilization of blood glucose and its conversion into energy. Insulin also promotes bone health by increasing the absorption of calcium from food.
2) One serving (100 grams) of sunflower seeds contains 23% of the RDA for magnesium. Magnesium is a mineral that works closely with vitamin B-6 to promote healthy levels of homocysteine, a naturally occurring amino acid that has been linked to heart disease and stroke. It is also required for proper muscle contraction, energy metabolism, and body temperature regulation.
3) A 100 gram serving of sunflower seeds contains 29% of the RDA for selenium. Selenium is an antioxidant that helps fight free radicals in the body. Free radicals may contribute to cancer, aging, and other health conditions.
4) A 100 gram serving of sunflower seeds contains 19% of the RDA for thiamin, another B vitamin that is important to healthy carbohydrate and protein metabolism.
5) 100 grams of sunflower seeds contain approximately 30% of the RDA for zinc, an antioxidant mineral that aids in over 200 body functions including the breakdown and utilization of food. It is also essential for a properly functioning immune system and, along with selenium, helps protect cells from damage by free radicals.