Health Benefits of Sunflower Seeds

Rose May Pimentel in Health

Feb 17, 2022 • 3 min Read

Sunflower seeds is one of the most popular and readily available snack foods, loaded with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help improve overall health.

Sunflower seeds are popular ingredient in variety of foods. They are commonly added to breads, baked goods, salads, granola, tacos, etc. They can be used in pesto or as vegetable burgers.

Here are some of the amazing benefits of sunflower seeds, from Organic Facts:

1. Skin Care

A study suggests that sunflower seeds are powerhouse of antioxidants. One of the best components of sunflower seeds is high vitamin E content that act as an antioxidant and known to rejuvenate the skin by increasing blood circulation and reducing the appearance of wrinkles.

2. Improves Brain Health

Sunflower seeds are considered to be one of the best foods for your brain. They are rich in vitamin E, a nutrient that is associated with healthy brain aging. According to a study, vitamin E can help delay functional decline associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Sunflower seeds are rich in choline, a neurotransmitter required to produce acetylcholine and necessary for healthy brain and nervous system functions.

3. Hair Care

The vitamin E is not only good for the skin but also for the hair. If you regularly consume these seeds, it can give your hair great texture. The seeds also contain iron which can stimulate circulation and drive the blood flow to the scalp thus stimulating hair growth.

4. Control Cholesterol Levels

Sunflower seeds and pistachios have high concentration of phytosterols that controls cholesterol. A handful of these seeds everyday can help protect your heart by lowering LDL cholesterol levels and plaque deposition in the arteries and blood vessels.

5. Improves Digestion

Sunflower seeds have large amount of dietary fiber that helps bulk up the stool and promote peristaltic motion. Fiber deficiency puts you at risk of developing a host of health problems like constipation, piles, and hemorrhoids. Sunflower seeds in your diet provides a rich supply of the dietary fiber and reduces the possibility of digestion-related problems. It improves the bacterial balance in your gut and make the nutrient uptake more efficient.

6. Anticancer Properties

Phytosterols content of sunflower seeds have the potential to reduce the risk of colon cancer and increase immunity. It contains a decent amount of selenium, oleic acid, conjugated linoleic acid, and vitamin E (tocopherol). A study denotes that these have anticancer effects.

7. Improves Mood

Magnesium, one of the minerals present in a moderate concentration within sunflower seeds has been linked to improving the mood and temperament. If you regularly suffer from anxiety or depression, this might be the snack for you.

8. Aids in Sleep

Magnesium can help the body convert tryptophan into serotonin, thus improving your sleep. It is a feel-good hormone that can help relax the body and prepare you for sleep.

9. Helpful During Pregnancy

Sunflower seeds have abundant folate content or folic acid. It’s very good for pregnancy, very significant for the growth and development of the fetus.

Indeed, sunflower seeds may be small but full of health benefits. It’s an excellent addition to one’s diet. Enjoy its benefits!

Stay healthy and safe!