Sunflower Seeds Benefits

Sunflower Seeds Benefits

Sunflower Seeds Benefits: The sunflower became the mystic symbol of several early civilizations, notably the Incas who worshipped the sun. The North American Indians used the leaves as animal food, the petals were brewed into a distinctive yellow dye for their clothes and skin and the seeds were ground into food and crushed into oil.

Immunity Booster:

• Sunflower seeds are a good or excellent source of nearly a dozen essential vitamins and minerals, two of them being zinc and selenium.
• Zinc is an integral part of the immune system, as it helps both to develop and maintain proper function of immune cells.
• Additionally, zinc functions as an antioxidant to fight off free radicals.

Reduces Cholesterol:

• Sunflower seeds are one of the highest sources of phytosterols.
• Phytosterols lower “bad” cholesterol in our body due to their structure.
• They are structurally similar to cholesterol, and therefore compete with cholesterol for gut absorption.
• This in turn lowers our blood cholesterol.

Reduces risk of Cancer:

• Beta-sitosterol, a phytosterol present in sunflower seeds helps to prevent breast cancer.
• It inhibits the growth of tumour cells, decreases the size of the tumour and also prevents metastasis.
• Presence of strong antioxidants in sunflower seeds also reduces the risk of cancer.
• Consumption of these seeds also reduces the chances of colon cancer.

Boosts function of Brain:

• Sunflower seeds contain vitamin B6. It improves mood and concentration and enhances memory.
• It releases serotonin and norepinephrine in our body.
• Sunflower seeds also help to ease symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome.

Also read: Benefits Of Drinking Water : Health Trends

Good for your Muscles:

• You need plenty of protein to support and grow strong muscles, and sunflower seeds are a great source of this muscle-building puzzle piece.
• “Sunflower seeds are about 20% protein,” says Sassos. One cup of sunflower seeds, once hulled, delivers nearly 10g of protein.
• Try adding them to a smoothie with another superstar such as Greek yogurt for a double protein punch.

Good for our Skin:

• Consuming sunflower seeds keep our skin glowing.
• Antibacterial and antifungal activity of these seeds also prevents infections, thus keeping our skin clear.
• Oleic and linoleic acids, present in sunflower seeds help in the formation of collagen and elastin, speeding up wound healing.
• They also prevent the formation of scars.

Helps in Weight Loss:

• Sunflower seeds are rich in proteins and fibers.
• They make us feel full for a long time, reduce our food intake and finally reduce the number of calories consumed.