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Sunflower seeds have gained popularity the recent days due to the nutritional benefits that it offers ot the body. It is mostly a snacks item and is very filling. They have a nutty taste. They contain essential fatty acids, calories, vitamins and minerals. They are present in the centre portion of sunflower and are black in color. The classification of sunflower seed is done on the levels of saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. There are 3 types of sunflower seeds.
Types of sunflower seeds:
- Linoleic
- Highly oleic
- NuSun
Health Benefits of Sunflower Seeds
The following are some of the health benefits of sunflower seeds:
1. Enhances Digestion Process
A clear digestion is the way to healthy body. It has high dietary fiber which makes is a cure for constipation. If you are suffering from constipation, the toxins will not be eliminated from the body. It will lead to health issues. Munching few raw sunflower seeds will enhance your digestion process.
2. Lowers CholesterolLevels
Phytosterols are the compounds that lowers cholesterol levels in the body. The monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that the sunflower seeds contains lowers the bad cholesterol levels in the body. The high dietary fibre present in sunflower seeds are also helpful in lowering cholesterol levels in the body.
3. Improves Cardiovascular Health
Vitamin C is a boon to cardiovascular health. The sunflower seeds is a great source of vitamin C. It also has vitamin E that prevents the oxidation of cholesterol. When the cholesterol gets oxidized, it sticks to the walls of blood vessels. This leads to numerous issues such as atherosclerosis, heart attack and blocked arteries. Strokes are also a result of oxidized cholesterol.
4. Benefits the Nerves
Sunflower seeds has magnesium. This magnesium prevents the calcium from entering into the nerve cells and activating them. This relaxes the blood vessels and muscles. If the magnesium level is low in the bloods, it will give a high access to calcium levels in the body, thereby disturbing the nerve cells.
5. Improves Bone Health
The magnesium that is a part of the sunflower seeds helps in strengthening the bones. Vitamin E prevents arthritis as it has anti-inflammatory properties. The copper that is present in these seeds helps in better functioning of enzymes which ultimately strengthens the bones and joints.
6. Prevents Cancer
The antioxidant properties are said to deal with cancer cells. The sunflower seeds contains vitamin E, copper and selenium which suppresses the cellular damage, the main culprit behind cancer. The phytosterol content and lignans present in sunflower seeds prevents certain type of cancer cells, thereby prevents prostate, colon and breast cancer.
7. Improves mental health
Stress and depression are major mental blocks and dealing with them is really difficult. The tryptophan that the sunflower seed contains is said to produce the happiness hormones named Serotonin. The happiness hormone is said to relax your mind and relieves you from stress and worries. The memory power can also be improved by consuming sunflower seeds as they contain Choline. The migraine attacks can be controlled by the magnesium present in the sunflower seeds.
8. Lowers Blood Pressure
There is a high amount of potassium present in the sunflower seeds. This potassium controls the effects of sodium in the blood, thereby lowering the blood pressure.
9. Anti-inflammatory Properties
It contains vitamin E which is a major anti-inflammatory property of sunflower seeds. It neutralizes the free radicals that is present in the body. These free radicals are harmful to brain cells, cell membranes, cholesterol, fat cells, osteoarthritis, asthma and rheumatoid arthritis.
10. Protects from Diabetes
The Selenium and vitamin E that are present in sunflower seeds protects the body from diabetes. A handful of sunflower seeds is sufficient to reap the benefits.
Skin Benefits of Sunflower Seeds
11. Acts as a Moisturizer
The linoleic acid present in the sunflower seed is said to be a great skin moisturizer.It helps to retain the natural moisture of the skin as well as nourishes the skin. One can also use sunflower seed oil before going to sleep.
12. Fights with Acne
The sunflower seeds contains fatty acids that is responsible for a smooth skin. They also possess anti-bacterial properties ensures that the bacteria is away from skin, thereby preventing the occurrence of acne. The severe skin diseases like dermatitis and eczema can also be cured by using sunflower seed oil. The oil of sunflower seed can also be used as a baby nourishing oil for the infants.
13. Acts as an Anti-Ageing Product
The skin needs to be pampered from getting aged. The vitamin E that is present in sunflower fights with free radicals that causes wrinkles on the skin. It also has beta-carotene that is said to protect the skin from sun damage. The skin tends to come in contact with air pollutants when exposed to external environment. The damage can be controlled by using sunflower seed oil.
14. Helps in Skin Maintenance
Copper is essential for the skin. It is used to produce melanin, the compound that is responsible for the skin color. Thus, the particles present in copper is used to prevent the skin from ultraviolet rays, thereby maintaining the color of the skin.
Hair Benefits of Sunflower Seeds
15. Acts as a Moisturizer
The omega 6 fatty acids which are available in sunflower seeds, prevents hair thinning by supplying them essential nutrients.
16. Prevents Hair Loss
The seeds contains Vitamin B6 which prevents hair loss as it has zinc absorption abilities. It also increases the oxygen supply to the scalp, thereby controls hair loss.
[ Read: How Fish Oil Control Hair Loss]
17. Helps in hair growth
The vitamin E and zinc which is present in sunflower seeds initiates hair growth. The blood circulation to the scalp is increased by the presence of Vitamin. Too much zinc consumption might lead to hair loss as well. Thus, keep a check on it.
Hope this article has been useful to you. Do munch few sunflower seeds on everyday basis to reap the benefits of it. Do not consume it in excess. Let us know your feedback on the benefits of sunflower seeds.
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