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The beauty and vibrancy of the sunflower is illuminated in the sunflower seeds it gives birth to. While growing, sunflowers twist on their stems to follow the sun throughout the day, and their efforts award us with seeds that spring forth with an amazing array of nutrients. Sunflower seeds are a delicious treat that is sure to fortify our nutrients and help improve our health.
Sunflower Seeds for an Energy Boost
The mildly sweet, nutty and creamy flavor of sunflower seeds is just the beginning of our pleasures. Sunflower seeds give us an energy boost from their store of proteins and carbohydrates. Their abundant Vitamin E improves blood circulation and combats free radicals with its antioxidant properties.
The vitamin B family is present as well, with folate (folic acid) that is so essential to cell production. This is especially helpful for pregnant woman, to assist with the proper development of their unborn babies. In addition, these fiber-rich seeds are a great support for the digestive system. They help clear out constipation and improve regularity.
Our continued health is dependent on an adequate intake of minerals, because we are made from the minerals of the earth. Sunflower seeds supply many essential minerals, including calcium, magnesium, selenium, zinc, copper, iron and potassium. This translates into healthy teeth and bones, lowered blood pressure and heart health, cell repair and thyroid health, a strengthened immune system, rich blood and cellular integrity. That is awesome!
Good things come in small packages. Nutrition scientists are realizing that we should pay more attention to our daily intake of complex plant foods like seeds, nuts, and wholegrains. Sunflower seeds are power-packed with healthy fats, protein, fiber, minerals, vitamin E, and phytochemicals – all important to the nutritional quality of your diet.
Sunflowers’ Spectrum of Nutrients
The benefits of sunflower seeds extend to include polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats that provide the all important essential fatty acids. They also provide two important amino acids; Arginine and Tryptophan. Tryptophan is especially beneficial because it increases the production of the neurotransmitter Seratonin, which helps relieve tension in the body and calms the brain.
The phytochemicals, choline, betaine, phenolic acid and lignans, are also a part of the sunflowers’ spectrum of nutrients. These support the cardiovascular system and are anti-carcinogenic. Choline specifically helps with memory and cognitive functions, and lignans lower LDL cholesterol and blood triglycerides.
Just a Healthy Handful
We can simply eat a handful of sunflower seeds daily and feel secure that our health is being positively affected. The rich protein and fat content in these seeds dictates that we do not overeat them, or they will overburden our digestive system. A healthy handful as a treat, or added to salads and cooked vegetables, is sufficient. A gift from nature, sunflower seeds give us a delicious way to receive the sun’s bounty and be filled with life-giving nutrients.
Andrea Phillips writes on an array of topics like Health and Nutrition, Organic Agriculture, and Relationships, to name a few. She has also written for a publishing company in Washington, DC, and an organic agricultural newsletter in Israel.