Sunflower seeds - Its Good for you

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People are always searching healthy snacks which are advantageous for health. For thousands of years sunflower seeds have been enjoyed by several cultures. The seeds of the sunflower can be eaten raw, roasted, or used for flavor and texture in a variety of meals. Many people are unfamiliar with the benefits of eating sunflower seeds. It provides many health benefits, from vitamins and minerals, to lowering the risk of developing heart disease and diabetes. In the following article there are benefits and nutritional value of sunflower seeds.

The color of the seeds is grayish-green or black seeds encased in tear-dropped shaped gray or black shells that oftentimes feature black and white stripes. They have a very high amount of natural oil which makes them an admirable source of polyunsaturated oil. Shelled sunflower seeds are tender and have mild nutty taste. Sunflower seeds are a delicious, nutritious and help to improve our health. These super seeds are available at your local market throughout the year. It becomes very popular and a healthy replacement for cigarettes, smokeless tobacco and even gum. Raw sunflower seeds are the healthiest way to get all the nutrition packed inside these seeds. Sunflower seeds which are deep-fried, chemically-flavored and coated in salt are unhealthy.

Nutritional data of sunflower seeds:

Protein
carbohydrates
Dietary fibres
Vitamins
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin B
  - Thiamine (B1)
  - Niacin (B3)
  - Pantothenic acid (B5)
  - Pyridoxine (B6)
  - Folate
Minerals
- Zinc
- Phosphorus
- Iron
- Copper
- Calcium
- Manganese
- Magnesium
- Selenium

Health benefits of sunflower seeds:

Good for the heart:
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant. It is very beneficial for heart. Vitamin E prevents formation of plagues on walls of cardiac blood vessels by obstructing corrosion of cholesterol. People who eat sufficient amount of vitamin E have lower risk of heart ailments caused by blocked arteries. Sunflower seeds protect the heart by reducing the level of bad cholesterol in the blood. Magnesium can normalize the blood pressure level and sunflower seeds are a good source of magnesium.

Cancer prevention:
Sunflower seeds restrain selenium. Selenium can be effective in preventing growth of malignant cells. To speed up repair of damaged DNA selenium is needed. It also helps the cell to produce DNA. It blocks the development of cancer cells and encourages the body to remove abnormal cells.

Fights inflammation:
The antioxidant activity of vitamin E could reduce inflammation. By consuming sunflower seeds arthritis and asthma can be benefited. Selenium induces secretion of glutathione peroxidase. It helps the liver to abolish toxins from the body. Low level of this enzyme in the body encourages accretion of damaging toxins, which consequently damages the DNA and promotes growth of cancer cells.

Sunflower oil:
The oil extracted from sunflower seeds is also beneficial for health. It restrains most of the nutrients of the seed. It is a rich source of the heart friendly monounsaturated acids. Presence of vitamin E makes sunflower oil beneficial for skin care.

Easy Digestion:
Sunflower seeds are rich source of dietary fiber. Lack of fiber consumption leads to many health problems. The advised amount of fiber is 30 grams per day; most people fail to consume more than 15 grams per day. These cause digestive problems which leads to increasing toxicity within intestines. By eating sunflower seeds the body gets the powerful supply of the dietary fiber.

Good for Brain:
The sunflower seeds actually have a calming effect on the brain. This is due to high levels of tryptophan contained within the seeds. When food containing tryptophan is consumed it increases the brain production of serotonin. High levels of serotonin reduce tension which creates a relaxing effect.

Good for Long-Term Health:
Fast foods do not provide a source of protein, carbohydrates and essential nutrients. The deficiency in dietary fiber aggravates the problem. By eating sunflower seeds regularly, the body can enjoy a rich source of the minerals, nutrients and fiber that it needs to function properly.

Soothe Muscles and Nerves:
Presence of magnesium in sunflower seeds can prevent calcium from entering into the nerve cells, blood vessels and muscles. This may prevent contraction of nerves and muscle spasms.

Bone Health:
manganese in sunflower seeds can help in revitalizing the mineral density of spinal bone by promoting calcium absorption. This may prevent osteoporosis among post menopausal women.

Fight Cancerous Growth:
Selenium in sunflower seeds can check cancerous growth. Selenium is suggested to promote repair of DNA and synthesis in damaged cells as well as apoptosis. These may check growth and spread of cancer.

Video of Sunflower Seed Nutrition Information and Make Your Own Sunflower Seed Butter Recipe! PART 2 from YouTube: