Sunflower seeds are a real superfood. Most people probably associate them with childhood, when they hatched seeds together with the other children of the neighborhood. You may not have paid enough attention to them then, but it's time you did. If you haven't eaten the delicious seeds in a while, do so because they have many wonderful he alth benefits
Raw or roasted, sunflower seeds are both delicious and nutritious. They are extremely rich in fats, proteins, vitamins and minerals. A small handful of sunflower seeds has about 175 calories, 4.88 grams of protein, 3.9 grams of fiber, 16 grams of fat, according to the USDA, as cited by he althdigest.com.
In addition to these macroelements, the seeds also contain the valuable elements iron, zinc, selenium, copper, potassium, phosphorus, vitamins E and B. Sunflower seeds are also very rich in antioxidants and flavonoids which have powerful anti-inflammatory properties Zinc and selenium are among the most important for the immune system elements. They accelerate healing processes and have immunostimulating properties, protect against infections and participate in the synthesis of cells of the immune system.
Sunflower seeds are a great food for energy and cardiovascular he alth The antioxidants in them reduce cholesterol and have a beneficial effect on the work of the heart and blood vessels. The vitamins and minerals in sunflower seeds also support cardiovascular he alth. They have the property of lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes, according to researchers cited by he althline.com.
Magnesium in sunflower seeds plays an essential role in the conduction of nerve impulses from the nervous system to the muscles, including the heart, which regulates its work, balances heart rhythm and blood pressure.
Sunflower seeds contain chlorogenic acid, which according to a 2018 study is associated with improving glucose metabolism. This is good news for those suffering from metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance and diabetes.
Since sunflower seeds are a rich source of proteins and B vitamins, they also provide good energy levels in cells and the body. Their consumption increases endurance, energy, improves alertness and productivity. Selenium also contributes to these processes by improving the flow of oxygen to tissues, according to WebMD.
Consumption of sunflower seeds by pregnant women is very important because they supply valuable substances to the developing fetus. They are rich in B vitamins, including folic acid, vitamin E, and zinc. These trace elements are indispensable for the baby's development and proper cell division.
