Jul 12 2010
SUNFLOWER SEEDS AND NUTS
This Week’s Grocery Find;
Not a week without these products’ wrapper in our garbage … my children really go nuts with sunflower nuts even the seeds. And these products I highly recommend.
But are Sunflower seeds or nuts really good for you?
You may spend quite a time cracking the seeds, but according to research sunflower seeds are believed to be nutritionally dense. A one-fourth cup of these seeds is enough to provide you with 55% of your daily requirement of B1 Thiamine, 90% of your daily need of vitamin E, 36% of manganese, 32% of magnesium, 25% of phosphorous and 20% of folate. There are traces of other vitamins and minerals too. Apart from these, sunflower seeds contain around 18 amino acids. Let’s take a look at the health benefits of these seeds.
Sunflower Seeds – Health Benefits
Being rich in vitamins and minerals, sunflower seeds have anti-inflammatory properties and many cardiovascular benefits. The high levels of vitamin E content enables these seeds to reduce inflammation and lessen the severity of asthma, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis, etc. It can also be effective in preventing colon cancer and hot flashes in women during menopause. Vitamin E is also beneficial in preventing cardiovascular diseases, like atherosclerosis, by preventing the oxidation of cholesterol. Sunflower seeds are a rich source of phytosterols, which can reduce the cholesterol level in the human body and also reduce the risks of certain cancers.
The magnesium content in these seeds is beneficial in lowering the blood pressure, preventing migraine attacks and lowering the chances of heart attacks and strokes. Apart from these benefits, magnesium is essential for healthy bones and for soothing nerves. Sunflower seeds contain a trace mineral called selenium, which is believed to play a vital role in protecting the body against cancer.
Sunflower seeds are consumed mainly as a healthy snack, but are also added as garnish or as ingredients in various recipes. These seeds are available with the shells or as kernels sans the shells. Sunflower seeds can also be sprouted and consumed raw or can be added to salads. The kernels are also roasted and dusted with salt or flour in order to preserve it. Roasted sunflower seeds are also equally good, but raw, unsalted and shelled ones are considered the best. Now that we have seen why sunflower seeds are good for you, you can include this nutritious and tasty snack in your daily diet. (Source: www.buzzle.com)
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My kids tear through sunflower seeds like they're going out of style too. LOL I also love them. And they are good for you. I actually started the Flat Belly Diet about a month ago and the first four days, they want you to eat 1/4 cup unsalted seeds with your breakfast and snack.
I love sunflower seed but it is hard to find them not salted.