Sunflower is one of my favorite flowers that have plentiful seeds and its plentiful seeds are packed with nutrients, minerals and proteins which provide us amazing health benefits. Sunflower seeds can make a great snack which is full of essential nutrients, vitamin E, vitamin B, copper, phosphorus, thiamine, selenium and more which are required by the body for optimal functioning. So, if you want to stay healthy, fit and a glowing complexion, start adding some sunflower seeds in your salads and cereals. Here, we are going to discuss 5 amazing health benefits of sunflower seeds.
Promotes cardiovascular health -:
Sunflower seeds contain two important
nutrients vitamin E and folate that protect your heart from diseases. It is rich in vitamin E which is body’s primary fat-soluble antioxidant. Vitamin E inhibits the growth of free radicals that can damage fat containing structure and molecules such as cell membrane, brain cells and cholesterol level. A quarter cup serving of sunflower seeds contain over the 60% daily value of vitamin E. By protecting the cellular and molecular components, vitamin E has significant anti-inflammatory effects that help in reduction of symptoms in asthma, osteoarthritis and the condition where the inflammation and free radicals play a big role. Folate has been shown to promote cardiovascular health from birth to old age. It metabolizes homocysteine, an indicator of cardiovascular problems. Folate and other essential fatty acids naturally occur in sunflower seeds which have associated with cardiovascular health.
Healthy cholesterol level -:
Sunflower contains a high level of phytosterols. It is a compound found in plants which chemical structure is very similar to cholesterol and when it is present in diet in sufficient amount it is believed to reduce the blood cholesterol level, improve the immune system and reduce the risk of various cancers. Sunflower seeds contain monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats which help you to lower the bad cholesterol level in your body. A healthy cholesterol level in your body leads to a healthy heart and healthy body. Regular consumption of sunflower seeds can help you to maintain healthy cholesterol level.
Calm your nerves, muscles and blood vessels -:
Sunflower seeds are a good source of magnesium which help to reduce the severity of asthma, lower high blood pressure, prevents migraine headache and reduce the risk of heart attack. Magnesium is also good for healthy bones and energy production. About 2/3 of the magnesium of the human body is found in our bones. The sunflower seeds also contain copper which is vital for the function of enzymes that provide strength and flexibility in bones and joints. Vitamin E presents in sunflower seeds has anti-inflammatory property which helps in reducing arthritis symptoms. Vitamin B5 plays an important role in energy metabolism, it acts as a coenzyme involved in energy producing chemical reaction in the body.
Prevents cancer -:
Several studies have shown that sunflower seeds useful for preventing cancer. Sunflower seeds are rich in anti-oxidants, minerals and vitamins which help to reduce oxidative stress from taking place within the body, which when left uncontrolled leads to the formation of cancer. Sunflower seeds have chemo-preventive compounds that inhibit the growth of cancerous cells. The antioxidants found in sunflower seeds are utilized for DNA repair and work to slow down the growth of cancerous cells. Vitamin E found in sunflower helps to prevent prostate cancer in men and an antioxidant named a selenium prevents breast cancer in women. Thus, consuming sunflower seeds on regular basis can reduce the risk of cancer.
Balances blood sugar levels -:
A diet rich in all types of nuts and seeds has been shown to reduce hyperglycemia and maintain a healthy blood sugar level. This decreases the chance of developing metabolic syndrome including diabetes and insulin resistance. The compounds found in seeds help to combat diseases related to uncontrolled blood sugar levels. Unbalanced blood sugar levels and insulin resistance lead to further inflammation, weight gain and even autoimmune responses. The nutrients present in sunflower seeds help to stop the spikes and dips of blood sugar that many people experience due to diets too high in sugar, refined grains and processed foods.
If you want to live a healthy life, start adding sunflower seeds in your daily routine. Sunflower seeds are best natural treatment to prevent you from serious health conditions and provide you a healthy body.