15 Wonderful Health Benefits Of Sunflower Seeds

As people are growing more health conscious more stress is being laid on health foods .We are trying to stay away from the unhealthy oil brazen foods and are adopting a more healthy diet which along with fruits and vegetables includes nuts like almonds and walnuts and seeds like flaxseeds. One more healthy food option which is becoming popular day by day is sunflower seeds. Yes the seeds of the very beautiful yellow flower.

Listed Below Are Five Wonderful Health Benefits Of The Sunflower Seeds:

1. Lowers Cholesterol:

Sunflower seeds contain phytosterols which are structurally similar to cholesterol.Phytosterols act as immunity boosters and are known to decrease the bad cholesterol in the blood. These phytosterols are found to be so effective in controlling cholesterol that they are actually added to some processes foods as well. An easy way to make healthy cholesterol reducing spread at home is simply take a few sunflower seeds. Boil them well. Blend it in a blender to a smooth paste. Add a little salt and black pepper as per your taste .Mix well and use this yummy spread with whole wheat bread.

2. Healthy Heart:

The main reason for heart attack is block arteries. Only oxidized cholesterol sticks to the blood vessels and result in the blockage. Sunflower seeds contain anti oxidant vitamin E which prevents the oxidation of cholesterol and thereby the blood vessels do not get blocked.

3. Helps Prevent Cancer:

Sunflower seeds have two important components vitamin E and selenium. Vitamin E is known to be useful against colon cancer. Selenium is important for tissue and DNA repair .It is also known to prevent the formation of cancerous cells and also helps in inducing the elimination abnormal cells from the body.

4. Tranquilizing Effect On The Nerves And Blood Vessels:

One more important component that sunflower seeds have is magnesium which helps block the entry of calcium in nerve cells and prevent their activation as a result the nerves and eventually the blood vessels and the muscles remain calm. In the absence of magnesium calcium will readily enter the nerve cells and may over activate them resulting in ailments like asthma, headaches, stress etc.

5. Anti inflammatory Effect:

The vitamin E present in sunflower seeds is an important antioxidant and it is fat soluble. It is known to prevent damage to the cell membranes .Due to its anti inflammatory effect it is very useful in reducing symptoms of ailments where inflammation plays a major role. It s found to be effective against asthma and diabetes.

6. Improves Male Fertility:

Sunflower seeds are a good source of zinc which is known to prevent sperm clumping and enhances male fertility. Men must include sunflower seeds in their daily diet.

7. Reduces Hypertension:

It is a known fact that potassium reduces the effect of sodium in the blood which in turn helps maintain normal blood pressure and reduces the risk of high blood pressure or hypertension.

8. A Good Alternative To Meat Protein:

Pork, beef, red meats are usually eaten for the proteins that they provide. But it should be remembered that these are a storehouse of fat and bad cholesterol which can be prove to be a dangerous for your health. Sunflower seeds which contain proteins are a healthy option for those who want their daily supply of proteins without ant health hazards.

9. Good For The Skin:

The copper in sunflower seeds is used for melanin production by the skin which is a pigment which protects the skin from the dangerous effects of the ultra violet rays of the sun. The vitamin E in the sunflower seed protects the skin from wrinkles and premature ageing.

10. Good For Hair:

The vitamin E and zinc in sunflower seeds promote growth of hair by facilitating proper blood supply to the scalp. The vitamin B6 in the sunflower seeds improves oxygen supply to the scalp thus preventing hair loss.

11. Improves Digestion And Bowel Movement:

Sunflower seeds contain fiber which not only keeps your stomach full for longer time it also helps improve digestion and bowel movement thereby helping do away with constipation problem.

12. Good For Women:

Folic acid is of utmost importance for the proper growth of fetus. Sunflower seeds are a good source of folic acid. Besides they are rich in phytochemicals, minerals and vitamins and hence very good for pregnant women. Hot flashes occur in women due to estrogen deficiency .Vitamin E in sunflower seeds controls the estrogen deficiency and gives relief from hot flashes.

13. Good For The Bones:

Magnesium is essential for healthy bones and gives bones its physical structure. Sunflower seeds are a good source of magnesium. Copper present in the sunflower seeds improves flexibility of bones and strengthens them by stimulating the enzymes responsible for connecting collagen and elastin. The presence of vitamin E prevents arthritis.

14. Prevents Eye Damage:

Vitamin E is a very good anti oxidant which protects the eyes against damage .It should preferably be taken along with vitamin C for better effect.

15. Prevents Water Retention In The Body:

Potassium encourages the kidneys to remove the excess water. Sunflower seeds are a good source of potassium and hence help fight the problem of water retention.

So next time you are hungry just roast a few sunflower seeds and munch on them or to make your salad more tasty just grind the seeds to a fine powder and use it as a seasoning and enjoy the goodness of these wonderful seeds.