The health benefits of sunflower seeds
1. Sunflower seeds are a fantastic source of vitamins and minerals, and are eaten by many people as a health booster.
2. They contain a wonderful amount of Vitamin E. This antioxidant destroys free radicals in the body.
3. This can lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and colon cancer.
4. They can be used to make sunflower seed milk, which is fantastic for vegans those who have lactose intolerance and cannot drink dairy milk.
5. The Vitamin E also reduces the effects of asthma, and prevents hot flashes during the menopause.
6. They also contain phytosterols. These are compounds which lower cholesterol levels in the blood and boost immune response.
7. If you are trying to lose weight, eating a handful of these can be very filling and will help to prevent food cravings during a diet.
8. Eating them regularly can prevent atherosclerosis. This is where the arteries become hardened due to plaque.
9. The healthy dose of magnesium in these kernels can also have a calming effect on the body, and maintaining healthy bones.
10. This also boosts energy levels and can prevent high blood pressure, muscle spasms, migraines and fatigue.
11. Selenium, a trace mineral found in sunflower seeds helps DNA to repair itself, potentially preventing cancerous cells.
12. You can eat them raw, as they have a nutty taste with a firm texture. We recommend sprinkling these over a daily salad.
13. They also contain good doses of copper, vitamin B1, B3, B6, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, iron and folate.
14. You may also find that eating these often, causes your skin to have a natural glow, also protecting the skin from UV damage to some extent.
15. If you suffer with acne or other skin problems, eating a balanced diet with healthy seeds and nuts will help to heal your condition.
16. The seeds are also cold pressed to create a healthy sunflower oil. You can use this as an alternative in cooking to get similar benefits.
17. They can be purchased all over the world, as they are some of the most popular seeds.
18. Be sure to store these in the refrigerator in an airtight container so that they do not spoil and lose their nutrient content.
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