Sunflower seeds come from the large yellow flowers commonly associated with summertime. Humans have included sunflower seeds in their diet for hundreds of years because of their many health benefits. The authors of "The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods" report that many people are deficient in several of the nutrients that sunflower seeds contain. Sunflower seeds are a healthy addition to your diet; add some to your bowl of oatmeal or use in place of nuts in your favorite recipes.
Vitamin E
According to the National Sunflower Association, sunflower seeds are the best whole-food source of vitamin E. A serving of sunflower seeds is equal to 1 ounce and provides 11.34 mg, or 76 percent of your daily need, of vitamin E. Vitamin E is considered an antioxidant that helps protect your health and prevent disease. Consuming plenty of vitamin E is beneficial to your blood-vessel health and will benefit the health and appearance of your hair and nails.
Protein
Your body needs plenty of protein each day to carry out the functions of moving, sending messages and transporting nutrients to all your bodily systems. A 1-ounce serving of sunflower seeds provides 11 g of protein--a high-energy and nutritious addition to your diet. The National Sunflower Association recommends a handful of sunflower seeds as a healthy snack that will give you the fuel you need to be active and healthy.
Magnesium
Magnesium is essential for proper function of your heart and muscles, encouraging proper contraction of your muscles and aiding in absorption of calcium. Sunflower seeds are a notable source of magnesium; a serving of about 1 ounce provides a healthy dose of this important mineral.
Iron
Iron is needed to produce and maintain healthy red blood cells. You need sufficient amounts of iron to ensure that all parts of your body have a steady supply of oxygen. Sunflower seeds are among the best nut and seed sources of iron, with 1.92 mg in each 1-ounce serving. The iron in sunflower seeds, accompanied by the seeds' low saturated-fat content, may help reduce your risk of heart attack, according to "The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods."
References
- "The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods"; Michael T. Murray, Joseph Pizzorno and Lara Pizzorno; 2005
- National Sunflower Association: Health and Nutrition
Member Comments