Sunflower Seeds Are Super Beneficial
Sunflower seeds have been used as a snack and for cooking for a centuries. They’re rich in healthy fats, beneficial plant compounds and several vitamins and minerals. The nutrients play a role in reducing risk of common health problems. They also make an excellent addition to many dishes like multi-grain bread, nutrition bars, as well as a satisfying topping on salads.
These tiny seeds are packed with several beneficial nutrients. The nutrients play a role in reducing risk of common health problems, ranging from heart disease to digestive issues.
Here are just a few ways that sunflower seeds improve health
1. Helps Prevent Heart Disease
Studies suggest that eating more foods containing healthy fats can reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular conditions like coronary artery disease (heart attack) or stroke. Healthy fats found in sunflower seeds, may improve blood cholesterol levels and help prevent heart disease.
2. Protects Against Cancer
A review published by scientists found that people who consumed sunflower seeds—along with other nuts and dry fruits—as part of a traditional diet had lower rates of cancer compared to those who didn’t eat these foods regularly. This is likely due to their high antioxidant content, which has been shown to deactivate free radicals before they cause DNA damage.
3. Helps Prevent Bone Loss
Osteoporosis occurs when bones lose density, making them brittle and prone to breaking. These seeds are one of several plant sources of vitamin K2 (also known as menaquinone), an essential nutrient for bone health that helps strengthen bones, preventing common bone diseases such as osteoporosis.
4. Improves Digestion
Sunflower seeds contain several beneficial nutrients important for digestive health, especially if you have irritable bowel syndrome. The consumption of seeds helps reduce harmful microorganisms that can cause IBS symptoms.
Read more on the therapeutic potential of sunflower seeds.
