Benefits Of Sunflower seeds

sunflower-seedsBenefits Of Sunflower seeds

Apart for our lunch and dinner times whenever we are hungry, we search for some snacks and mostly end up in eating unhealthy foods like a burger that not only calorific but is unhealthy. If you want to eat a healthy and beneficial snack, enjoy a handful of sunflower seeds. You can toss them in your mouth or sprinkle them over deserts and salads. These seeds will not only satisfy your hunger perfectly but will also provide nutrition to your body. Sunflower seeds contain rich quantities of poly-and mono-unsaturated fats, minerals, vitamins, proteins, and dietary fibers that make it extremely nutritious and healthy. When moderate amounts of these seeds are eaten they provide protection against many diseases. The health benefits of sunflower seeds are:

1.Helps maintain a healthy heart.
Sunflower seeds contain good quantities of poly-and mono-unsaturated fatty acids. The unsaturated fatty acids contained in it help to lower down the level of bad cholesterol (LDL and triglycerides). It also helps to increase the level of HDL or good cholesterol. This prevents the heart form the occurrence of many serious cardiovascular diseases like atherosclerosis, heart attack, and stroke.

2.Provides antioxidants to the body.
Sunflower seeds are also rich in vitamin E that acts as an antioxidant for the body. It prevents the body form the harmful effects of free radicals that are produced as a result of various metabolic reactions.

3.Supports the formation of new cells.
Sunflower seeds contain folate which is very useful for the formation of nucleic acids both DNA and RNA. It thus contributes in the formation of new body cells.

4.Strengthens the bones.
These seeds contain manganese that helps in improving the mineral density of bones. This is because presence of manganese promotes absorption of calcium from various sources by the body. It is thus very useful for preventing osteoporosis especially among women in their post menopausal phase.

5.Helps to soothe body muscles and nerves.
Sunflower seeds contain mineral magnesium that prevents the entry of calcium into blood vessels, nerve cells and muscles.Â’  This prevents the nerves from undue contraction and muscle spasms

6.Prevents occurrence of serious diseases like cancer.
Sunflower seeds contain selenium that is helpful in checking the growth of cancer cells in the body. It also promotes the repair of DNA and promotes the synthesis of new cells replacing the damaged cells.

These seeds can be added to a number of recipes and so don’t need to be eaten raw. So the next time you feel the need to eat snacks, opt for a handful of sunflower seeds and stay healthy.

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