The seeds are a great source of fiber. They also contain healthy monounsaturated fats, polyunsaturated fats, and many important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. When consumed as part of a healthy diet, the seeds can help lower blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure.
Such a miraculous seed is that of the bright yellow sunflower. Sunflower seeds are rich in B-complex vitamins, which are essential for a healthy nervous system, and are a good source of phosphorus, magnesium, iron, calcium, potassium, protein, and vitamin E. They also contain trace minerals, zinc, manganese, copper, chromium and carotene, as well as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, types of ‘good’ fats that can help protect arteries.
Here are some of the biggest benefits of eating sunflower seeds as snacks.
healthy snack
Because they are packed with protein, fat, and fiber, sunflower seeds make the ultimate filling, portable snack. These seeds provide about 5.4 grams of protein per ounce and are a good plant-based source for valuable micronutrients.
Keeping a packet of sunflower seeds in your bag helps you make a healthy choice when your stomach growls for a snack.
Promotes blood sugar level
Eating a balanced, nutrient-dense diet is necessary to keep your blood sugar level at a healthy level. And nutrients like protein, fiber, and magnesium are especially important for blood sugar regulation. Sunflower seeds are a great source of these nutrients and are a healthy choice for people with or without diabetes.
An easy way to add sunflower seeds to your diet is to sprinkle a handful over a green salad or combine sunflower seed butter with apple slices—it’s a blood-sugar-friendly snack.
Improves heart health
The fiber, vitamins, healthy fats, and minerals in Sunflower are what your heart loves. According to research, a diet of seeds can help keep your heart healthy and protect you from heart disease.
Eating sunflower seeds as a snack can help keep cholesterol and blood sugar levels in check. A 2012 study of 22 women with type 2 diabetes found that eating 30 grams of sunflower seeds per day for 3 weeks helped significantly lower “bad” LDL cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
High in antioxidants
Sunflower seeds are rich in antioxidants that can help the body stay healthy.
These little treats contain a variety of antioxidant compounds including chlorogenic acid, vitamin E, and more. Antioxidants help protect cells from damage, which could have led to disease.
Including antioxidants in the diet reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, stroke, and death from all causes. In short, it can help you live longer.
