Sunflower seeds
The seeds are extracted from a beautiful flower shape and are characterized by the color of their yellow petals. Native America is North America, but today it is grown in several countries around the world such as Russia, Peru, Argentina, Spain, France and China. Sunflower seeds are extracted to be eaten or eaten raw – by adding salt or without – as snacks, as well as rich in many nutrients, vitamins and minerals, and here is some important information that you need to know about these seeds.
Food content of sunflower seeds
- A tablespoon of salted and toasted sunflower seeds contains about 45 calories, four grams of fat, and one milligram of vitamin E.
- Some of the oils can be extracted from these seeds. A tablespoon of its oil contains 120 calories, 14 grams of fat and 6 milligrams of vitamin E.
- Contains some vitamins and minerals such as iron, phosphorus, manganese, and selenium.
- Contains protein and dietary fiber.
- Do not contain cholesterol or sodium.
Benefits of sunflower seeds
- Eating these seeds helps reduce blood pressure and cholesterol, because of their content of unsaturated fats.
- It helps protect the skin from the effect of ultraviolet rays, because of its content of vitamin E.
- The content of these seeds of vitamin E helps protect the body against certain diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
- It also helps to control cell damage and thus plays a role in preventing cancer. It is a good source of selenium.
- Contains calcium, which plays an important role in the protection of bone as well as its content of magnesium and copper.
- The body supplies vitamin E which helps relieve the pain of arthritis.
- Eating sunflower seeds helps in alleviating certain diseases such as stomach ulcers, rashes, and asthma, due to their antioxidant content.
- It also contains tryptophan, an amino acid that helps produce serotonin, an important neurotransmitter that helps relieve stress, calms the brain, and promotes relaxation.
- Its vitamin B content helps stimulate the enzymes and chemical reactions that cells require. The most important examples are thiamine.
- Sunflower seeds also contain copper that is important for healthy skin and hair. The body uses it to produce melanin, which is responsible for giving hair and skin color. It also supports metabolism in the body to help the body’s cells produce energy.