4 Potential Health Benefits Of Sunflower Seeds

Sunflower seeds are obtained from the large flower heads of the sunflower plant. A single sunflower head may have approximately 2,000 seeds. These seeds are incorporated into meals or are consumed as a snack. Sunflower seeds are mild and nutty in flavour. They can be consumed either raw or roasted.

# Promotes heart health

1. Sunflower seeds lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases and promote heart health.

2. The abundant fibre content of sunflower seeds helps in unclogging the arteries and reducing “bad” cholesterol.

3. The magnesium content of sunflower seeds helps in reducing the blood pressure levels.

4. A compound in sunflower seeds blocks an enzyme that causes blood vessels to constrict thus, relaxing the blood vessels and lowering the blood pressure.

5. The linoleic acid content of sunflower produces a hormone-like compound that relaxes the blood vessels, leading to decreased blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

# Improves bone health

1. The high phosphorus content of sunflower seeds helps build stronger bones and maintain bone mineral density.

2. The copper content of sunflower seeds along with manganese enhances bone mineral density.

# Relieves constipation

1. The presence of high fiber content in sunflower seeds helps ease constipation.

2. Sunflower possesses anti-inflammatory properties that relieve irritable bowel syndrome.

# Other possible benefits

Sunflower seeds produce numerous health benefits, apart from the health benefits mentioned above, it also produces few more such as aids in weight loss, clears and glows skin, beneficial for detoxification, reduces inflammation, prevents and fights sickness, good for expecting mothers, possesses antimicrobial property, reduces blood sugar, supports the nervous system,prevents the onset of chronic disease, lowers anxiety, and regulates oestrogen imbalances.