What are the health benefits of sunflower seeds? Sunflower seeds have a lot of healthy fats, vitamins and minerals that your body needs daily. Some of the health nutrients of one ounce of sunflower seeds are the following:
What are the health benefits of sunflower seeds? iStock-photo credit: Oksana Ermak
• Calories- 165
• Total Fat- 14.1 grams
• Protein- 5.5 grams
• Carbs- 6.6 grams
• Fiber- 3.2 grams
• Vitamin E- 49% of the Daily Value
• Niacin- 13% of the Daily Value
• Vitamin B6- 14% of the Daily Value
• Folate- 17% of the Daily Value
• Pantothenic Acid- 40% of the Daily Value
• Iron- 6% of the Daily Value
• Magnesium- 9% of the Daily Value
• Zinc- 14% of the Daily Value
• Copper- 58% of the Daily Value
• Manganese-26% of the Daily Value
• Selenium- 41% of the Daily Value
Sunflower seeds are high in unsaturated fat which can help lower blood pressure levels and decrease cholesterol levels. There are studies that showed that eating one ounce of sunflower seeds daily as part of a healthy diet reduces blood sugar by 10%. And this was done within 6 months compared to a healthy diet by itself.
One of the negative effects of eating sunflower seeds is the high cadmium content. And consuming high cadmium is reflective of high heavy metals which can harm your kidneys if you consume for a long period of time.
The cadmium that is in sunflower seeds comes from the soil and deposits that come from seeds. And that is why it has higher amounts than other foods.
The Bottom Line is health benefits of sunflower seeds are the healthy unsaturated fats, vitamins and minerals from it.
If you have any interest in trying any of our Ethical Supplement products to help you heighten your immune system or assist you with your fitness, weight loss or health goals. You can get a discount below at this link.
https://ethicalinc.com/product/appetite-suppressant/
About Author- Obi Obadike
https://ethicalinc.com/about-us/
https://about.sharecare.com/press-releases/sharecare-names-top-10-fittest-cities-america/
References
1) Jean J, Sirot V, Hulin M, Le Calvez E, Zinck J, Noël L, Vasseur P, Nesslany F, Gorecki S, Guérin T, Rivière G. Dietary exposure to cadmium and health risk assessment in children – Results of the French infant total diet study. Food Chem Toxicol. 2018 May;115:358-364. doi: 10.1016/j.fct.2018.03.031. Epub 2018 Mar 23. PMID: 29580822.
2) Reeves PG, Nielsen EJ, O’Brien-Nimens C, Vanderpool RA. Cadmium bioavailability from edible sunflower kernels: a long-term study with men and women volunteers. Environ Res. 2001 Oct;87(2):81-91. doi: 10.1006/enrs.2001.4289. PMID: 11683591.
3) Guo S, Ge Y, Na Jom K. A review of phytochemistry, metabolite changes, and medicinal uses of the common sunflower seed and sprouts (Helianthus annuus L.). Chem Cent J. 2017 Sep 29;11(1):95. doi: 10.1186/s13065-017-0328-7. PMID: 29086881; PMCID: PMC5622016.
4) USDA- https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/food-details/170563/nutrients
5) Reeves PG, Nielsen EJ, O’Brien-Nimens C, Vanderpool RA. Cadmium bioavailability from edible sunflower kernels: a long-term study with men and women volunteers. Environ Res. 2001 Oct;87(2):81-91. doi: 10.1006/enrs.2001.4289. PMID: 11683591.
