The Skinny:
With the start of the baseball season, it is only appropriate to focus on sunflower seeds, those traditional snacks that are found sprinkled all over baseball fields from sandlots to the majors. Of course, these seeds, which are technically the fruit of the sunflower plant, aren’t just favored by ballplayers. Lots of average joes and josephines also like munching on them. That’s great for sunflower seed producers, but are they any good for people? The simple answer, yes. They are loaded with nutrients and minerals, such as selenium, that provide all sorts of benefits. Read on.
The Slate:
Heart Healthy
Sunflower seeds contain bioactive peptides and unsaturated fatty acids, which are believed to help relax blood vessels, helping to keep blood pressure in check. Their magnesium content also helps to reduce blood pressure. Some studies report that regular consumption of sunflower seed products can cut bad cholesterol by about 10 percent.
Beats Inflammation
Sunflower seeds serve up significant anti-inflammatory benefits thanks to their vitamin E, selenium, flavonoids and other plant compounds. The benefits surface when consumers chow down on seeds at least five times a week.
Beats Muscle Cramps
The rich nutrient menu sunflower seeds hold includes magnesium and pantothenic acid, which help to keep muscle cramps at bay. In fact, a cup of these seeds provides 37 percent of daily magnesium requirements and five percent of daily pantothenic acid recommendations.
Enhances Immune System
Once again, the numerous nutrients and minerals in sunflower seeds help build strong immune systems and fight off various viruses. Chief among these are zinc and selenium, which support and build immune cells. Selenium, as noted, also fights inflammation and infection.
Boosts Energy
Sunflower seeds are energy boosters because of their high protein levels, vitamin B and thiamin. The selenium in these seeds supports the process by helping to increase blood flow, which delivers more oxygen throughout the body.
Supports Thyroid Health
The iodine and selenium in these seeds are crucial for thyroid health. Just a cup of hull-on seeds provides about 35 percent of daily requirements.
Fights Diabetes?
It is possible that these seeds can have a promising impact on blood sugar and type 2 diabetes. Research suggests that eating just one ounce of seeds daily can reduce fasting blood sugar by 10 percent within six months Adding seeds to bread and other foods can help decrease the effect of carbohydrates on blood sugar.
A Caveat
While seeds offer all sorts of wellness benefits, they do contain high levels of sodium, cadmium and calories, which is why it is important to moderate consumption. Eating too many seeds at a time can also cause constipation.
Eyes Up:
Are you a sunflower seed supporter? Tell us why at info@wellwellusa.com.
