10 reasons to have sunflower seeds

Seeds have been the epicentre of healthy food trends in the last few years. Being a great source of protein, minerals, and other life-enhancing nutrients, seeds have been adopted with great enthusiasm in modern lives by many health-conscious people. Studies have shown that different types of seeds, when part of an overall balanced and healthful diet, can prevent weight gain, the development of heart disease, and the accumulation of LDL (otherwise known as ‘bad’) cholesterol.

Sunflower seeds are small, nutty-tasting seeds that come from the beautiful yellow sunflower. These seeds are a great source of nutrients and can provide a variety of health benefits. Here are 10 reasons why you should consider adding sunflower seeds to your diet.

A seed is the part of a plant that contains the embryo of a future plant. In order to provide the embryo with a good source of energy, the seed contains stored nutrients and oils that make the seed high in fibre, vitamins, and monounsaturated fats, offering immense benefits to us.

Of the many seeds like flaxseeds, chia seeds, quinoa, and others, that are part of the diet these days, sunflower seeds are popular and easy to consume. They can be eaten on their own or as a part of a snack bar. Wild Date snack bars contain a number of seeds and are energy-rich snacks that can be consumed at any part of the day.

Reasons why sunflower seeds should be part of the diet

Sunflower seeds are small, nutty-tasting seeds that come from the beautiful yellow sunflower. These seeds are a great source of nutrients and can provide a variety of health benefits. Here are some of the top benefits of sunflower seeds :

1. Sunflower seeds have a high content of vitamin E and selenium in them that act as antioxidants. Antioxidants, in turn, protect your body from free radicals damage that may play a role in heart disease, cancer and other diseases
2. Sunflower seeds are packed with healthy fats and have a massive amount of vitamins and minerals. Healthy fats, namely monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats help lower your bad cholesterol (or LDL) and boost your good cholesterol (HDL), lowering your risk for heart disease.
3. Sunflower seeds are said to abate type 2 diabetes. It is recommended to eat a handful of sunflower seeds on a daily basis.
4. Sprouted sunflower seeds have increased amounts of plant compounds like phenolic acid and flavonoids which also act as antioxidants. These present antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory or antiaging actions.
5. Reducing inflammation is one of the key benefits of sunflower seeds.
6. Sunflower seeds have great amounts of unsaturated fatty acids like linoleic acid. This can reduce the risk of high blood pressure thereby reducing the chances of heart disease.
7. Although there are not many studies supporting the belief that sunflower seeds can reduce the risk of diabetes, sunflower seeds have the potential to lower the blood sugar level partially, because of the chlorogenic acid present in them.
8. Sunflower seeds are rich in dietary fibres. They are great for digestion and can control excessive hunger and unnecessary snacking at odd hours. In fact, the best way to have a healthy snack is to grab a Wild Date snack bar that is packed with energy. The Wild Date snack bars are delicious and healthy at the same time.
9. The presence of linolenic acid in sunflower seeds helps in the formation of collagen boosting the elasticity of the skin.
10. The high magnesium content from sunflower seeds can flush out toxins from the body helping get rid of the bacteria and detoxifying your body.

A reasonable amount of daily intake of sunflower seeds is an excellent addition to your routine. While calorie-dense, sunflower seeds are rich in nutrients, protein, fat, and fibre making them a filling option for snacking. You can eat them as is, or as a part of Wild Date snack bars that are delicious.