Sunflower seeds are versatile, tasty and easy to use in everyday meals. They’re also great for you! In fact, sunflower seeds have more nutritional value than any other seed out there, as well as being packed with many health benefits of sunflower seeds that you may not have known about yet. Here are just 5 surprising health benefits of sunflower seeds to get you started!
A) Helps Lower Cholesterol
People who have high cholesterol often find they can’t stick to a low-fat diet. That’s because sunflower seeds are rich in monounsaturated fat, which is essential for regulating cholesterol levels and helps lower LDL (bad) cholesterol. A 2008 study published in Archives of Internal Medicine showed that eating a quarter cup of sunflower seeds daily was enough to reduce LDL cholesterol levels by 10%. Adding to that, sunflower seeds are also rich in antioxidants that help remove free radicals from your body, which can help fight against heart disease. Finally, studies show that sunflower seeds also contain sterols, which prevent bad cholesterol from sticking to artery walls and creating plaque. All told, these benefits make them excellent additions to any cardiovascular diet or exercise plan.
B) Helps Reduce Anemia
Sunflower seeds are rich in iron, which is essential for building blood. If you have anemia or low levels of hemoglobin in your blood, you might want to snack on some sunflower seeds; they’re one of only a few plant-based foods that contain significant amounts of iron. While people who eat meat and fish are more likely to suffer from anemia, vegans and vegetarians can also be susceptible—the World Health Organization suggests that dietary changes could help reduce rates. One study found that those who don’t consume meat have lower intakes of vitamins B12 and D, which can increase your risk for deficiency. Eating sunflower seeds may not be a panacea for anemia, but it certainly won’t hurt!
C) Boosts Brain Function and Memory
The high amount of vitamin E and magnesium in sunflower seeds improves cognitive function, helping you think more clearly. Additionally, research shows that consuming foods high in vitamin E may improve memory for people with Alzheimer’s disease. This will help get your brain back on track and ready to face new challenges. Sunflower seeds are also loaded with arginine—an amino acid known to relax blood vessels and boost blood flow to all parts of your body, including your brain. Because they have a positive effect on circulation, sunflower seeds may also play a role in protecting against stroke. To stay sharp as you age, reach for a handful of sunflower seeds every day!
D) Can Help You Lose Weight
Pop a handful of sunflower seeds in your mouth. Chew for at least 20 minutes, to give your body time to work them through your digestive system. A study from Kaiser Permanente found that people who chewed 32 grams—about 1 ounce—of sunflower seeds, three times per day lost nearly two pounds more than those who didn't. That's because their bodies had to work harder to digest them and burn off the calories. We don't know about you, but we'll take any help we can get when it comes to losing weight!
E) Lowers Blood Pressure
Sunflower seeds are high in vitamin E, which has been shown to lower blood pressure. This can be a significant help for anyone who is currently suffering from high blood pressure, as well as people who have a family history of hypertension. Additionally, sunflower seeds contain an amino acid called L-arginine that has been found to relax blood vessels and increase blood flow throughout your body. As such, it’s often used in herbal treatments for both angina and erectile dysfunction.