Sunflowers were one of the first plants grown within the Americas, said to have been domesticated even before the iconic crops of preeminent corn. They were cultivated over generations to produce bigger and better seeds and held a marvelous future the New World wouldn’t have ever imagined at the time.
In the twenty-first century, sunflowers are universally versatile plants. Their flowers are aesthetic assets, their edible oil is lucrative, and their tasty seeds are consumer treasures. Sunflower seeds and peanuts share a similar makeup when it comes to protein and oil content. The nutrient level of sunflower seeds is equivalent to superfood status. Best of all, these seeds are the perfect go-to snack for health or portability. Let’s examine three amazing benefits of eating sunflower seeds every day.
VITAMINS: CARDIOVASCULAR AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY PERKS
Sunflower seeds are unequivocally chocked-full in essential nutrients such as vitamin E. As a matter of fact, a fistful of sunflower seeds can provide around 75 percent of a person’s daily vitamin E intake needs. This source of anti-hypertensive effects is good for your heart. Sunflower seeds stand as heart-healthy tools capable of helping protect against or control a variety of cardiovascular diseases.
Vitamin E also helps reduce and control inflammation within the body due to fat-soluble antioxidants. These antioxidants fight against disease-causing free radicals and protect cells. Snacking on this whole food source of vitamin E can lower the risk of chronic diseases and keep medical conditions such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol in check. There’s also the supporting radiant: hydrated skin!
MINERALS: HEALTHY NERVE, BODY, AND MOOD BOOSTER
We all vie for a happy, healthy mind and body. An assortment of vital minerals are integral to this endeavor—and sunflower seeds encompass a slew of them, such as zinc, copper, selenium, and magnesium. These minerals play a critical role in a functioning immune response, hormone and energy response, and stress response.
Magnesium is a superstar mineral for your body, helping to maintain strong bones and muscle contraction, as well as lower blood pressure levels. Magnesium also keeps us calm, cool, and collected by warding off symptoms of stress and anxiety. Munching on sunflower seeds throughout the day helps relax nerves, blood flow, soreness, cramps, tension, and lingering fatigue.
DIETARY FIBER: EASE DIGESTION AND CURB HUNGER PANGS
A healthy weight and a balanced diet are some of the three amazing benefits of eating sunflower seeds every day. Sunflower seeds contain leading levels of dietary fibers to boost the efficiency of our gastrointestinal and digestive systems. This perk leads to lower chances of loose motions or constipation—a sure win-win for daily activities. These plant-based protein sources have fiber and healthy fats and make for a filling snack whenever hunger strikes.
If you’re on the hunt for delicious sunflower seeds online, you can buy some of the roasted variety at Jaybee’s Nuts. Here at Jaybee’s, we hand select our sunflower seeds for ultimate quality and freshness. You can’t go wrong with these tasty treats as a snack or staple in cooking or baking recipes. Browse our selection on our site today or feel free to contact our team with any questions.