Sunflower Seeds: A Nutritional Powerhouse
Sunflower seeds, often overlooked as a mere snack, are a nutritional powerhouse packed with an array of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These tiny seeds offer a plethora of health benefits, ranging from reducing inflammation to improving heart health.
Rich in Nutrients
- Protein: Sunflower seeds are an excellent source of protein, providing 8.9 grams per cup. This protein content makes them a great addition to plant-based diets.
- Fat: Sunflower seeds are high in healthy fats, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. These fats support heart health and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
- Fiber: Sunflower seeds are a good source of fiber, with 4.1 grams per cup. Fiber promotes satiety, supports digestive health, and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Sunflower seeds are rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, selenium, magnesium, and zinc. These nutrients play crucial roles in immune function, bone health, and overall well-being.
Health Benefits
- Reduced Inflammation: Sunflower seeds are a good source of antioxidants, including vitamin E and selenium. These antioxidants help neutralize free radicals, which can damage cells and contribute to chronic inflammation.
- Improved Heart Health: The healthy fats in sunflower seeds support heart health by lowering cholesterol levels and reducing inflammation. Additionally, sunflower seeds contain phytosterols, which have been shown to block the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines.
- Boosted Immunity: Sunflower seeds are rich in vitamin E and zinc, both of which are essential for a strong immune system. Vitamin E helps protect the body from infection, while zinc is involved in the production of immune cells.
- Reduced Risk of Chronic Diseases: The antioxidants in sunflower seeds may help protect against chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease. Sunflower seeds also contain compounds that have antibacterial and antiviral properties.
Whether you enjoy them as a snack, sprinkle them on salads, or add them to baked goods, sunflower seeds are a delicious and nutritious addition to any diet.
How many calories are in Sun Flower Seeds?
Each 1 cup, in shell, yields of Sun Flower Seeds contains 251 calories.
Sun Flower Seeds Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per 1 cup, in shell, yields (46g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 251 Calories |
| Protein | 8.9g |
| Fat | 23g |
| Saturated Fat | 2.4g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Carbohydrates | 7g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.1g |
| Sugar | 1.3g |
| Sodium | 2.764mg |
| Potassium | 0.391mg |
| Calcium | 0.032mg |
| Iron | 0.0017mg |