Sunflower seeds properties and contraindications Some questions we have received in our email last month related to sunflower seeds such as the following: What are the benefits of sunflower seeds? Do sunflower seeds have contraindications? I would like to know about the sunflower seeds nutritional information ? What are the benefits of eating sunflower seeds? Do sunflower seeds have benefits and contraindications? Do sunflower seeds have disadvantages? Would you like to know about sunflower seeds properties and contraindications?
We are going to give answers to these questions, but first we will analyze the sunflower seeds in their general and botanical aspect.
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General features
Sunflower seeds come from the Helianthus annuus plant (commonly called sunflower) which produces large, bright yellow flowers resembling small suns, native to North America.
The flowers grow on tall stems with simple leaves, and have been known to reach the height of nine feet (three meters) under ideal growing conditions. In fact, the head of a sunflower is made up of a compact mass of small flowers, each of which matures into a grain surrounded by a dry husk.
By the way, sunflowers are often used to demonstrate the occurrence of Fibonacci sequences in nature, since the arrangement of the seeds exhibits a mathematically predictable symmetry.
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What is its nutritional value?
Regarding the question, would I like to know about the sunflower seeds nutritional information ? We can say thatThe nutritional value of raw sunflower seeds contained in one serving (1/4 cup) includes 11.0 g of fat, 3.0 g of fiber, and 6.0 g of protein.
Raw sunflower seeds also provide the body’s daily iron requirement, which is about 13%. In addition to containing vitamin E, vitamin B-6 is also an important part of raw sunflower seeds.
The list does not end here! Raw sunflower seeds are also a rich source of zinc, which helps the body recover from any type of injury and fight infection. About 10% of the daily requirement for this element can be obtained from raw sunflower seeds. Let’s see, below, the sunflower seeds properties and contraindications.
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Benefits and properties
We answer the questions: What are the benefits of sunflower seeds? and What are the benefits of eating sunflower seeds? as follows:
Sunflower Seed Benefits #1 Natural Antidepressant One of the important health benefits of sunflower seeds is the prevention of the onset of depression. Low levels of serotonin (a neurotransmitter) cause higher levels of anxiety, tension, and depression.
This neurotransmitter is formed from an amino acid known as tryptophan, which is one of the abundant components in sunflower seeds. Therefore, eating raw sunflower seeds aids in the production of serotonin, which, when released, has a calming effect on the nerves and alleviates anxiety and almost all forms of depression.
Sunflower seed benefits #2 Reduce cholesterol levels Sunflower seeds are one of the best natural sources to reduce bad cholesterol levels in the body. The seeds are rich sources of phytosterols, compounds that help reduce cholesterol levels effectively. Sunflower seeds also contain large amounts of fiber, as well as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that also help regulate good cholesterol levels in the body by getting rid of bad cholesterol.
Sunflower Seed Benefits #3 Improve cardiovascular health Sunflower seeds contain a lot of vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps get rid of free radicals that could cause various cardiovascular problems, such as clogged arteries, atherosclerosis, strokes, and heart attacks. Eating just one cup of sunflower seeds can provide the body with more than 90% of the amount of vitamin E it needs on a daily basis.
Sunflower seed benefits #4 Improve bone health Bones need nutrients like magnesium in addition to calcium. Sunflower seeds contain high levels of magnesium that help improve bone health and increase bone density. The seeds also contain high levels of copper that help boost the production of elastin and collagen, thus offering more strength and flexibility to bones and joints. Therefore, regular consumption of sunflower seeds can keep your bones healthy and strong for years.
Benefits of sunflower seed #5 They promote digestion Sunflower seeds are rich natural sources of dietary fiber, which aids in rapid digestion and assimilation of food. The seeds are very good remedies for a number of disorders related to digestion, and can also treat constipation.
Sunflower Seed Benefits #6 possess anti-inflammatory properties Sunflower seeds are a rich source of vitamin E which also acts as an antioxidant, repelling damaging free radicals from the body as well as protecting the body from their damaging effects. Therefore, regular consumption of sunflower seeds would help in treating diseases like asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis, etc.
Sunflower seed benefits #7 Improve hair and skin texture Sunflower seeds have multiple benefits for hair and skin. The high copper content of these seeds helps to improve the health of the skin and hair. Copper is also a natural substitute for melanin in hair and skin. Therefore, it can replenish the melanin levels lost in the body, effectively combating conditions such as premature graying. Let’s see more about sunflower seeds properties and contraindications.
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Contraindications and disadvantages
Sunflower seeds, produced by the large yellow flowers of the sunflower plant, serve as a healthy snack when eaten in moderation. Because these seeds offer convenience and nutrition, you may think you can eat as many as you want. However, as with anything, too much of a good thing may not be so good.
Sunflower Seeds Disadvantages #1 Tooth Damage Once harvested, the size of the sunflower seed determines the final product. The largest seeds are sold in their hulls, which means that the hard hull remains intact around the kernel; the medium seeds are dehulled and the sunflower kernels are sold; and the smaller seeds go to the pet food and birdseed market, according to the National Sunflower Association.
Chewing unshelled sunflower seeds has become a popular alternative to chewing tobacco, especially among athletes. Although it’s a healthier alternative to chewing tobacco, eating too many seeds can damage teeth over time. To avoid damage, do not always open the seeds with the same teeth, as this can damage the enamel or press the gums, causing them to separate from the teeth.
Sunflower Seeds Disadvantages #2 High Calorie Intake Although the 2005 US Dietary Guidelines recommend eating nutrient-dense foods, such as sunflower seeds, the National Sunflower Association says eating too much of any type of food leads to an unbalanced diet.
Sunflowers, considered a whole food source, serve as a good source of protein; Dietary fiber; essential minerals, such as calcium and iron; and essential vitamins, such as vitamin E. However, a 1 oz. serving of unsalted raw sunflower seeds provides 160 calories.
Therefore, eating a handful of sunflower seeds in a day can add a significant number of calories to your daily caloric intake. Even with all the nutrients, the extra calories can lead to unwanted weight gain.
Sunflower seeds disadvantages #3 Complications with diverticulosis Diverticulosis describes a condition that generally affects the lower portion of the large intestine, known as the sigmoid colon. The lining of the intestines contains small pouches that can bulge through weak spots.
the doctors call diverticula to individual pouches and diagnose those with diverticula with diverticulosis. Diverticulosis affects approximately 10 percent of people over the age of 40, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse.
Doctors often advise people with diverticulosis to avoid eating any type of seeds, such as sunflower seeds, especially in large amounts, as the seeds can get stuck or block the diverticula, which can lead to complications such as bleeding, an abscess or perforation of the intestines.
Sunflower Seeds Disadvantages #4 Allergic Reaction A sunflower seed allergy is an adverse reaction of the body’s immune system to sunflower seeds or foods that contain sunflower seeds. This type of allergy is rare and serious reactions are very rare. The specific symptoms that may result may vary considerably between patients, e.g. Skin, respiratory and behavioral symptoms. The list of signs and symptoms mentioned in various sources of Food Allergy – Sunflower Seeds includes the 34 symptoms listed below:
Runny nose; crying eyes; eye pain; itchy eyes; Red eyes; cough; urticaria; asthma; lip swelling; swelling of the tongue; hoarseness; throat swelling; nausea; vomiting Diarrhea; itching; sneezing wheezing headache; sinus pain; itchy mouth; tingling in the mouth; respiratory problems; facial flushing; facial swelling; redness around the lips; constipation; redness of the skin; trouble swallowing; abdominal pain; eczema; low blood pressure; disturbed sleep; and dizziness. If you want to know more about sunflower seeds properties and contraindications, you can ask your question
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Reference:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27222528
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