Sunflower seeds are chock-full of goodness
LIKE other seeds that are a large part of our diets today, sunflower seeds are said to help lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar as they contain vitamin E, magnesium, protein, and healthy fatty acids. The popular seeds are also full of fibre, which will help with weight loss.
Nutritionist Keisha Black says sunflower seeds, which are the fruits of the sunflower (helianthus annuus), are also loaded with riboflavin, niacin, folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin C, and contain minerals like calcium, iron, sodium, and zinc.
“They also have strong antioxidant qualities, which protect your cells against free radicals, which play a role in heart disease, cancer, and other diseases,” she said.
She said, for women using the seeds as part of their diets for weight loss, the seeds offer that, and so much more.
“It will make you feel full longer, and it also boosts the immune system, helping to ward off illnesses and infections. It reduces cholesterol, thus lowering your risk for heart disease,” Black said. “The seeds also help to lower blood pressure, and some experts believe that the compounds present in them also help to prevent breast cancer by inhibiting the growth of tumour cells and decreasing the size of the tumour.
“For those with diabetes the seeds are useful for reducing blood sugar levels, and it also improves your mood, helps you concentrate better, reduces PMS (pre-menstrual syndrome) symptoms, and helps your memory.”
How can you eat sunflower seeds? You can sprinkle the shelled seeds on your salads, use them in your smoothies, or eat them roasted as a snack. You can combine them with dried fruits for a trail mix and even add them to your cookie, cake, and bread batters.
Black warned, though, that sunflower seeds are very calorie-rich, so eating a lot will make you gain weight.
“Don’t eat more than a handful per day as overconsumption of sunflower seeds can cause you to gain fat,” Black said.
Have you managed to transform your body through weight gain or weight loss? Want to share your story with us? E-mail allwoman@ jamaicaobserver. com