Health Benefits of Sunflower Seeds

Raw sunflower seeds are densely packed with nutrients.  100 grams contains 585 calories of energy.  These are pure, complex carbohydrates which are a good source of energy.  They also contain about 8.5 grams of fiber.   There is also 51.5 grams of essential fats, and these are mostly polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats.  This same 100 grams of seeds also contain 20 grams of protein and are also full of thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, folate, choline, vitamin B6, C and E.

Sunflower seeds contain essential minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and zinc.

Contributes to cardiovascular health

They help in lowering blood cholesterol levels and improve cardiovascular health.  The linoleic acid from the healthy fats is important because it relaxes blood vessels.

Alleviates stress

Since they contain magnesium, sunflower seeds have a calming effect, alleviate stress and help with migraines.  Besides that, because they have tryptophan and choline, the seeds also help fight off anxiety and depression, which improves brain function and memory.

Helps prevent constipation

Thanks to its fiber, sunflower seed help fight constipation by reducing the time of intestinal transit and increasing fecal volume.

Protects the skin

With copper and vitamin E, sunflower seeds protect against harmful UV rays and make your skin younger and brighter.

Prevents arthritis and osteoporosis

Sunflower seed oil reduces the symptoms of arthritis.  Also, contributing to prevent and treat rheumatoid arthritis.  Besides that, thanks to the proteins, sunflower seeds also aid in many enzymatic functions of our body, such as bone development, thus preventing osteoporosis.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5622016/