Sunflower seeds promote heart health

Sunflower seeds are a rich source of vitamins, minerals and essential oils.

Not only are sunflower seeds a great snack, they also offer some incredible health benefits.

Sunflower seeds.

1. Sunflower seeds promote heart health

Sunflower seeds contain two nutrients that promote heart health: vitamin E and folate.

A quarter cup of sunflower seeds contains more than 60% of the daily value of vitamin E. This essential vitamin has important antioxidant functions and balanced levels of vitamin E have been linked to a lower risk of premature death from cardiovascular disease. Vitamin E also helps neutralize free radicals to protect brain cell membranes and fight inflammation and swelling.

Additionally, folate has been shown to promote heart health from infancy through old age. Folate helps convert homocysteine, a marker for cardiovascular disease, into methionine, an essential amino acid. Folate and essential fatty acids are naturally found in sunflower seeds and are good for heart health.

2. Phytosterols promote healthy cholesterol levels

Sunflower seeds contain high concentrations of phytosterols. Phytosterols have physical properties similar to cholesterol; research has shown that phytosterols may support healthy cholesterol levels.

3. Sunflower seeds - source of magnesium

Magnesium deficiency can lead to a variety of health problems affecting the cardiovascular, nervous, and immune systems. Muscles and bones also need magnesium to function properly. Magnesium has long been used in medicine to promote respiratory function, heart health, and stress reduction. A quarter cup of sunflower seeds provides more than 25% of the recommended daily magnesium requirement.

4. Sunflower seeds promote a healthy mood

Magnesium, abundant in sunflower seeds, helps to improve mood. Over a hundred years ago, magnesium sulfate was used to treat depression. Today, magnesium plays an essential role in homeopathic medicine for mental health.

5. Selenium: a powerful antioxidant and great for thyroid health

Sunflower seeds are rich in selenium, an essential nutrient for the body. Studies have shown that selenium acts as an antioxidant and helps reduce inflammation and swelling in the body. Recent research has also identified the important role of selenium in thyroid hormone metabolism. Selenium is also noted for its ability to help repair DNA in damaged cells.

The best way to eat sunflower seeds:

Sunflower seeds are a great snack, but it is important to keep their nutrients intact. Sunflower seeds can be roasted and added to delicious seasonings.

Choose and use organic sunflower seeds. Sunflower seeds are a great snack, can be present in salads, and try sunflower butter, similar to peanut butter./.

According to VOV