health benefits of sun flower seeds ?

Sunflower seeds are nutritious snack, providing a variety of important vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.Sunflower seeds are packed with vitamins, including vitamin B1 and B5, vitamin E and folate. They also provide a healthy dose of copper, magnesium, selenium and phosphorous - important minerals.

The fats present in sunflower seeds are also good quality, heart healthy fats that can help increase “good” cholesterol and protect the heart and cardiovascular system.

Of these nutrients, vitamin E in particular is a powerful antioxidant, helping preserve cardiovascular health. Sunflower seeds are quite high in vitamin E, with ninety percent of the recommended daily allowance of this vitamin in a quarter cup. Also helpful to cardiovascular health and cholesterol maintenance are lignans, arginine and phenolic acids.

Other substances found in sunflower seeds include tryptophan and choline. Also found in pumpkin seeds, tryptophan can help reduce stress, anxiety and depression. Choline appears to help increase brain function, particularly helping to improve memory. With this wide combination of phytochemicals, vitamins and minerals, sunflower seeds are a surprisingly nutrient dense food.

Remember, though, that even sunflower seeds can provide too much of a good thing, so be careful not to overindulge. About a quarter of a cup per day of these tasty seeds is plenty to provide the wide nutritional benefits.

Another precaution to be aware of is to avoid flavored or salted sunflower seeds. Most sunflower seeds in the grocery store have been heavily salted. Dieters who are watching sodium intake due to high blood pressure or other issues should be aware of this. Flavored seeds are fun in small quantities, but again the sodium levels can be quite high.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids.

Prevents Cancer:

Sunflower seeds have a high content of vitamin E, selenium and copper which have antioxidant properties. As per research, these antioxidants prevent cellular damage that often leads to cancer. These nutrients prevent cancer by reducing and suppressing cellular damage from oxidants and protecting tissue from oxidant free radical damage. Sunflower seeds cam reduce the risk of certain types of cancer due to their high phytosterol content. They also contain a compound called lignans, which also protects against certain types of cancer. These naturally occurring compounds can inhibit the growth of cancer cells, thus preventing colon, prostate and breast cancer.