1. Improves Digestive Health
Being very high in insoluble dietary fibers, sunflower seeds may support digestion to a large extent. The raw seeds boost the functionalities of our gastrointestinal system and keep constipation away.
2. Prevents Free Radical Damage
Sunflower seeds are loaded with antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, copper, selenium , etc. These antioxidants keep free radicals away and prevent blood cholesterol from oxidizing so that the blood vessels do not get blocked and we not end up suffering from ailments like atherosclerosis, blocked arteries, stroke, heart block, heart attack, etc.
3. Keeps Bad Cholesterol Away
While averting cholesterol oxidization, sunflower seeds also lower the levels of bad cholesterol in the bloodstream. They come packed with dietary fiber, phytosterols and unsaturated fats (both monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats), which all together work against bad cholesterol or low-density lipoprotein (LDL).
4. Regulates Blood Pressure Levels
Intake of sunflower seeds is known to have a great impact on our blood pressure levels. It is very high in potassium and magnesium, which easily offset the drastic effects caused in our body due to spikes in sodium level. As a result, our blood pressure doesn’t go up and we can stay away from the risk of hypertension.
5. Inhibits Cancerous Growth
The antioxidant properties of sunflower seeds are excellent for decreasing cellular damage and sometimes even putting a stop to this completely. They also contain a few naturally occurring anti-carcinogenic compounds, such as phytosterols, lignans, etc., which play key roles in providing protection against breast cancer, prostate cancer, and colon cancer by inhibiting the growth of cancer cells as well as destroying them totally to avoid further growth.
6. Controls Blood Sugar Levels
The antioxidant properties of sunflower seeds are also beneficial for diabetic people. The raw seeds keep our blood sugar levels under check and help our body maintain it steadily so that we do not experience hyper- or hypoglycemia.
7. Maintains Bone Health
Sunflower seeds take great care of our bones. Thanks to their high calcium and magnesium content that is essential for maintaining the physical structure of bones, making them strong and keeping the joints healthy. It has also been discovered that the copper present in raw sunflower seeds is crucial for activating the enzymes, which increase the strength and flexibility of our bones as well as joints by cross-linking elastin and collagen (two active components of connective tissue).
8. Steer Clear of Inflammatory Diseases
The vitamin E present in sunflower seeds has amazing anti-inflammatory effects on our body. Being a fat-soluble antioxidant, it protects us from oxidative damage, which eventually keeps us safe from various inflammatory diseases like asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, etc.
9. Relaxes the Nervous System
The high magnesium density in sunflower seeds is good for our nerves too. It puts calcium off from rushing into the neurons and also triggers their normal activities. These are crucial for keeping the muscles as well as blood vessels relaxed leading to a calm and relaxed nervous system.
10. Promotes Weight Loss
Munching on sunflower seeds make your weight loss journey easy and smooth. It is quite nutritious and keeps us full for a longer period of time, which is very much required for effective weight loss.
11. Enhances Mental Health
Consumption of sunflower edible seeds is closely linked to our mental health and that too in a positive manner. They contain an essential amino acid called tryptophan, which helps us get rid of stress, tension, and anxiety by facilitating the release of a neurotransmitter named ‘serotonin’ in our body. It promotes brain relaxation, lowers depression and makes our mood better.