Zoey’s All Natural | Sunflower Seeds
 
Think about sunflowers and immediately big, bright beautiful images of big yellow flowers swaying in huge fields, come to mind. Sunflowers have always been known for their beauty that often comes alive in Bollywood movies and in famous works of art.But sunflowers are so much more. Sunflower seeds are powerhouses of energy and nutrients. What’s even better is that they are quite yummy.
 
Sunflower Seeds: Health Benefits
 
Boosts immunity
Vitamin E, Zinc and Selenium present in sunflower seeds are the main reason behind it’s immunity boosting properties.
 
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant and prevents free radicals from damaging healthy cells in our body. It also enhances immune responses and protects our body against several infectious diseases.
 
Zinc protects our body from inflammation, allergies and invading pathogens.
 
And finally, Selenium helps reduce inflammation.
 
Helps reduce cholesterol
Niacin or vitamin B3 reduces the total cholesterol levels and risk of heart diseases.
 
Vitamin B5 or pantothenic acid in sunflower seeds increases HDL cholesterol.
 
Whereas, the fibre content of sunflower seeds decreases levels of LDL cholesterol in the blood.
 
Helps reduce the risk of cancer
Beta-sitosterol, a phytosterol present in sunflower seeds helps to prevent breast cancer. It inhibits the growth of tumour cells, decreases the size of the tumour and also prevents metastasis.
 
The presence of strong antioxidants in sunflower seeds also helps reduce the risk of cancer.
 
Helps keep Diabetes in check
Sunflower seeds are useful in reducing blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

 
Helps boost brain functions
The Vitamin B6 in sunflower seeds helps improve our mood and concentration while also enhancing our memory. 
 
Sunflower seeds also help to ease symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
 
Helps in weight loss
Sunflower seeds are rich in proteins and fibre. This is what makes us feel full for a long time thereby reducing our food intake.
 
Packed with energy
Sunflower seeds are a good source of thiamine (Vitamin B1) which helps to break down carbohydrates, proteins and fats that are present in our food into energy. Thiamine also helps in muscle building.