16 Surprising Health and Beauty Benefits of Sunflower Seeds

Sunflower seeds are found at the centre of the sunflower; covered in the tear-dropped shaped black shells with white/black strips. There are three different types of sunflower seeds named as linoleic, high oleic and NuSun and are categorized as per the amount of polyunsaturated, saturated, and monounsaturated fats in them. These crunchy seeds are well-off with several nutritious elements and considered healthful snack that can enrich your body with copper, niacin, selenium, magnesium, phosphorus, folate, vitamin B1, B6 and E. Apart from this, sunflower seeds are packed with natural antioxidant compounds termed as quinic acid, chlorogenic acid, and caffeic acids that eliminate oxidant molecules that can be harmful to the body. To reap its benefits, simply sprinkle these crunchy seeds on any of your favorite beverage, cereals and yogurt or garnish your salad, stir-fries and granola with them. Go through this article to know in detail about the health and beauty benefits of sunflower seeds.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF SUNFLOWER SEEDS

1. Reduces Cholesterol Level

Phytosterols found in sunflower seeds is a kind of cholesterol-lowering substance. The richness of fiber, polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats in these crunchy seeds reduces the LDL (low-density lipoprotein) level.

2. Improves Brain Functioning

Sunflower seeds are packed with omega-6 and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids that boost cognitive performance. Consume these seeds as the human body cannot produce them on its own.

3. Promotes Cardiovascular Health

A ¼ cup of sunflower seeds fulfils around 90% of daily requirement of vitamin E that averts free radicals and save the walls of blood vessels from oxidation, thus reducing the risk of blocked arteries. Apart from this, ample of vitamin C in it protects your heart from any disorder.

4. Relives Upset Stomach

Sunflower seeds regulate the digestive system and relieve upset stomach due to the presence of dietary fiber. If you are facing constipation then have some of these nutty seeds to get instant relief.

5. Prevents Cancer

Antioxidants in these black-grey seeds reduce the risk of cellular damage and protect them from free radicals. It also contains lignans that slow down the growth of cancer cells, thus prevent colon, prostate and breast cancer.

6. Promotes Bone Health

Apart from calcium, magnesium is also an essential mineral for strong and healthy bones. Since sunflower seeds contain abundant of magnesium and vitamin E, they lessen the severity of arthritis symptoms.

7. Anti-inflammatory Effects

Being loaded with vitamin E, sunflower seeds neutralize the effects of free radicals that may harm the cell membrane. Besides, it reduces the symptoms of osteoarthritis, asthma, and rheumatoid arthritis.

8. Reduces the Severity of Menopause Symptoms

Sunflower seeds can lessen the frequency and severity of hot flashes in women during their menopause. Apart from this, it also helps deal with diabetes.

9. Cures Eczema and Dermatitis

Oil produces from sunflower seeds cures several skin problems like eczema and dermatitis. It also treats the skin infection effectively.

10. Soothes Migraine

Sunflower seeds relieve your nerves from the migraine pain and de-stress your body because of its high magnesium component. So, munch on a handful of these nutty seeds to calm down.

BEAUTY BENEFITS OF SUNFLOWER SEEDS

11. Moisturizes Hair and Skin

Since sunflower seeds have omega-6 fatty acid, they nourish your locks and maintain their volume. On the other hand, the richness of linoleic acid in these seeds helps moisturize the skin deeply.

12. Wards off Acne

Being an excellent source of essential fatty acid, sunflower seeds stimulate the formation ofelastin and collagen that, in turn, make your skin smooth. Its anti-bacterial properties do away the bacterial growth and combat acne.

13. Anti-ageing

Vitamin E protects your skin from the damage caused by harmful sun rays and free radicals. Besides, ample antioxidants in it prevent signs of ageing like fine lines, wrinkles, etc.

14. Induces Hair Growth and Prevents Hair Fall

A combination of zinc and vitamin E in sunflower seed do stimulate the growth of your strands. On the other hand, vitamin B6 in these seeds enhances the flow of oxygen in the scalp.

15. Radiant Glow

The richness of vitamin E in sunflower seeds prevents cells from being damaged. Moreover, the presence of selenium helps maintain the elastin. Thus, both of these works well to give you the radiant and youthful skin.

16. Luscious Hair 

Sunflower seeds contain abundant copper that promotes healthy strands. Include it in your every day diet to prevent gray hair.