Small but mighty, sunflower seeds are packed with essential nutrients. In fact, they contain a long list of nutrients, including Vitamin E, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B1 and Vitamin B3, along with manganese, selenium, phosphorus, magnesium, copper and folate. Sunflower seeds are also rich in essential fatty acids that help improve cardiovascular health and fight inflammation. Health benefits of sunflower seeds also include the ability to support thyroid function, improve skin health, balance blood sugar levels, and even help fight cancer.
Health Benefits of Sunflower Seeds
1. Reduce Heart Disease Risk
Health benefits of sunflower seeds include the ability to reduce the risk of heart disease. Because sunflower seeds are high in Vitamin E, they can fight inflammation. Since Vitamin E works as an antioxidant, sunflower seeds may reduce the risk of many inflammatory diseases. High levels of inflammation are linked to an increased risk of heart disease, along with stroke, diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. Therefore, consuming sunflower seeds on a regular basis can help balance cholesterol, lower high blood pressure and protect the heart from disease. (1)2. Help Prevent Cancer
Health benefits of sunflower seeds include the ability to help prevent cancer. Research has shown that the combination of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals found in sunflower seeds can help reduce oxidative stress, which is linked to cancer development. Additionally, sunflower seeds contains chemo-protective compounds that help stop tumor growth. Studies have shown that the health benefits of selenium, as found in sunflower seeds, may aid in cancer prevention and reduce the risk of prostate cancer, lung cancer, and breast cancer. (2)3. Support Thyroid Function
The health benefits of sunflower seeds also include the ability to support healthy thyroid function. One of the leading causes of thyroid disorders like hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism is a selenium deficiency. Because sunflower seeds are packed with selenium, they can play a vital role in regulating body temperature, heart rate, and metabolism. (3)