A doctor has named a superfood that promotes weight loss and prolongs youthfulness

general practitioner, ex-director of the Hillel Foundation in Saratov

Sunflower seeds are a popular addition to cooked breakfasts, granola, snacks, salads, main courses. It is possible to enumerate endlessly. And not only the seeds themselves are suitable for food, but also the sprouts sprouted from them – from this nutritional value only increases. So what exactly is useful and special about them? How can we help our health by adding sunflower seeds to our diet?

Nutrient composition

Sunflower seeds contain beneficial nutrients, including essential fats, minerals and antioxidants for healthy digestion:

• sulfur-rich proteins, essential for many processes, including muscle and skeletal development;
• amino acids: glutamine (involved in the synthesis of a number of vital compounds), arginine (in most cases an essential amino acid, as not everyone has sufficient production in the body) and cysteine (part of the proteins of nails, skin, hair);
• linoleic and oleic fatty acids – they are used to build fats, without which no cell in the human body can exist;
• large amounts of vitamin E and other antioxidants, including flavonoids and phenolic acids. Such a composition neutralizes the action of free radicals, slowing down oxidative processes in the body.

What are the health benefits

In recent years, there have been a number of studies on the effects of sunflower seeds on health. Let’s take a look at some of them.

Protective effect

Due to the phenols, tannins and saponins contained in the seeds, their consumption can contribute to:

• anti-inflammatory action;
• antifungal action;
• antibacterial action;
• wound healing.

These findings are still exploratory in nature, more work is needed to clarify the effects on humans.

Also, the seeds prevent the development of gallstone disease, because they stimulate bile flow. In addition, normalize intestinal function due to dietary fiber in the composition and reduce stomach acidity.

Antioxidant effect

Seeds are rich in antioxidants and can be a good food supplement to revitalize the diet for diseases such as:

• atherosclerosis;
• arterial hypertension.

People cannot synthesize vitamin E on their own and take it only externally, with food. Therefore, adding sunflower seeds to your diet is a good way to increase the level of this micronutrient in your body, if necessary.

Anti-cholesterol effects

Studies show that sunflower seeds are effective in fighting high cholesterol levels.

The subjects of one experiment were asked to take a concentrated extract of the product. A total of 50 people with increased body weight took part.

The results showed that the seed extract reduced blood cholesterol levels and helped to reduce body weight and fat mass in particular.

In parallel, the study participants were offered to significantly reduce the number of calories consumed (500 kcal less), so it is not very clear what role the product would have played in the situation without a drastic change in daily calorie intake.

Dermatologic effects

Sunflower seeds contain omega-6-unsaturated fatty acids essential for healthy skin. These acids are not produced in the body and are considered essential. Their deficiency significantly affects the function and appearance of our largest organ.

And they are found in both roasted and raw seeds.

Adding sources of essential fatty acids to the diet can reduce the effects of skin aging.

Sunflower seeds also contain zinc, an important micronutrient for skin health involved in controlling skin oiliness. The product has other micronutrients we need: including magnesium, calcium and phosphorus for healthy bones.