Sunflower seeds are high in calories (584 in 100 grams). They are also high in many nutrients, including minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins. Sunflower seeds are especially rich in the poly-unsaturated essential fatty acid linoleic acid, which accounts for more than 50% of their total fatty acids. They are also high in mono-unsaturated oleic acid that helps lower LDL or "bad cholesterol" and increase HDL or "good cholesterol" in the blood. Like other seeds, they are also very good source of proteins, with amino acids such as tryptophan that are essential for growth, especially in children. Just 100 grams of seeds provides about 21 grams of protein (37% of the daily recommended values). Sunflower seeds also contain many poly-phenol compounds such as chlorgenic acid, quinic acid, and caffeic acids. These are natural antioxidants which help remove harmful molecules from the body. Chlorgenic acid helps reduce blood sugar levels by reducing the breakdown of glycogen in the liver. Sunflower seeds are a very rich source of vitamin E, with about 35.17 grams per 100 grams (about 234% of RDA). Sunflower kernels are one of the best sources of B-complex vitamins such as niacin, folate, thiamine (vitamin B1), pyridoxine (vitamin B6), pantothenic acid, and riboflavin. Sunflowers are excellent sources of folate, with 100 grams of kernels providing 227 mcg of folate, which is about 37% of recommended daily intake. Niacin and pyridoxine are also abundant in sunflower seeds. About 8.35 mg of niacin (about 52% of daily value) is provided by just 100 grams of seeds. The seeds are rich sources of many essential minerals, including calcium, iron, manganese, zinc, magnesium, selenium, and copper. These minerals have vital role in bone mineralization, red blood cell production, enzyme synthesis, hormone production, and the regulation of cardiac and skeletal muscle activities. A handful of sunflower kernels a day provides much of the recommended levels of phenolic antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, and protein.
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Sunflower seeds can:
The health benefits of sunflower seeds include calming of nerves,muscles, and blood vessels, improved detoxification, cancer prevention, and many other cardiovascular benefits.