Sunflower seed is good for the gut, heart, skin and even helps control blood sugar because it contains healthy unsaturated fats, proteins, fiber, vitamin E, selenium, copper, zinc, folic acid, iron and phytochemicals. Only 30 g, the equivalent of a handful of seeds a day, is a great way to supplement your overall diet.
These seeds can be easily eaten mixed in a lettuce salad or fruit salad, in vitamins, whipped in juices or integrated into pasta. In addition, they are found with or without shell, raw or roasted with or without salt and you can buy sunflower seeds in supermarkets or health food stores.
- Sunflower oil is another form of consumption of this seed.
- And contains several benefits for the body.
- Such as protecting cells from aging.
- Learn more about the benefits of sunflower oil.
The benefits of consuming sunflower seeds may include
Because they are rich in good fats, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated, sunflower seeds help protect cardiovascular health by regulating total cholesterol, increasing good cholesterol and lowering bad cholesterol and reducing triglycerides.
In addition, the high level of micronutrients, antioxidant vitamins, folic acid and fiber enhances this cardiovascular protective effect by protecting cells, lowering blood pressure and regulating blood sugar.
Because of the large amount of fiber in their composition, sunflower seeds help fight constipation. This reduces intestinal transit time and increases faecal volume. Two tablespoons of sunflower seeds contain an average of 2.4 g of fiber.
See other feeding tips for treating constipation
Because they have a high protein content, sunflower seeds can easily help increase muscle mass. Two tablespoons contain 5 g of protein and can be included in daily meals, increasing the amount of protein in the diet.
See here more about foods to gain muscle mass.
Sunflower seeds can also be used for weight loss, due to the large amount of fiber. Fibers take longer to digest, reduce the gastric emptying process, increase the feeling of satiety and decrease appetite.
However, eye, since sunflower seeds also contain a lot of fats, which gives them a high caloric value. For example, two tablespoons of sunflower pipes contain 143 calories, so it is important to consume these seeds in moderation. For better information, it is advisable to consult a nutritionist.
Consumption of sunflower seeds helps lower blood sugar and reduces digestion and absorption of carbohydrates after meals, thus preventing hyperglycemia. Thus, sunflower seeds can also be a good ally in the diet of people with diabetes, for example.
In addition to this, sunflower seed contributes to the weight loss process, leads to decreased body weight and, as a result, reduces fasting blood sugar and regulates insulin levels in the blood. Discover other ways to lower blood sugar.
Some recipes to include sunflower seeds in the diet include
Seasoned sunflower seed is an excellent choice to put in soups, season salads, enrich risottos or even serve pure as a snack.
Ingredients:
How to prepare
In a bowl, mix the sunflower seeds with water, curry and salt. Bring a frying pan over medium heat with the oil, then add the seed mixture. Stir for about 4 minutes until toasted. Allow to cool completely before storing in a sealed bottle.
Ingredients:
How to prepare
Heat the oven to 180 C.Beat the honey, margarine, butter, vanilla, almond extract and egg in a large bowl. Add flour, oats, yeast and salt, stirring well. Add sunflower seeds, cherries and mix well. Use the dough.on a sheet of parchment paper at intervals of about 6 centimeters and bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown.
Ingredients:
How to prepare
Preheat oven to 135 degrees. Cover a baking tray with parchment paper.In a large bowl, combine oats, almonds, seeds, cinnamon and salt.In a small saucepan, combine the water, oil, honey and brown sugar, stirring constantly until boiling.Pour this mixture over the dry ingredients and mix well.
Spread on the baking sheet and bake for about 60 minutes or until golden brown, stirring occasionally to brown evenly.The more golden the granola, the crunchy it will be.Store in a plastic container or bag in the refrigerator.Granola can last several weeks.
Check out this other interesting and super convenient recipe for snacks for adults and children containing sunflower pipes: