If you do not have time to devote to reading, however, but are looking for more targeted buying tips to understand which sunflower seed to buy, then you will find valuable help in the comparison table that compares prices, advantages, and disadvantages of the most popular products.
Especially of the products that have placed at the top of our ranking for the best sunflower seed, regardless of what may or may not be considered the best brand.
Right below are the best sunflower seeds that are good for your health.
Buying Guide to Select the Best Sunflower Seeds
High Nutritional Value
Sunflower seeds, widely known and used above all in the production of oil, are a food with a high nutritional value, also used in certain types of diets since it contains a high number of beneficial substances for the body.
First of all, their cholesterol level is zero, but on the other hand, they are rich in phytosterols, which help to keep the level of cholesterol in the blood low, and vitamins, especially C and E.
They are also rich in minerals: zinc, calcium, iron, magnesium, selenium, sodium, manganese, but above all phosphorus and potassium, their protein and carbohydrate content is also shallow, making them ideal for those who have a mixer and he can prepare bread and fresh pasta himself.
For these reasons, and for the greater awareness gained by the new generations regarding the importance of adopting a healthier and natural lifestyle, compared to Fast Food, frozen and pre-cooked foods, the use of sunflower seeds is spreading more and more now.
The Benefits for The Body
Despite their beneficial properties, however, it must be remembered that sunflower seeds have high caloric content. Therefore, if you overdo it in consumption, you run the risk of gaining weight, inserted in the right quantities within a well-balanced diet.
However, they are excellent for preventing aging and cellular degeneration in general. That of the skin, in particular, they are also excellent for keeping the brain and cardiovascular system healthy, thanks above all to the phosphorus and potassium contained in high quantities.
They are also recommended for those who need to keep cholesterol within normal limits, for those who suffer from thyroid problems, to rebalance the functions of the gland, for people who have problems with osteoporosis, dermatitis, and even for those with diabetes—type 2.
How They Prepare
The unique but delicate taste of sunflower seeds makes them compatible with both sweet and savory flavors. Many people eat them raw, as a simple healthy snack or by adding them to a salad, others instead use them as real ingredients, in the preparation of more or less complicated recipes.
In any case, it is always good to remember not to exceed in quantity, regardless of how they are consumed, and not to salt them if they are eaten as a snack, in order to avoid excessive intake of salt in your diet.
How to Use Sunflower Seeds?
Sunflower seeds are now an essential part of our diet. Eaten whole or in the form of oil, they are rich in valuable nutrients for our body. They are appreciated for their tender consistency and delicate toasted aroma, with a flavor that is very reminiscent of that of hazelnuts.
Excellent to nibble even natural, they marry wonderfully with yogurt, cereals, and salads to enjoy a healthy and tasty meal without sacrificing lightness.
For the Heart
Sunflower seeds contain a high percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as Omega 3 and Omega 6, which help to reduce the levels of bad cholesterol in the blood (LDL) while keeping the good cholesterol (HDL) unchanged.
These fatty acids, in combination with phytosterols, bring a series of benefits to the heart and the cardiovascular system, considerably reducing the risk of heart disease.
They Help the Intestines
The high content of vegetable fibers makes sunflower seeds a real panacea for the stomach, as they promote digestion and intestinal transit. The threads, together with proteins and mineral salts, perform an effective laxative action, stimulate the lazy intestine, especially in case of constipation and acute constipation.
Against Stress
Mineral salts, and in particular magnesium, help reduce stress and nervousness, while tryptophan promotes the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that relieves tension, promoting sleep and relaxation.
Furthermore, due to their ability to increase the levels of dopamine, another neurotransmitter that instead stimulates sexual activity, they are also considered an aphrodisiac food.
Cancer Prevention
According to experts, sunflower seeds also perform a cancer prevention function. This is due to the conspicuous presence of selenium, which significantly reduces the proliferation of cancer cells, and of vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that would help improve the muscle tone of the bladder, preventing colon and prostate cancer.
For Bones and Blood
The high content of magnesium contributes to lowering blood pressure, excellent for those suffering from hypertension, and for people at high risk of stroke and heart attacks.
In addition to magnesium, sunflower seeds also contain calcium and copper, important for bone health: calcium fortifies them, while magnesium and copper stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, thus ensuring greater resistance and elasticity to bone tissues.
To Lose Weight
Although we are talking about very caloric food, sunflower seeds would help you lose weight. It would seem a contradiction, but inserted in a low-calorie diet and consumed in the right doses (about 10 grams per day), they prove to be a valid aid for burning fat.
They are promoting a sense of satiety and an increase in lean body mass. In these cases, those toasted without adding salt are recommended so as to avoid water retention.
Other Properties
Sunflower seeds, as they are rich in fatty acids (Omega 3 and Omega 6), are excellent for increasing muscle mass naturally, especially for those who practice intense sports or bodybuilding, and being an energy food, they are ideal in those situations where particular physical effort is required.
In addition, they contain a good amount of folic acid, essential for pregnant women because it helps the proper growth of the fetus. Chlorogenic acid, on the other hand, by virtue of its antibacterial properties, protects our body from infections and bacteria, while selenium helps to rebalance the thyroid.
Here are the sunflower Seeds that are really high in nutrition, and they are perfect for your skins and hairs, and they are also eatable.