Many people tend to snack on sunflower seeds while watching their favorite show or movie, but did you know that they offer the body numerous health benefits? Sunflower seeds contain a good amount of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants, according to the official website of the Cleveland Clinic in America. These benefits include:
**Vitamin B:** The official website of the Saudi Ministry of Health explains that its importance lies in providing energy to the body, producing red blood cells, and maintaining the health of the nervous system.
**Vitamin E:** Vitamin E helps maintain skin and eye health, as it increases the absorption rate of vitamin A from food. It also strengthens the immune system by acting as an antioxidant, according to the official website of the Saudi Ministry of Health.
**Selenium:** The National Institutes of Health in America states that selenium is a nutrient needed for maintaining good health. It is important for reproduction, stimulating thyroid function, producing DNA, and protecting the body from infections.
Sunflower seeds are highly nutritious, as noted by the official website of the National Library of Medicine in America. They mainly contain calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and zinc. Due to their rich fat content, they are primarily used as a source of vegetable oils.
Compared to seeds, sunflower oil contains more fiber and proteins, with a balanced amino acid composition. Seeds can be purchased with or without shells, and it is preferable to choose lightly salted or unsalted varieties to control sodium intake.
The official website of Mayo Clinic, a non-profit medical and research group based in Rochester, Minnesota, states that the less sodium, the better your health will be, especially if you are sensitive to it. If you are unsure about how much sodium your diet should contain, consult your doctor or healthcare provider.
