Summer sun and festivities are upon us, so eating lighter foods feels good and makes sense. I am eating salads in plentitude and love adding a healthy variety of crunch with seeds and nuts. My latest favorite is sunflower seeds which I eat out of a bag, or add to avocado toast, summer soups, eggs, dips, or any green garden, potato or pasta salad.

Sunflower seeds offer a multitude of health benefits due to their rich nutrient profile. They are packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that can boost energy, reduce inflammation and support overall well-being.

Take a look at some of the incredible benefits of these little seeds:

Healthy antioxidant. Sunflower seeds are rich in antioxidants, such as vitamin E and selenium, which help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.

Healthy blood sugar management. Their low glycemic index aides in alleviating blood sugar spikes, while high fiber and healthy fats aid in digestion and absorption of carbohydrates.

Healthy brain. They are also rich in vitamin B6, which may help improve mood, concentration and memory. Walnut and pumpkin seeds are also great support for brain health.

Healthy heart support. Sunflower seeds contain healthy fats, particularly polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, which are linked to a reduced risk of heart disease and high blood pressure. They also provide essential minerals like magnesium, which may help regulate heart rhythm and blood pressure.

Healthy immune system support. They are a good source of vitamin E, selenium and zinc, all which play crucial roles in supporting a healthy immune system and increasing the ability to fight off viruses. Selenium is a trace mineral; zinc is a major mineral. While we know vitamin E is great for the skin, it is also a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage, while zinc and selenium are essential for the function of immune cells. Food-based vitamin C is the best source to consume.

Healthy pH/reduced inflammation. Sunflower seeds contain compounds that help reduce inflammation potentially lowering the risk of chronic diseases. Studies suggest conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) may have an anti-cancer fatty acid. Sunflower seeds have the highest CLA content compared to most other seeds, including sesame
and flax.

Healthy skin. Sunflower seeds’ oleic and linoleic acids aid in collagen and elastin production.

Wow! Something so tiny, offering a multitude of healthy reasons to incorporate them into our daily diets. So, with the next salad, quiche or side dish you whip up for your summer celebration or BBQ, go wild and throw on some sunflower seeds for
good health.

Stay healthy friends!

Candice Nicole is a health advocate and founder of HUmineral, a producer of plant nutrient mineral supplements. She can be reached at info@HUmineral.com or (818) 400.7657. For more information, visit www.humineral.com.

Sources: 1) https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8445494/; 2) https://health.clevelandclinic.org/are-sunflower-seeds-good-for-you