Today seeds are having the race to be the best as healthy snacks and it’s not surprising! With the many benefits of seeds becoming apparent many people are looking for ways to incorporate them into their diets. One of the most nutritious seeds includes the sunflower seed! Let’s examine ways to include sunflower seeds into your diet.
The health benefits of sunflower seeds
Sunflower seeds are extremely nutritious and aid in fighting free radicals and protect hair from damage caused by environmental factors. Studies have proven that they also have zinc as well as omega-3 fatty acids, which help to promote hair growth. The zinc content can also help by boosting the immune system. Other benefits for health of sunflower seeds are:
* They’re rich in Vitamin E which helps during pregnancy and also nourishes the skin
* Vitamin B1 B3, B3, and B6 content assists in reducing cholesterollevels, improve the brain’s function as well as aiding in muscle development
* Being a good iron source, it can help fight anaemia
Although they’re healthy however, you should limit your intake to a minimum of 30 grams per day because they’re loaded with calories, and eating too much can cause weight increase.
How do you consume sunflower seeds?
1. Trail mix
The most effective way to consume sunflower seeds is to add the seeds to your trail mix. It is a snack that is made up of a mix of the granola as well as dried fruits, nuts , and seeds. Make this mix and store it in a container you can take anyplace to snack on sunflower seeds at any time you’d like.
2. Breakfast cereals, oatmeal or breakfast oats
A different option would be to sprinkle it over the cereal bowl you are eating for breakfast or oatmeal. Sunflower seeds can help make breakfast more filling and nutritious. They’re rich in dietary fiber that will give you a feeling of fullness for longer and, consequently, help in losing weight.
Give a spark to your breakfast cereal by adding sunflower seeds! Image credit: @eathappyfeelgood via Instagram
3. With vegetables
If you prepare the gravy at home sprinkle some sunflower seeds on top for garnish. You can also serve them alongside sauteed vegetables. Simply stir the sunflower seeds with other vegetables such as beans, broccoli, onions and more. You will have the perfect snack of crunchy vegetables!
4. Smoothies
It is possible to mix sunflower seeds into your favourite smoothie. Drink it prior to your workout to boost your energy levels or drink it at the beginning of your day to reap all the advantages of sunflower seeds!
Make your smoothie more delicious using sunflower seeds!
5. Salad
The addition of sunflower seeds to your usual salad will make it more crunch and healthy. Simply chop all the veggies and sprinkle sunflower seeds on top for a satisfying bowl of sunflower seeds salad!
