15 Benefits Of Sunflower Seeds For Skin, Hair And Health

Sunflower seeds are labeled as super-food because of the dense nutritional content. They contain essential vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and what not. These nutty seeds also provide a lot of health benefits. Read on to know about them.

Benefits Of Sunflower Seeds

Brain Health

The high amounts of tryptophan in sunflower seeds are helpful for improving the functions of the brain. Tryptophan increases the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter. It helps improve memory and anxiety problems. Choline, a micronutrient found in the seeds also improves memory.

Good For Expectant Mothers

Sunflower seeds are loaded with folic acid, a nutrient which is highly essential for pregnant women. Folate is required for the formation of new cells and synthesis of DNA and RNA. It helps prevent neural tube defects in the fetus. The seeds promote the health of both mother and the fetus.

Bone Health

Magnesium is an important nutrient for bone health besides calcium and phosphorus. Magnesium gives physical structure and firmness to the bones. IT is essential for calcium assimilation and metabolism. A deficiency in this mineral might result in osteoporosis. Sunflower seeds are good sources of magnesium that is required for making the bones stronger and healthier.

Fiber Food

Sunflower seeds are known for the dietary fiber they contain. Shortage of fiber might result in constipation, hemorrhoids, piles, and even colon cancer. Fiber also enables appropriate functioning of various organ systems in the body and detoxifies the body.  So, including these seeds in your diet will provide you with the required dietary fiber and will enable you to keep your system clean.

Stimulates Hair Growth

Sunflower seeds are loaded with nutrients that are essential for making the hair beautiful and healthy such as Vitamin E, zinc and copper. These nutrients stimulate hair growth, strengthen the follicles and improve blood circulation to scalp.

 

Imparts Color to Your Hair

Sunflowers are rich source of copper. Copper is required to impart color to the hair. Deficiency of this mineral can cause graying of hair. By using sunflower seeds, you can maintain luster and color of your hair.

Moisturizer

Vitamin E is very useful for skin health. It is a great moisturizer and an antioxidant. Sunflower seeds are wonderful source of vitamin E. Hence they help keep the skin moist and clear.

Anti-Ageing Secret

As mentioned above sunflower seeds are filled with vitamin E, which helps with fast healing of any damage to skin. Copper aids in reducing wrinkles and helps in regeneration of cells. The fatty acids in the seeds protect the skin against infections and delay the symptoms of ageing. Hence, sunflower seeds help you stay youthful forever.

Glowing Skin

Being rich in Vitamin E, sunflower seeds help in protecting the skin from harmful UV radiations. It also protects from pollution and sun damages and lightens any dark spots on the skin thereby giving a youthful looking and glowing skin.

Stress Buster

The seeds contain good amount of magnesium, which soothes the nerves. It also eases migraine and stress thus relaxing your mind.

Prevents Cellular Damage

Free radicals lead to cellular damage in the body and can cause various diseases. Sunflower seeds are rich in vitamin E, which acts as antioxidants. This helps in combating free radicals. Moreover, the selenium content in the seeds help repair cellular damage. Also, it prevents spreading of cancerous cells.

Increases Energy Levels

The seeds provide high amounts of carbohydrates and protein. Hence, it is quite popular among athletes. Moreover, the seeds help in discharging glycogen into our bloodstream. Being a form of sugar, when glycogen is released into the blood it provides additional boost of energy.

Prevents Heart Diseases

The polyunsaturated as well as monounsaturated fats in sunflower seeds provide energy to the body. They also help in reducing the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Besides, the phenolic acid and choline is quite useful in preventing heart diseases.

Prevents Acne

Sunflower seeds are rich in essential fatty acids like steraric, palmitic, oleic and linoleic acids. These fatty acids help support the formation of elastin and collagen thereby making your skin smooth and soft. Also, the anti-bacterial properties protect the skin from bacteria thereby reducing breakouts and acne.

Weight Loss

Sunflower seeds contain fiber, protein and B vitamins, which keeps you full and also helps in burning calories. Hence, it is quite useful for losing weight.