What are the effects of sunflower seeds

Hundreds of grayish-white cone-shaped edible oil seeds, sunflower seeds, are stored under the warm sunflowers, which also become sunflower seeds. Sunflower seeds are one of the Chinese New Year necessities, so what are the effects and functions of sunflower seeds that people often eat?

Regulates thyroid function

Sunflower seeds are rich in selenium. Selenium deficiency is one of the factors leading to thyroid dysfunction, including hyperthyroidism and thyroid decline, so supplementation allows the thyroid to function better.

Anti-infection

Sunflower seeds are an excellent source of vitamin E, which is a fat-soluble antioxidant. Vitamin E has the ability to neutralize free radicals and prevent damage to fat structures and molecules. The anti-infective effects of sunflower seeds may relieve symptoms of asthma, arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Reduces the risk of cancer

Sunflower seeds can reduce the risk of cancer by enhancing immune function. The high content of vitamin E and fiber in sunflower seeds has the effect of reducing the risk of colon cancer. The selenium in sunflower seeds enhances DNA repair, which helps in the recovery of damaged cells, inhibits the proliferation of cancer cells, and accelerates the destruction of cancer cells.

Protects against cardiovascular disease

Sunflower seeds may also protect against cardiovascular disease. Studies have shown that people who consume high amounts of vitamin E have a much lower risk of death from heart disease. Sunflower seeds can lower blood cholesterol levels. Vitamin E also prevents free radicals from oxidizing cholesterol, which can stick to blood vessels and cause atherosclerosis, blocking arteries and leading to heart attacks and strokes.

Relieves emotional tension

Sunflower seeds have a calming effect on nerves, stress and migraines. The magnesium in sunflower seeds has a synergistic effect with calcium, and together they regulate nerve and muscle tension. Magnesium prevents calcium from penetrating nerve cells and activating them, which helps keep them relaxed. Magnesium deficiency can cause nerve cells to become abnormally active, leading to excessive nerve impulses and over-contraction.

Helps with bone health

Sunflower seeds contain nutrients that are good for bone health such as calcium, copper and magnesium, which help to strengthen bone density. The vitamin E in sunflower seeds can relieve joint pain. Copper promotes collagen and elastin adhesion, enhancing the toughness and elasticity of skin and ligaments.

Promotes healthy skin

Daily consumption of sunflower seeds in moderation can brighten the skin. Sunflower seeds contain UVB-fighting ingredients that help keep skin young and beautiful. Sunflower seeds contain nutrients that help prevent scarring, wrinkles and fine lines. Their essential fatty acids such as palmitic, oleic and linoleic acids promote collagen production and improve skin elasticity, making the skin soft and smooth.

Nutritional value of sunflower seeds

The crunchy seeds of sunflower are a healthy and nutritious source of vitamins A, E, B1 and B 6, folic acid and niacin. Sunflower seeds contain about 35.17 mg of vitamin E per 100 grams of available seeds, and they are high in copper, manganese, selenium, magnesium and phosphorus. It is also rich in fatty acids such as unsaturated fatty acids, linoleic acid and oleic acid. Sunflower seeds are also an excellent source of protein and many amino acids, which are essential for the growth of children.

Sunflower seeds are contraindicated

1. Although sunflower seeds are not easily allergenic, some people may experience symptoms such as sneezing, stomach inflammation, vomiting and itchy skin under the eyes after consumption. 2. Sunflower seeds contain a large amount of oxalic acid and purine, which will lead to an increase in uric acid after intake, so they should not be consumed by people suffering from kidney disease or ventilation disease. 3. Do not swallow the shells of melon seeds, because the hard shells can damage the digestive tract and lead to problems in the stomach. 4. Elderly people should not eat more sunflower seeds because they contain a lot of unsaturated fatty acids, and excessive intake will consume a lot of choline and cause dysfunction of fat metabolism in the body, resulting in a lot of fat accumulation in the liver, causing liver dysfunction and inducing liver necrosis or cirrhosis.