Are Sunflower Seeds Bad For You ?
Sunflower seeds are a huge hit among those who love outdoor activities. Roasted or salted in the shells, truck drivers eat them to stay alert, while baseball players use them as a tobacco substitute. |
Lightly salted sunflower seeds are very popular as a snack, especially for their nutty flavor. There are some health concerns though, regarding the effects of eating the shells.Sunflower seeds are a great source of Vitamin E, which is an important antioxidant that helps prevent heart disease. As per the USDA Nutrient Database, 1 oz. of sunflower seeds will give you up to 74 percent of your body’s daily requirement of Vitamin E. These seeds also provide your body with essential nutrients like dietary fiber, Vitamin B1 and folate. The seeds are also low in sodium, sugar and cholesterol.
An allergic reaction to sunflower seeds is quite rare, but it is always better to check the labels before consumption. Thanks to their high fat content, sunflower seeds can go bad easily. So, you must make sure that you store them in sealed containers and refrigerate.
Like everything else that tastes good, sunflower seeds too must be eaten in moderation, ideally as a small snack. They are quite calorie-rich, since a cup of sunflower seeds equals to around 800 calories. The high fat content is the good, unsaturated kind though, and is credited with keeping your heart healthy. Also, even though these seeds do pack in several healthy fats and nutrients, there are important nutrients missing from them, like vitamins C and K. Hence, moderation is the key here. Also, remember that it is very important that you chew the seeds completely or otherwise the shells may cause some damage to your intestines.
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