(Photo: Christina Holmes)
The addition of
just one ingredient can drastically change a dish’s flavor or texture. Think: chili powder for heat or
cornstarch for creamy scrambled eggs.
Same is true of the nutritional profile—one ingredient can take
something that’s only so-so and turn it into a nutritional powerhouse.
That’s how the small-but-mighty
sunflower seed is about to transform your
granola.
As the highest natural source of the powerful antioxidant vitamin E, a ¼
cup serving provides nearly all of your daily recommended value. That
same serving also provides 6 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber as
well as other nutrients like magnesium and B vitamins. By adding just ¼
cup of seeds into your morning bowl of cereal or granola, your body can
reap the rewards of these benefits.
Improve Skin Health
Since
sunflower seeds contain such a high amount of the antioxidant vitamin
E, they support skin health, keeping things smooth and soft—
especially as we age—and
protect against free-radical damage. Sunflower seeds also are a good
source of healthy fats, which help our skin stay glowy and hydrated.
Reduce Inflammation
The
root cause of many diseases, inflammation is a big problem—but
sunflower seeds’ vitamin E levels work to counteract that. In
particular, research has shown that vitamin E’s anti-inflammatory
properties are helpful in reducing the risk of heart disease by helping
clear blocked arteries. Combine that with the heart-healthy fats and
fiber in these seeds, and you’ve got the perfect nutrient package for
your ticker.
Reduce Risk of Breast Cancer
Vitamin
E isn’t the only thing that sunflower seeds have to offer. They also
provide selenium, another antioxidant that has been shown to help stop
cancer cells from multiplying in the body as well as help to halt the
growth of cancerous tumors, particularly when it comes to breast cancer.
This is because selenium helps the body with DNA repair and
detoxification.
Reduce Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression
Sunflower
seeds could also put you in a brighter mood. That’s because they
provide magnesium, an essential mineral that many Americans don’t get
enough of. And when levels of magnesium are inadequate, serotonin, the
feel-good hormone, levels drop, making some people seem more anxious or
depressed. (Sidenote: one way that some anti-depressant medications work
is by raising the brain’s magnesium levels.) Studies suggest that
increasing magnesium intake (and ¼ cup sunflower seeds has nearly a
third of the amount you need each day) can potentially help to alleviate
symptoms—whether you’re medicated or not.
