Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds
Full of hearty goodness, sunflower seeds originate from the yellow coloured sunflower. Small and edible, these seeds are mainly grey or green in colour. Historically, these seeds were cultivated as far back as 3200 B.C and long used for the sustenance that they provide to consumers.
What do sunflower seeds look like?
Ripened sunflower seeds usually have a black and white striped external shell or hull.
How to eat sunflower seeds
Because you want to make sure that you do not digest the shell, there is a specific way as to how to eat sunflower seeds. Historically, the most popular method, made famous by US baseballers, is to place about 20 or so into your mouth. Here, you keep them on one side between your gum and cheek, before cracking the shell with your teeth, rolling the seed around in your mouth and carefully spitting the shell out. Nowadays, however, manufacturers have removed this need and many products come unshelled and ready for consumption.
How many calories in sunflower seeds?
Just how many calories are in sunflower seeds will depend upon how you choose to consume them.According to the USDA nutrient database a quarter cup of
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Dry roasted sunflower seeds contains 186 calories
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Raw sunflower seeds contains 204 calories
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Seeds with edible hulls has just over 33 calories
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Roasted in oil contains 200 calories
Benefits of sunflower seeds
There are some tremendous health advantages that come with consumption of this product. The benefits of sunflower seeds include:
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It reduces the risk of heart disease. Because sunflower seeds possess a high amount of Vitamin E, they can have a positive effect on reducing heart disease risks. This is because vitamin E can reduce inflammation which, in turn, reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke and other serious afflictions.
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It can help to strengthen bones. Sunflower seeds have a high level of magnesium. This is a trace mineral that most Australians are deficient in. Magnesium can help to increase calcium in the body and is effective in preventing conditions relating to a loss of bone density such as osteoporosis.
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It can help maintain appropriate blood sugar levels. Frequent consumption of seeds and grains has been proven to help balance blood sugar levels which reduces the likelihood of developing diabetes.
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It can minimize the risk of developing thyroid disease. The presence of selenium that is found in this seed can prevent hypothyroidism. This is because this condition is largely caused by the lack of selenium.
What are sunflower seeds good for?
With all the benefits available from sunflower seeds, they have to be good for a variety of purposes..and they are. Sunflower seeds are good for
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Providing a healthy snack - the seeds can be munched on directly, providing a healthy alternative to sugary sweets.
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Can be used in a variety of recipes to add body and fibre to a variety of dishes and salads.
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Can be toasted to add variety to snacks or to be sprinkled on other foods.
Sunflower seeds Australia
Where to buy sunflower seeds
Sunflower seeds are widely available in Australian supermarkets and health food stores. However, if you are looking for quality natural sunflower seeds that have been grown organically without the use of harmful pesticides or chemicals, you need to visit the Buty Organics Online website.
At Buy Organics Online you can get a range of sunflower seeds Australia products that have been supplied by only the most trusted manufacturers. Don’t delay, add these and other seeds, grains, beans & lentils products to your kitchen pantry today!