Raw Sunflower Seeds Nutrition Facts

Sunflower seeds are commonly used as garnish or ingredients in various recipes and snacks, and as a part of salads and cereals. Eating raw sunflower seeds can drastically improve the regulation of blood pressure in the body, unlike any animal protein. Sunflower seeds are immensely rich in unsaturated fat (about 90%). This may help keep the level of 'good cholesterol' high in the body, thereby countering the ill-effects on 'bad cholesterol'. These seeds are a rich source of vitamins, minerals and poly and monounsaturated fats.

Are Sunflower Seeds Good for You?

Let us find the answer from the below description on raw sunflower seeds nutrition facts...

# There are certain free radicals in the body that can damage cell membranes and even brain cells. To counter and neutralize such radicals, Vitamin E is required in adequate quantity and this can be ensured by taking raw sunflower seeds. Just a quarter cup of these seeds is enough to make up for about 90% of the daily requirements of this essential vitamin in the body. Adequate quantity of Vitamin E in the body also reduces chances of developing asthma, and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), colon cancer, and cardiovascular diseases.

# Apart from being a rich source of Vitamin E, raw sunflower seeds also contain linoleic acid (essential fatty acid), amino acids, and minerals. Amino acids, as we know, are the building blocks of proteins and the minerals contained in raw sunflower seeds include magnesium, potassium, zinc and

# Sunflower seeds being rich in phytosterols and a good source of dietary fiber, aid in reducing the cholesterol levels in the body.

# One of the important health benefits of sunflower seeds is prevention of the onset of depression. Low levels of serotonin (a neurotransmitter) results in increased levels of anxiety, tension and depression. This neurotransmitter is formed from an amino acid known as Tryptophan, which is one of the plentiful constituents in sunflower seeds. So the intake of raw sunflower seeds helps in the production of serotonin, which when released, has a calming effect on the nerves and relieves anxiety, and almost all forms of depression.

# Eating sunflower seeds helps in the production of selenium in the body, which in turn aids in keeping the cells from damage.

# Copper is also required by the body to help carry oxygen to the red blood cells. 25% of the daily requirement of this mineral is easily covered by one ounce of raw sunflower seeds.

# Raw sunflower seeds contain vitamin that is essential for cell growth and reproduction. It is known as folate, and it is responsible for the body's cells to manufacture DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid).

# The nutritional value of raw sunflower seeds that is contained in one serving (1/4 cup) includes 11.0 g of fat, 3.0 g of fiber and 6.0 g of protein. Raw sunflower seeds also provide the daily requirement of iron in the body, which comes to about 13%. Apart from containing Vitamin E, Vitamin B-6 is also an important part of raw sunflower seeds.

# The list does not end here! Raw sunflower seeds are also a rich source of Zinc, which helps the body recuperate from any kind of injuries, and fight infections. About 10% of the daily requirement of this element can be obtained from raw sunflower seeds.

Here is a table showing you the nutritional values of raw sunflower seeds for a serving size of 100 g.

Nutritional Facts
Totoal Fat	483 g
Cholesterol	0 g
Sodium	0 g
Totoal Carbohydrates	24.27 g
Protein	24.27 g
Calcium	121.33 mg
Iron	5.46 mg

Most people may find it difficult to believe that something as simple as sunflower seeds may have so much to offer. So the best way to see and examine the benefits that these seeds have on your health, is to grab a handful of them and 'snack on' everyday!