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. So are sunflower seeds good for you? Get some quick information about raw sunflower seeds nutrition facts and get the answer yourself!

Are Sunflower Seeds Good for You?
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 Vitamin E 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 calcium.

The fact about raw sunflower seeds decreasing the cholesterol level in the body is due to the concentration of phytosterols and it being a rich source of dietary fiber.

One of the important health benefits of sunflower seeds is that it also helps in preventing the onset of depression. Low levels of serotonin (a neurotransmitter) results in increased levels of anxiety, tension and depression. This neurotransmitter is processed by the amino acid known as Tryptophan, which is contained 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 tension and almost all forms of depression.

Eating sunflower seeds helps in the production of selenium in the body, which in turn aids in protecting 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 is easily covered by one ounce of raw sunflower seeds.

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.

According to raw sunflower nutrition facts, it contains a Vitamin that is essential for cell growth and reproduction. It is known as folate, which is responsible for the body's cells to manufacture DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid).

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. Calories in sunflower seeds in one serving (1 cup with hulls) comes up to 262-269, while raw sunflower seeds calories are about 140-150 (¼ cup).

These were some important raw sunflower seeds nutrition facts. 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!