sunflower seed

sunflower seed

Sunflower seed is a nutritional power pack that is hard to beat in sunflower seeds.

Healthy unsaturated fats, protein and fiber, plus important nutrients like vitamin E, selenium, copper, zinc, folate, iron and phytochemicals come wrapped up in this small and perhaps unsuspected package - a sunflower seed.

Sunflower seed and oil contain both monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat - the types of fat that may protect the heart. Clinical studies show that higher unsaturated fat diets may be preferable even to low-fat diets. Almost 90% of the fat in sunflower seed is good, unsaturated fat.

Sunflower seed is a good source of plant protein. Protein supplies amino acids, the building blocks that build, maintain and repair body tissues.

Sunflower seed is the best whole food source of vitamin E. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that may protect against heart disease by getting rid of harmful molecules called free radicals that can lead to arterioscleroses. Selenium works with vitamin E as an antioxidant and protects cells from damage that may lead to cancer, heart disease, and other health problems.

Sunflower seed also contains copper, which helps the body carry oxygen to red blood cells and produce energy in the cells; folate, a B vitamin, that plays an essential role in making new body cells by helping to form the DNA and RNA that contain each cell's "master plan" for reproduction. Sunflower seed has zinc in it - a mineral that is vital for keeping your immune system strong, fending off infections and healing wounds; iron, essential in carrying oxygen from the lungs, through the blood, and to every body cell and fiber - the indigestible part of plant foods - promotes good health by helping to lower blood cholesterol, manage blood glucose and prevent constipation.