Skip to main content

SUNFLOWER SEEDS

SUNFLOWER SEEDS


Sunflower Seeds: An Incredibly Healthy Snack That Curbs Food Cravings
You’ve had a pretty good day so far. You made it to work on time, had a healthy breakfast, a productive first-half, a light lunch and are working on a 10-page report when they hit you. Those awful, mind-numbing hunger pangs that consume you till you gorge on something sweet, something salty or something fatty.

You can complete heavy work load with ease but when it comes to mindless snacking, why is it that you have no self-control? Well, now we’ve got a fantastic solution to all, well most of your problems. Nutty, small, creamy and brown, sunflower seeds make an excellent snack that is not only delicious but also undeniably healthy.  




Here are a few reasons why:

•  Sunflower seeds are rich in Vitamin E, have anti-inflammatory properties and cardiovascular benefits. Vitamin E are fat soluble antioxidants that help in neutralizing free radicals, thereby preventing oxidation of cells and ageing process. Vitamin E helps in reducing the risk of developing atherosclerosis, osteoarthritis and cancer.

•  These seeds provide phytosterols which helps in reducing cholesterol. Phytosterols are compounds found in plants and have a structure similar to that of cholesterol. And when it is present in sufficient quantities in your diet, it helps to reduce cholesterol, improve immunity and reduce risk of certain cancer.
•  Sunflower seeds are rich in magnesium which helps in reducing hypertension (blood pressure), prevents migraine and headaches. Magnesium basically helps in calming and relaxing our nerves, prevents muscle spasm, migraine, fatigue etc.

•  Sunflower seeds are also rich in copper which helps in making bones stronger.

•  Sunflower seeds are rich in dietary fiber hence helps in digesting food and cure constipation.

•  Sunflower seeds contain tryptophan which is an essential amino acid that helps produce serotonin which is an important neurotransmitter and promotes relaxation.

•  Sunflower seeds are very good for healthy and glowing skin. They have all essential fatty acids such as linolenic, oleic and palmitic acid which encourage the formation of collagen and elastin thus making skin soft and smooth.




How to add sunflower seeds to your daily diet?

• Sprinkle them over your salads, soup, cooked vegetables and lentils (dal).

• Sprinkle them on pancakes and scrambled eggs.

• Add them to your porridge and smoothies.

Some interesting recipes using Sunflower seeds:

Artichoke Sunflower Dip

Great party fare served with baked chips or crackers and yet hearty enough for a pita sandwich filling.

Ingredients


1-15 ounce can cannelloni or other white beans, rinsed and drained
2-3 garlic cloves
1-1.5 ounce can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
1/3 cup reduced fat mayonnaise
1-2 ounce jar diced pimentos
¼ teaspoon salt
Juice of 1 lemon
4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
½ cup roasted and salted sunflower kernels

Sunflower Garden Omelet

If you aren't used to tofu, this is the perfect introduction. It adds soy protein and phytochemicals that fight heart disease and cancer. Pair the smooth texture with the healthy crunch of sunflower kernel.

Ingredients


4 large eggs (egg whites only)
2 egg whites or ¼ cup blended tofu (see note)
¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon sunflower oil
2 tablespoons raw sunflower seed kernels
¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
¼ cup (about 2 large) mushrooms, thinly sliced
¼ cup baby spinach leaves
¼ cup (½ medium) tomato, sliced
3 tablespoons minced fresh basil or mint
2-3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese


Note: To blend tofu, crumble soft silken tofu into a small food processor bowl and blend until completely smooth. Can be kept tightly covered in the refrigerator for 5-7 days.

Method:


1. Mix eggs, tofu, if using, salt and pepper together in medium bowl.

2. Place 10-inch non-stick skillet over medium heat, add 1 teaspoon oil. When hot, add sunflower kernels; toast, stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes until lightly browned.

3. Lower temperature and pour egg mixture into skillet over the toasted kernels. Cook, gently lifting edges of omelet allowing eggs to flow underneath until eggs no longer flow.


4. Layer onion, mushrooms, spinach and tomato on one half of the eggs.


5. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of herbs and cheese. Continue to cook about 3-4 minutes, until eggs are set and vegetables are warm. From the side having no veggies, use a spatula to roll omelet over the vegetables.


6. Carefully slide omelet onto a platter. Cut in half before serving, sprinkle with remaining chopped herbs and cheese.
Labels:

Popular posts from this blog

KIWI

KIWI 1. Can help treat asthma It’s thought that the high amount of vitamin C and antioxidants that kiwis contain can actually help treat people with  asthma .  One study from 2000 found  that there was a beneficial effect on the lung function among those who consumed fresh fruit regularly, including kiwis. Fresh fruit like kiwi may reduce wheezing in susceptible children. 2. Aids digestion Kiwis have plenty of fiber, which is already good for digestion. They also contain a proteolytic enzyme called actinidin that can help break down protein.  One study recently found  that kiwi extract containing actinidin greatly enhanced the digestion of most proteins. 3. Boosts the immune system Kiwis are nutrient-dense and full of vitamin C. In fact, just 1 cup of kiwi provides about  273 percent  of your daily recommended value. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient when it comes to boosting your immune system to ward o...
Post a Comment
Read more

APRICOTS

APRICOTS One of the most versatile fruits, common knowledge claims that the   apricot   was originally cultivated in China, till the Persians discovered it. There’s also dispute that it originated in Armenia since the fruit has been cultivated there since ancient times. It was when the   fruit   found its way to the Mediterranean that its true popularity came to light. The Spanish explorers are given credit for introducing the fruit to the Americas, where today it thrives. And there’s another school of thought that claims that the apricot was growing in India way back in 3000BC. Disputes aside, the benefits of apricot are rarely denied by any. In fact, it’s as popular raw as it is cooked. The dried version of this fruit is globally loved, and in fact forms an important part of Iran’s global trade. Countries such as Turkey, Italy, Russia, Spain, Greece, USA and France are considered to be the leadi...
Read more

BENEFITS OF EATING DRY FRUITS

Dry Fruits Benefits: Reddit Highlights Dry fruits are traditionally known to be a powerhouse of nutrients Almonds have several health benefits for people across age-groups Including walnuts in your diet everyday can boost brain health Most of us, in our school days, were told to munch on a handful of  soaked almonds  to improve our memory or eat a few dates for breakfast. Mothers and grandmothers would religiously soak, grind and blend a combination of dry fruits to be added to  milk  and fed to toddlers. These would be based on recipes passed on to them through generations for achieving  weight gain  and immunity for young children. Dry fruits like almonds, walnuts, dates,  raisins  etc. are traditionally known to be a powerhouse of nutrients. They are said to provide us with a host of health benefiting properties, if eaten in moderation. However, they should not be confused with the candied  fruits  that are less...
Read more