Sunflower Seeds (Helianthus Annuus) and Health Benefits: A Review

Abstract

A literature review was conducted to present an overview of sunflower seeds, nutritional value, and health benefits. Sunflower seeds are inexpensive, readily available, and nutritious all year long. Some of the most important nutrients for humans are found in them in particularly high concentrations. There are several vitamins in sunflower seeds, including vitamin B1 and B5, vitamin E and folate. Additionally, they contain important minerals like copper, magnesium, selenium, and phosphorous. The fats in sunflower seeds are also heart-healthy fats that can increase high density lipoprotein cholesterol and provide cardiovascular protection. One of these nutrients is vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that plays an important role in preserving cardiovascular health. The vitamin E in sunflower seeds is quite high, with a quarter cup providing ninety percent of the recommended daily allowance. Furthermore, lignan, arginine, and phenolic acids support cardiovascular health. The benefits of consuming these substances are increasingly emerging, even though they are less well known by most people.