How Sunflower Seeds Can Improve Your Health

Vitamin E contributes to overall health, serving as an anti-inflammatory as well as an effective antioxidant. If you have rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, you may find that sunflower seeds lessen the severity of your symptoms.

Sunflower seeds contain magnesium, and healthy bone structure can be attributed to the magnesium in your daily diet. Magnesium is stored both inside and on the surface of human bones until your body requires it, so it is important to consume enough for bone and general internal health.

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The cancer-fighting properties of sunflower seeds make this treat a smart addition to your diet. The seeds are high in both lignans and phytosterol and can prevent cancer cells from forming and growing inside of your body. In turn, this can help protect you against many different forms of cancer.

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The anti-aging properties of sunflower seeds are yet another health benefit. Beta-carotene, vitamin E, and fatty acids help generate collagen, elastin, and other compounds that keep skin supple. Vitamin E also helps prevent scarring. Furthermore, you will find your skin is not as vulnerable to sun damage when you regularly consume sunflower seeds.

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If thinning hair is a concern for you, then you will be happy to hear the vitamin B6 in sunflower seeds can increase the amount of oxygen that reaches your scalp, prevents you from losing hair, and keeps it shiny and healthy. The copper in the seeds also works to slow greying.

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If acne is a problem for you, sunflower seeds can help. The fatty acids that are so good for keeping your skin looking young will also help clear up acne. In addition to consuming sunflower seeds, using sunflower oil-based cleansers and other topical agents can also help clear up blemishes.

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Improving the level of good cholesterol in your body is another health benefit. When you consume sunflower seeds, they work to reduce the bad cholesterol present in the body. Since these seeds contain phytosterols as well as other types of healthy fats, they are chasing away the bad and ushering in the good.

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The nervous system functions better when you give it sunflower seeds. Though calcium is an essential nutrient, too much can lead to a condition called hypercalcemia, which can cause problems in this essential sytstem. Magnesium-rich seeds help prevent an excess of calcium in the body, which protects your nerve cells.

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Sunflower seeds can boost your mood when you're having a bad day. This effect is brought to your by tryptophan, an amino acid that encourages the production of serotonin in the brain, which in turn can make you feel calmer and less tense.

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