11 benefits and properties of sunflower seeds

Sunflower seeds or sunflower seeds are very consumed foods . Although, sometimes, most pipes that come in a bag contain a lot of salt, the edible part is very healthy and nutritious.

The pipes come from the sunflower (helianthus annuus), a herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae. This plant is native to North America and Central America and its main producers are Russia, China, the United States and Argentina. This plant is beautiful and contains hundreds of seeds.

Benefits of sunflower seeds

But, What are the benefits of these seeds? How does it benefit our health to eat pipes? In the following lines you can find the properties and benefits of this edible food.

1. Improve the mood

Sunflower seeds are rich in proteins, which contain amino acids, including tryptophan. Tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter that, at low levels, is associated with depression and obsession.

Research seems to indicate that tryptophan can help improve mood symptoms in women with premenstrual syndrome, as well as helping people with depression. Now, it is necessary to consume this product along with foods rich in carbohydrates to improve absorption, because other amino acids can compete with tryptophan for transport to the brain.

However, carbohydrates can divert these amino acids and help increase the levels of tryptophan in the brain.

2. Improve male fertility

Pipes contain zinc, a mineral that is important for male fertility . According to research, this mineral can increase the amount of sperm and the quality of these. Approximately 100 grams of sunflower seeds contain 5 mg of zinc.

• Related article: "26 aphrodisiac foods that will improve your intimate relationships"

3. Prevents pregnancy problems

Sunflower seeds are a rich source of folic acid , a B vitamin that is required by our body for cell division and to make the genetic material. Also, it is very important during pregnancy.

Insufficient levels of this vitamin increase the risk of neural tube defects and spina bifida in the baby and increase the chances of low birth weight or premature birth. Therefore, pregnant women should consume these seeds so that the baby can be well formed and enjoy good health.

4. Help control the weight

Tryptophan, present in these seeds, helps control weight because it regulates the appetite . Therefore, it is considered a satiable food.

Pipes also contain chlorogenic acid and some scientific evidence suggests that this component may be useful for weight loss. In addition, this food is rich in healthy fats that are also ideal for losing fat.

• Related article: "Types of fats (good and bad) and their functions"

5. Improve hair health

Pipes have biotin, a B vitamin needed to metabolize fats , carbohydrates and proteins.

Science says that biotin can help improve hair health, which is made of protein. In fact, studies in animals have concluded that the introduction of sunflower seeds in the diet of dogs improved the health of their hair. Studies suggest that eating sunflower seeds has benefits for people's hair.

6. Fight fungal infections

Fungal infections are quite difficult to treat and can also recur after treatment . But sunflower seeds could be a secret weapon against these unpleasant infections. According to one study, 90.5% of people who applied ozonated sunflower oil twice a day for three months managed to eradicate the infection completely.

Of the entire sample, only 2.8% of people who used this treatment experienced a relapse during the year after their treatment.

7. Improves the skin

The skin also benefits from this food, because the sunflower seeds prevent it from drying out . The oil that pipes improve hydration forming a protective barrier on the skin and preventing moisture from escaping.

One study found that the application of this oil directly on the skin, over a period of four weeks, preserved the integrity of the skin and improved hydration.

8. Help you sleep better

Diet can have a beneficial effect on stress, and the same happens at the time of falling asleep . Tryptophan, the amino acid that participates in the synthesis of serotonin, is also essential in the synthesis of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep.

Now, you must remember that it is necessary to consume sunflower seeds with some carbohydrates to favor the absorption of this amino acid and thus achieve a restful sleep.

9. Prevents Parkinson's disease

Vitamin E present in pipes, is a vital nutrient for health . Research concludes that this vitamin can help protect against Parkinson's disease, a disease that affects movement and that makes it difficult to carry out daily actions such as walking, talking, swallowing food. Therefore, vitamin E may have a neuroprotective effect, thus reducing the risk of Parkinson's disease.

10. Improve cardiovascular health

Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in the world . Sunflower seeds have nutrients that can help keep your heart healthy, as they are a great source of healthy fats and beneficial phytosterols. Fats help balance blood sugar levels, and along with phytosterols, lower bad cholesterol.

11. Improve bone health

This food is rich in calcium and therefore improves bone health . Health professionals recommend the consumption of this food when people suffer from decalcification of the bones.