The Essence of Sunflower Seeds

If you’re looking for one of the healthiest snacks you can get, then it can’t get any better than the delicious sunflower seeds. Now, you may think that chips are a much tastier alternative. But the truth is that millions around the world are addicted to the mildly nutty taste that sunflower seeds bring to their palette. In fact, according to one source, 25% of the US consumes sunflower seeds as a snack item.

Although previously seen as bird food, the simple sunflower seed has garnered a lot of attention over the years. With the help of researchers and health food lovers everywhere, the sunflower seed has found its niche in the large market of people who love healthy snacks. And with the long list of nutrients and benefits present in the seemingly plain tiny seed, sunflowers are becoming even more popular day by day.

Sunflower Benefits

The sweet and nutty sunflower seeds are a haven for all who want to have an excellent source of nutrition. Packed with essential fatty acids, minerals and vitamins, the sunflower seeds are more than just a snack. Because of their nutritional value, edible sunflower oil is actually extracted from these kernels for use in kitchens around the world.

The sunflower kernels are jam-packed with energy, with only 100g (that’s almost one cup) of these seeds containing 584 calories. The reason why these seeds are so rich in calories is because of the different types of fatty acids in it such as linoleic acid and oleic acid, etc that have been favored in preventing coronary artery disease and stroke.

Now, like many other seeds, sunflower seeds also have their fair share of proteins and amino acids. Along with the health benefiting poly-phenol compounds such as chlorogenic acid, quinic acid and caffeic acids, these seeds are a perfect addition to a person’s daily diet. And just a handful of these kernels will provide you with many essential minerals as well such as calcium, iron, manganese, zinc, magnesium, selenium and copper.

 Snacking On Sunflower Seeds

The great factor about these sunflower seeds is that, like pumpkin seeds, you can buy sunflower seeds as a tasty low-fat snack. These seeds are also very versatile, and can be consumed in several ways. These seeds can be:

·         Roasted and salted

·         Added to salads to add the crunch factor

·         Sprinkled over fried-rice and sautéed vegetables as a very delicious garnish

·         Candied, coated with chocolate and added to cakes and baked goods

·         Added to casseroles or salad dressings

Originating from Mexico and Peru, these seemingly simple sunflower seeds have taken the world by storm. But if you really want to have the best quality sunflower seeds to enjoy, remember to only buy your seeds from the reliable names in the food business. Companies such as Organic Merchants are leading names when it comes to trustworthy food services.

If you feel the craving for these wonderfully nutty seeds, go ahead and contact Organic Merchants, and reap the benefits of these crunchy kernels.