The Health Benefits of Sunflower Seed Butter, The New Peanut Butter




Sunflower seed butter is a highly nutritious alternative to peanut butter.

Sunflower butter is made by grinding sunflower seeds. It can be purchased with sprouted, raw seeds or roasted seeds. It is full of protein, fiber, B vitamins, and Vitamin E. Sunflower Seed Butter is also a natural source of calcium, magnesium, potassium, selenium, iron, zinc, and copper. Sunflower seed lecithin contains a high level of choline, which breaks up cholesterol in the body and it is vital for the proper functioning of the brain. Sunflower seed butter is also a delicious way to obtain phosphorus which helps protect the myelin sheath of the nerves. 


Sunflower seed butter has been on the market for about four years now, and can be a great alternative for people who suffer from peanut allergies. Even school are getting in on the act, some districts around the country are now offering sunflower seed butter as an alternative to peanut butter for their students who have peanut allergies.


Sunflower seeds fall into the category of functional
foods, which means they provide more than just nutritional value to a person's diet and can help protect the human body from certain cancers and cardiovascular diseases.

b
vitamins
Sunflower seed butter is rich in three B vitamins essential for human health: folate, niacin and pantothenic acid, or vitamin B5. One tablespoon offers 9 percent of the Recommended Daily Value for folate and 11 percent for pantothenic acid. Two tablespoons offers 10% of niacin. Folate helps support a healthy pregnancy and is important for healthy gums, skin, red blood cells, as well as the immune and cardiovascular systems. Pantothenic acid, like all B vitamins, plays an important role in energy metabolism, or breaking down the foods you eat into energy for the body's cells. Pantothenic acid also supports the adrenal gland and is beneficial for maintaining healthy skin, hair, muscles and nerves.


vitamin e

Sunflower seed butter has one of the highest vitamin E contents of any food. Two tablespoons provides 40% of vitamin E. Vitamin E rids the body of free radicals, that cause heart ailments like atherosclerosis and can also cause cellular damage. The vitamin E, contained in sunflower butter has antioxidant properties and help in the rapid clotting of blood and healing of wounds, regulates the functioning of the circulatory system and reduces the risk of developing heart ailments and diabetes. Vitamin E also imparts anti-inflammatory properties to sunflower seeds, that is essential in the cure and reduction of arthritis symptoms.


minerals
Sunflower seed butter is also rich in many minerals, as are most nuts and seeds and their respective butters. One tablespoon offers 12 percent of the RDV for phosphorus; 15 percent for both magnesium and copper and 17 percent for manganese. Two tablespoon offers 10 percent of zinc. This makes sunflower seed butter quite a nutrient powerhouse. Phosphorus is a major mineral essential for strong, healthy bones and teeth and is a component of all cell membranes and soft tissues. Magnesium is another major mineral that plays a role in bone health, supports the cardiovascular system, promotes healthy blood pressure and helps to convert carbohydrates, protein and fats to energy.

Copper and manganese are essential trace minerals. Copper aids in the development and maintenance of the skeletal and cardiovascular systems; supports the production of melanin, collagen and elastin and helps with iron absorption and release. Manganese aids in the formation of bone and connective tissue, supports brain function and is necessary for normal glucose metabolism.


phytochemicals

Phenolic acids, choline, and betaine are all phytochemicals which sunflower seeds contain, and they are effective in preventing the onset of heart problems. Additionally, they help prevent the growth of cancer cells such as those that trigger colon, breast, and prostate cancers.

amino acids & lingans

Sunflower butter provides 3 g of protein per serving. Arginine is one of the approximately 18 amino acids found in sunflower butter and has a vital role in the healing of wounds, immune function and the release of hormones. Lingans are phytoestrogens that may be effective against certain cancers such as prostate, ovarian or breast cancers. Sunflower seeds contain tryptophan, which is an amino acid responsible for processing serotonin in our bodies. When serotonin is released in bodies it relieves tension, relaxes our bodies and promotes sleep. Choline, a compound found in sunflower seeds, plays a positive role in memory and cognitive function, according to the National Sunflower Association

healthy fats

Sunflower seed butter is rich in heart-healthy unsaturated fats; providing 8 g per tablespoon. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Dietary Guidelines for Americans, not consuming enough fats and oils--less than 20 percent of total calories--increases the risk of an inadequate intake of vitamin E and of the essential fatty acids. In addition, a very low-fat diet may contribute to unfavorable changes in high-density lipoprotein, or "good" blood cholesterol, and triglyceride levels.

Sunflower Seed Butter Decreases the Risk of Cancer

As stated before, sunflower seeds have high amounts of vitamin E, selenium and copper, which have antioxidant properties, and when used together help prevent cellular damage that leads to cancer, according to Blisstree. These nutrients protect tissue from oxidant and free radical damage, and may prevent cancer by reducing and suppressing cellular damage from oxidants, according to Vanderbilt University Health Psychology. Sunflower seeds may reduce the risk of certain types of cancer that can be attributed to their high phytosterol content, according to Virginia Tech. Ligans, a compound found in sunflower seeds, may protect against some cancers as well, according to the National Sunflower Association.


MAKE YOUR OWN SUNFLOWER SEED BUTTER
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1 comment:

  1. Nuts and seeds are always beneficial for our health. Sunflower seeds are one of beneficial seeds which can give the number of health benefits. Health benefits of sunflower seeds will make you sure to eat them at regular basis. So, you should read about this to enhance your knowledge regarding your health.

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