*The sunflower seeds are from the large flowers of the sunflower plant Helianthus annuus.

*Though they are referred to as seeds for culinary purposes, botanically speaking, they are more appropriately referred to as an achene. When the outer husk is removed (dehulled), the edible portion is called the sunflower kernel.

*Sunflower seeds are a very healthy and nutritious snack that is rich in polyunsaturated fats, vitamin E, various minerals and vitamins.

*They have a sweet nutty taste and firm but tender texture.

*When buying, select clean, dry, healthy, good-sized sunflower seeds and store in a clean, dry, airtight container in a cool, dry place, preferably in the refrigerator.

*As they have a high content of unsaturated fats, they become rancid very easily, so if there is an off odor, they are not to be eaten.

Are they raw?

Yes and No.
*Yes, if picked fresh or if it says raw or sundried on the package.
*No, because most of the sunflower seeds at the supermarkets are roasted and salted. Make sure you read the label.

Health Benefits

1. Excellent sources of mono and polyunsaturated fats, which are helpful in lowering total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides in the blood. Hence they are referred as heart smart snack.

2. They are also rich in linolenic acid, which is an essential fatty acid.

3. Very good sources of protein and dietary fiber, and low in carbohydrates. Hence it is considered a nutritionally dense food that provides all the essential nutrients in small servings, promotes satiety, and reduces hunger.

4. It may help in weight loss and maintenance.

5. Very good sources of minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, copper and manganese, which are essential for proper metabolic activities.

6. Good source of zinc that plays an important role in fighting off infections, healing wounds and building a strong immune system.

7. The magnesium in these seeds has a calming effect on nerves, muscles and blood vessels, thus preventing migraine headaches, asthma, and reducing the risk of heart diseases and stroke, and relieving fatigue, muscle soreness and tension.

8. Rich source of vitamin E and selenium, both of which are antioxidants that protect the cells from damage by free radicals and thus prevent diseases like various types of cancers, and cardiovascular diseases.

9. Rich source of B group vitamins like thiamine and folic acid that enhance the energy production from foods, and help in the synthesis of important biomolecules like hemoglobin, DNA, RNA etc.