FOUR INCREDIBLE SEEDS 3 of 4 Sunflower& Pumkin

FOUR INCREDIBLE SEEDS 3 of 4 Sunflower& Pumkin

Sunflower Seeds

Sunflower seeds contain a good amount of protein, monounsaturated fats and vitamin E. One ounce (28 grams) of sunflower seeds contains (44):

Calories: 164
Fiber: 2.4 grams
Protein: 5.8 grams
Monounsaturated fat: 5.2 grams
Omega-6 fats: 6.4 grams
Vitamin E: 47% of the RDI
Mn: 27% of the RDI
Mg: 23% of the RDI

Sunflower seeds may be associated with reduced inflammation in middle-aged and older people, which may help reduce the risk of heart disease.

An observational study of more than 6,000 adults found that a high intake of nuts and seeds was associated with reduced inflammation (45Trusted Source).

In particular, consuming sunflower seeds more than five times per week was associated with reduced levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a key chemical involved in inflammation.

Another study examined whether eating nuts and seeds affected blood cholesterol levels in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes (46Trusted Source).

The women consumed 30 grams of sunflower seeds or almonds (as a treat I make almo d milk without straining and add it to my smoothie) every day for three weeks.

By the end of the study, both the almond and sunflower seed groups had experienced reduced total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. The sunflower seed diet reduced triglycerides in the blood more than the almond diet, though.

However, “good” HDL cholesterol was also reduced, suggesting that sunflower seeds may reduce both good and bad types of cholesterol.

Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds are one of the most commonly consumed types of seeds, and are good sources of phosphorus, monounsaturated fats and omega-6 fats.

A 1-ounce (28-gram) serving of pumpkin seeds contains (37):

Calories: 151
Fiber: 1.7 grams
Protein: 7 grams
Monounsaturated fat: 4 grams
Omega-6 fats: 6 grams
Mn: 42% of the RDI
Mg: 37% of the RDI
Phosphorus: 33% of the RDI
Zinc 2.7 mg 30% RDI for women, 23% RDI for men

These seeds have been reported to have a number of health benefits, likely due to their wide range of nutrients.

One observational study of more than 8,000 people found that those who had a higher intake of pumpkin and sunflower seeds had a significantly reduced risk of breast cancer (39Trusted Source).

Another study in children found that pumpkin seeds may help lower the risk of bladder stones by reducing the amount of calcium in urine (40Trusted Source).

Bladder stones are similar to kidney stones. They’re formed when certain minerals crystalize inside the bladder, which leads to abdominal discomfort.

A couple of studies have shown that pumpkin seed oil can improve symptoms of prostate and urinary disorders (41Trusted Source, 42Trusted Source).

These studies also showed that pumpkin seed oil may reduce symptoms of overactive bladder and improve quality of life for men with enlarged prostates.

A study of postmenopausal women also found that pumpkin seed oil may help reduce blood pressure, increase “good” HDL cholesterol and improve menopause symptoms.

GOTO PART 4 FOR FOUR FRUITS AND COMPLETE RECIPE BY ERNIE BIERA