EATING SUNFLOWER SEEDS SHELLS, GOOD OR BAD?

This article explains whether you should eat sunflower seed shells.

Sunflower seeds are nutritious, and they’re delicious as a snack. But ou may wonder whether it’s safe or nutritious to eat the shells.

This article explains whether you should eat sunflower seed shells.

1. Health benefits of Sunflower seeds

– Reducing Inflammation: For those with short-term or chronic inflammation, sunflower seeds can offer anti-inflammatory benefits. Sunflower seeds contain vitamin E, flavonoids, and other plant compounds that can reduce inflammation.

– Improving Heart Health: Sunflower seeds are rich in ‘healthy’ fats, including polyunsaturated fat and monounsaturated fat. A three-fourths cup serving of sunflower seeds contains 14 grams of fat. Studies found that consumption of seeds — including sunflower seeds — was linked to lower rates of cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.

– Supporting the Immune System: Sunflower seeds are a source of many vitamins and minerals that can support your immune system and increase your ability to fight off viruses. These include both zinc and selenium. Zinc plays a vital role in the immune system, helping the body maintain and develop immune cells. Selenium also plays a role in reducing inflammation, fighting infection, and boosting immunity.

– Boosting Energy Levels: While the high levels of protein in sunflower seeds already help boost your energy levels, other nutrients like vitamin B and selenium can help keep you energized. The vitamin B1 (also known as thiamin) present in sunflower seeds can help you convert food to energy, which can keep you active throughout the day. Selenium can increase blood flow and deliver more oxygen to your body.

2. You shouldn’t eat the shells

Whole sunflower seeds are often roasted, salted, and seasoned in their shells. However, the shells have to be spit out and should not be eaten.

The shells, also called hulls, are tough, fibrous, and difficult to chew. They’re high in fibers called lignin and cellulose, which your body can’t digest.

3. What to do with the shells

If you eat a lot of sunflower seeds and don’t want to throw away the shells, you can use them in several ways. One option is to apply them as mulch in your garden, as they help prevent weeds from growing around your plants.

You can also use them as a coffee or tea substitute. Just toast the shells lightly in an oven or frying pan, then grind them in a spice grinder. Steep 1 tablespoon (12 grams) per 1 cup (240 mL) of hot water.

Kentary hopes that you have had your own answer to the question whether or not you should eat sunflower seed shells. Wish you health!

Sources: healthline, webmd