Perhaps, now there is no such person who has never tried fried sunflower seeds. The harm and benefits of this popular goodies have been discussed for a long time, but most fans of clicking them do not even think about it. For several hundred years, sunflower has been one of the common plants. And when people tasted the taste of his seeds, he also became the most beloved for many. And now both children and adults eat them. Sometimes the husking of seeds turns into a bad habit and can even cause some diseases. To get rid of addiction to seeds is quite difficult, and not necessary, because they are also useful.
What vitamins are in seeds
Scientists have found that this plant is very useful and contains a large amount of vitamins and minerals:
- There is a lot of vitamin A in the seeds, which is good for vision and healthy skin.
- The daily requirement of the body for vitamin E is made up for only 50 grams of seeds. And, as you know, this vitamin is the strongest antioxidant and helps in the work of the heart muscle.
- Vitamin D, useful for bone growth, is found in seeds even in larger quantities than in cod liver.
- There is a lot of vitamin B in them, which is useful for the skin, hair and the health of the nervous system.
What else is contained in the seeds
In addition to vitamins, the seeds of this plant contain many carbohydrates and a large amount of vegetable fats. More than 25% of a complete protein of seeds contains essential amino acids. In addition, sunflower is a source of trace elements important for the body, especially a lot of magnesium and zinc. And there is more potassium in seeds than in bananas and many other products. They also have a lot of folic acid, calcium, iodine and selenium. Moreover, all these substances are stored in seeds all year round. Vegetable fats are a source of fatty acids, which are very important for human health. Disputes over whether fried sunflower seeds are useful have long ceased. It is believed that during heat treatment, many trace elements are destroyed and this product becomes dangerous. But if you choose and fry them correctly, then all the properties are preserved.
The benefits of fried sunflower seeds
Such a rich set of useful microelements makes the favorite delicacy of many very useful. They are quite high in calories, but are easily digested and completely absorbed by the body. A great positive health effect is fried sunflower seeds. The harm and benefits of this product have been studied by scientists for a long time. How do seeds act on health?
- the antioxidants and vitamins contained in them inhibit the aging process;
- It is an excellent tool for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases;
- the optimal content of proteins, fats and carbohydrates helps to establish an acid-base balance;
- the use of sunflower seeds in food dulls appetite and contributes to weight loss, and is also useful for diet food;
- seeds stimulate digestion, improve liver function and clear the bile ducts;
- they strengthen immunity and accelerate wound healing;
- The process of cleansing the seeds is an excellent sedative, helps to relax and helps fight bad habits.
Sunflower seeds for skin and hair beauty
But this product not only has a beneficial effect on health. Such a large number of positive properties of this delicacy makes you wonder: what is the use of fried sunflower seeds for the beauty of skin and hair? The high content of fatty acids, perfectly absorbed by the body, helps to maintain youth and beauty. The substances that make up the seeds inhibit aging, improve the condition of not only the skin, but also the nails and hair. For example, vitamin B protects against acne and dandruff, vitamin A fights against dry skin, and E is a powerful antioxidant that improves regeneration processes. In addition to eating seeds, you can use them externally. In cosmetology, they have long been used to create masks and scrubs for hair and body. They remove dead cells and renew the skin, improving its condition.
Are roasted sunflower seeds harmful?
But experts believe that all of the above applies only to raw seeds. They must be consumed fresh and cleaned immediately before eating. Only in this way they will not undergo oxidation and retain all the beneficial properties. They say that the harm of fried sunflower seeds is such that not everyone can eat them. But in fact, it all depends on how to use them correctly. If the seeds are fresh, their shell is not damaged, and they are not overcooked, then their useful properties are preserved. Of course, with prolonged heat treatment, all vitamins are destroyed, and toxic substances are even formed in the seeds. In addition, they are often sold already cleaned, in which case oxidation processes take place in them and there is little useful in this. But in most cases, you can safely eat fried sunflower seeds. Their benefit and harm depend on their quality and method of preparation.
What health damage can sunflower seeds bring?
But if you use them incorrectly or choose a low-quality product, it is difficult to avoid harmful effects. What are the doctors warning about?
- when the seeds are snapped with teeth, the enamel is destroyed, often the front teeth darken, a gap may form between them;
- sometimes sunflowers are grown using a large number of chemicals that are absorbed into the seeds and get into the body when they are used;
- If the seeds are overcooked, they can cause heartburn and exacerbation of gastric diseases. This is especially bad for those with gastritis and a stomach ulcer or liver dysfunction;
- The harm of fried sunflower seeds is also manifested in the fact that they irritate the throat, especially the vocal cords. Therefore, their singers are not recommended.
How to use this product
For many, a habitual sight is when someone eats fried sunflower seeds. The harm and benefits of this product have long been the subject of controversy. And lovers of seeds still continue to bite them. How to reduce the negative consequences of their use?
- Try to buy seeds grown in ecologically clean areas, if possible without the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
- It is advisable to purchase them not in packaging, so that it can be seen in what condition they are. So you can determine whether the product is fresh.
- It is best to buy unpeeled seeds and fry them yourself, subjecting them to minimal heat treatment.
- Do not eat them too much, especially after a meal, because they are very high in calories.
- To avoid problems with teeth and prevent microbes from entering the body, it is best to clean the seeds with your hands.
How are sunflower seeds used
In addition to the usual eating of this delicacy, seeds are widely used in cooking. They are added to pastries, salads and main dishes. Everyone knows the oriental sweetness made from them - kozinaki. But in order to understand whether fried sunflower seeds are useful, you need to study the history of their spread. After all, this plant appeared in Europe only in the 16th century, and at first it was not consumed. And they brought a sunflower from America, where the locals used it to make paints and medicines. Now seeds are also used in folk medicine in the treatment of certain diseases.
1. If you boil 2-3 tablespoons of seeds in half a liter of water with sugar, this broth can cure cough with bronchitis.
2. From an immature seed, a cure for atherosclerosis is prepared. To do this, 500 grams of seeds need to be boiled for a couple of hours in two liters of water and drink the broth in small portions.
3. If the crushed seeds are mixed with sour cream, an effective face mask will be obtained, after application of which the skin will become smooth and velvety.
The process of clicking seeds
Whatever the name of this lesson is to husk, flip, peel, peel, or alkali - but the essence is one. This process captivates and is often compared to meditation. It helps to relax and calm down. And if you clean the seeds with your hands, then there is also a massage of the fingertips, rich in nerve endings. Psychologists believe that this process helps to establish contacts and communicate more at ease, and it is also easier to get rid of bad habits. And fried sunflower seeds can help to lose weight. Their harm and benefits are unequal, so do not give up your favorite treats.