Most of the nutrients that plants are rich in are found in their seeds. It's no wonder that tasty and healthy sunflower and pumpkin seeds have become a favorite treat in many countries.
The benefits of sunflower seeds
A sunflower native to South and North America. Among the Aztecs and Incas, this large bright flower was considered a symbol of the sun. The plant was brought to Europe by the conquistadors.
Sunflower seeds contain a rich set of trace elements: phosphorus, selenium, copper, zinc, magnesium, potassium, iron, polyunsaturated fatty acids, vegetable protein, vitamins of group B, C, E. 100 g of seeds more than covers the human need for vitamin E, which is the strongest antioxidant, is involved in the regeneration of body cells and in the interaction of oxygen molecules with cells.
The trace elements contained in sunflower seeds are necessary for the proper functioning of the most important body systems: musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal. The seeds stimulate the intestines by acting as a mild laxative. In addition, they regulate the acidity of the stomach. Thanks to this, a handful of seeds will help to cope with heartburn. However, roasted seeds lose most of their beneficial properties.
Only unroasted unpeeled sunflower seeds are useful. Heat treatment destroys many useful substances that they contain.
Sunflower seeds harm
It is necessary to keep in mind the high calorie content of sunflower seeds: 580 kcal per 100 g of product. Accordingly, excessive consumption of seeds can be detrimental to the figure. Cracking the shell with your teeth damages the tooth enamel, so it is best to clean the seeds with your fingers.
The place where the sunflower grew is of great importance. This flower absorbs all harmful substances from the soil, including salts of heavy metals. Therefore, sunflower seeds grown near the side of a road or railroad will be simply harmful.
The benefits of pumpkin seeds
Pumpkin seeds are just as healthy as sunflower seeds and are almost as popular. Pumpkin seeds contain fatty polyunsaturated acids, amino acids, vitamins A, C, B1, essential oil, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron. Pumpkin seeds can be considered the champion of the plant world in terms of zinc content. This trace element is especially important for men for the prevention and treatment of prostate diseases. In addition, zinc is involved in the regulation of blood sugar levels and is very beneficial for diabetics.
The polyunsaturated fatty acids and amino acids found in pumpkin seeds are essential for the functioning of the cardiovascular and immune systems. Pumpkin seeds will help relieve early pregnancy toxicosis. Crushed seeds mixed with honey are an excellent anthelmintic. Like sunflower seeds, it is better not to fry pumpkin seeds, but to dry them in the sun or in a cool oven, so as not to destroy the nutrients they contain. Peeled pumpkin seeds not only lose their beneficial properties during long-term storage, but also acquire an unpleasant aftertaste.
Chewed seeds are successfully used as an anti-burn and wound healing agent when applied to the affected area of the body.
Damage to pumpkin seeds
A sufficiently hard seed skin can damage the enamel of the teeth, so it is better to clean the seeds with your fingers. Pumpkin seeds are very high in calories, so excessive consumption can lead to unwanted weight gain.
