Sunflower seeds: caloric content and composition

In the 18th century, sunflower seeds were brought to Russia from North America, but at first they were not used for food. For a while the sunflower was considered an ornamental plant, it was grown just for decorating the garden. Today, his seeds are the favorite delicacy of many people. By the way, in European countries, sunflower seeds are considered exclusively for livestock.

In our country, sunflower seeds gnaw at everything from small to large, mainly from doing nothing. Many do not even suspect how high in calories the seeds are. Caloric content of this product is very high, about 570 kcal per 100 g (they contain 4 g of carbohydrates and 21 g of protein). Impressive caloric content is explained by a rather high fat content: in 100 g there is 51 g.

Since ancient times it is known that the seeds of a sunflower contain a huge amount of oil, which is widely used in cooking. Sunflower seeds, despite their fat content and nutritional content, contain useful substances that are so necessary for our body. Regular eating of sunflower seeds has a beneficial effect on our skin, and also helps to regulate the acid-base balance in the oral cavity.

Seeds can be eaten in boiled, raw and fried form, also used as fillings. It should be noted that in the fried form they almost completely lose their useful properties, so it is better to eat raw seeds. Caloric content during roasting at times increases and reaches 623 kcal, and this has a very negative effect on the figure.

From the seeds, vegetable oils and confectionery products are prepared . The most famous product are kozinaki, they are made from purified seeds. This delicacy in Russia is no less popular than fried seeds. Caloric value Kozinkov is quite large - 593 kcal per 100 grams. Meanwhile, this product surprises with its healing properties. Kozinaki perfectly restore the body after the transferred infectious diseases, strengthen the immune system, promote rapid healing of soft tissues.

Sunflower seeds composition:

Fatty unsaturated acids;

· Magnesium;

· Zinc;

· Vitamin complex: A, E, D, B.

The use of sunflower seeds promotes the prevention of atherosclerosis, lowering the level of cholesterol, improving the condition of the skin and hair. In addition, the process of eating seeds has a calming effect on the nervous system and contributes to the cessation of smoking (distracting from addiction). Those who want to gain weight need to eat 100 grams of seeds a day, they increase appetite and give the body the necessary source of energy.

However, to use them better in the raw, dried and unpurified form, because. During thermal treatment, biologically active substances are destroyed . It must be remembered that they can not be abused. The fact is that, in addition to the fact that the calorie content of the seeds is very high, they have a negative effect on the quality of tooth enamel. To avoid damaging the enamel, it is recommended to clean them with your hands.

If you are suffering from heartburn, chew some raw, purified seeds, and the ailment will quickly leave you. They will help in the fight against acne, especially in adolescence. They are good at coughing. To do this, 30 grams of raw seeds should be poured a glass of water and add a teaspoon of honey. The resulting mass of boil to ¼ mixture and strain. Take a healing potion three times a day on a teaspoonful.

The disadvantages include the fact that when roasted seeds enter the body, accumulation of salts occurs in our joints, as a result, the latter lose their mobility. Despite the fact that the calorie seeds are quite high, you do not need to give them up altogether. The main thing is to use them correctly, without overeating. Then this product, so beloved by many, will only benefit.