Sunflower Seeds

I’mSunflower seeds are rich in the B complex vitamins, which are essential for a healthy nervous system, and are a good source of phosphorus, magnesium, iron, calcium, potassium, protein and vitamin E.  They also contain trace minerals, zinc, manganese, copper, chromium and carotene as well as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids – types of ‘good’ fat that may help to protect the arteries. A good natural source of zinc, sunflower seeds are also popular immune boosters!

Looking for more ways to boost your immune system, but can’t meet your recommended daily intake of vitamin C? Take a look at these vitamin C tablets and if you need to supplement with calcium, have a look here.

Back to sunflower seeds… They may also help protect against heart disease while their vitamin B can help in the fight against stress! High in protein and low in carbohydrates, sunflower seeds make the ideal pick-me-up tasty snack. Sprinkle them over your oats or make your own homemade sunflower seed butter. It’s so easy to make, so healthy and oh so delicious!

Want to stock up on more seeds? Buy our chia seeds here, hemp seeds here and our pumpkin seeds here. We love using them to make The Green Dietitian’s omega seed mix:

Omega Seed Mix

150g dried fruit like goji berries, cranberries or raisins
8 tbsp sunflower seeds
8 tbsp pumpkin seeds
6 tbsp chia seeds
1 tsp ceylon cinnamon

Method

1. Heat a non-stick pan on high heat.
2. Add all of the ingredients to the pan and toast until the seeds begin to go golden, tossing the seeds constantly to prevent burning.
3. Throw into a jar and enjoy as a snack or a topping to cereal, fruit or yoghurt.

Toasted chia seeds taste similar to poppy seeds and along with all of the other ingredients in this mix, you will get a delicious sweet toasted cinnamon seed combo that is rich in Omega 3 and 6 fats as well as zinc and iron. This mix is also very energy dense and will keep you feeling satisfied for hours. Perfect for those long work days!

Fun fact: toasting your seeds helps to make the zinc and iron in them more absorbable! 💪 Remember to always eat foods rich in vitamin C while you’re eating high-iron foods to increase your body’s absorption.