Are Sunflower Seeds Nuts | Benefits of Sunflower Seeds

Are Sunflower Seeds Nuts? Can you eat them? What are their benefits? Let’s find out everything in detail about all these questions!

If you are wondering – Are Sunflower Seeds Nuts and have questions about whether you can eat them or not, then you are at the right place!

Have a look at the best mini sunflower varieties in India here

Difference Between Nuts and Seeds

Nuts are seeded dry fruits with a hard outer layer, which is also called a pericarp. On the other hand, the seeds are within the outer layer of a fruit and stores the necessary food to nourish the plant for its growth.

Is Sunflower Seed a Nut?

Many nuts can be seeds, but not all seeds are nuts. The flowering head of the sunflower has umpteen disc florets that eventually develop into seeds. Hence sunflower seeds are not nuts.

Types of Sunflower Seeds

1. Oilseed – Majorly used for producing sunflower seed oil and bird feed.
2. Nonoilseed – Used for raw eating purposes.

The edible sunflower seeds are inside the inedible black-white striped hulls. Whereas those used for extracting sunflower oil have solid black shells.

Sunflower seeds have a crunchy and nutty flavor. Roasting them enhances their flavor further.

Nutrients in Sunflower Seeds

Sunflower seeds are rich in vitamins-E, B1, and B6. Besides, they are a great source of minerals like magnesium, protein, copper, selenium, manganese, and zinc. The seeds also have immunity-boosting antioxidants, thanks to the phenolic acids and flavonoids present in them.

Benefits of Sunflower Seeds

• Minerals like selenium and zinc increase immunity. The consumption of seeds also helps in reducing inflammation and other infections.
• Sunflower seeds are packed with healthy fats, and lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.
• Thanks to the multitude of vitamins and proteins present, the seeds enhance the energy levels in the body by increasing blood circulation and metabolism.
• Excellent source of Vitamin E, folate, and zinc; the seeds are great for an expecting mother’s health.