The benefits of sunflower seeds
Sunflowers come from North and South America. The Aztecs and Incas, this large bright flower was a symbol of the sun. In Europe the plant was brought by the conquistadors.
Sunflower seeds contain a rich set of trace elements: phosphorus, selenium, copper, zinc, magnesium, potassium, iron, fatty acids, vegetable protein, b vitamins, C and E. 100 g of seeds with more than covers the requirement of vitamin E which is a powerful antioxidant, participates in the regeneration of body cells and in the interaction of oxygen molecules with cells.
The minerals contained in sunflower seeds is necessary for proper functioning of the most important systems of the body: musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal. The seeds stimulate the activity of the intestines, acting as a mild laxative. In addition, they regulate the acidity of the stomach. Due to this, a handful of sunflower seeds will help to cope with heartburn. However, roasted seeds lose much of useful properties.
Useful only unroasted unshelled sunflower seeds. During heat treatment destroyed many of the nutrients contained in them.
Damage of sunflower seeds
You must keep in mind the high calorie content of sunflower seeds: 580 kcal per 100 g of product. Accordingly, excessive consumption of sunflower seeds can distressing impact on the figure. Breaking the shell with your teeth causes damage to tooth enamel, so it is best to clean the seeds with your fingers.
Great importance is place where grew the sunflower. This flower absorbs from the soil all contained harmful substances, including salts of heavy metals. So the sunflower seeds that grew by the side of the road or railway, will be simply harmful.
The benefits of pumpkin seeds
Pumpkin seeds are not less useful than the sunflower, and are almost as popular. Pumpkin seeds contain polyunsaturated fatty acids, amino acids, vitamins A, C, B1, essential oil, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron. Pumpkin seeds can be considered a champion of the plant world in zinc content. This trace mineral is especially important for men for the prevention and treatment of diseases of the prostate. In addition, zinc participates in the regulation of blood sugar levels and very useful for diabetics.
Polyunsaturated fatty acids and amino acids contained in pumpkin seeds, necessary for the cardiovascular and immune systems. Pumpkin seeds can help relieve early morning sickness during pregnancy. Pounded seeds, mixed with honey, are an excellent vermifuge. As sunflower, pumpkin seeds it is better not to fry and dry in the sun or cool in the oven, not to destroy the contained nutrients. Pumpkin seeds during long storage, not only lose their useful properties, but acquire an unpleasant flavor.
Chewed seeds are used as successfully burns and healing wounds, if they apply on the affected area of the body.
Damage pumpkin seeds
Quite hard rind of the seeds 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 their excessive consumption can lead to unwanted weight gain.