In a 3-week study, women with type 2 diabetes who ate 1 ounce (30 grams) of sunflower seeds daily as part of a balanced diet experienced a 5% drop in systolic blood pressure (the top number of a reading). This fatty acid also helps lower cholesterol. Your body uses linoleic acid to make a hormone-like compound that relaxes blood vessels, promoting lower blood pressure. The magnesium in sunflower seeds helps reduce blood pressure levels as well.Īdditionally, sunflower seeds are rich in unsaturated fatty acids, especially linoleic acid. As a result, it may help your blood vessels relax, lowering your blood pressure. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease, which can lead to heart attack or stroke.Ī compound in sunflower seeds blocks an enzyme that causes blood vessels to constrict. Though this type of study cannot prove cause and effect, it is known that vitamin E - which is abundant in sunflower seeds - helps lower C-reactive protein levels.įlavonoids and other plant compounds in sunflower seeds also help reduce inflammation. In a study in more than 6,000 adults, those who reported eating sunflower seeds and other seeds at least five times a week had 32% lower levels of C-reactive protein compared to people who ate no seeds. While short-term inflammation is a natural immune response, chronic inflammation is a risk factor for many chronic diseases.įor example, increased blood levels of the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein is linked to an increased risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Sunflower seeds may help lower blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar as they contain vitamin E, magnesium, protein, linoleic fatty acids and several plant compounds.įurthermore, studies link sunflower seeds to multiple other health benefits.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |