Sunflower seeds are highly nutritious food that we often supply to our parrots and chickens, yet neglect it in our own diets. Sunflower seeds are power-packed with healthy fats, proteins, fibers, minerals, vitamin E, and phytochemicals - all important to the nutritional quality of the diet and of fundamental importance to human health. They can be eaten raw or roasted and are available both hulled and unhulled.

The sunflower earned its name because its flowers resemble the sun and because they twist on their stems to follow the sun throughout the day. The seeds are a dark gray and green in color and covered encased in an oval black shell. They have a slight nutty taste and a tender texture.

Sunflower seeds can be used to enrich any meal. They can be sprinkled over cereals, salads, soups, mixed with vegetables, used on desserts or as snacks.

There are many health benefits of sunflower seeds. They contain high levels of vitamin E, choline, betaine, and phenolic acids. Vitamin E may protect against cardiovascular disease, lignans may protect against some cancers, and choline has been shown to play a role in memory and cognitive functions. They are also among the best foods you can eat to get cholesterol-lowering phytosterols.

Sunflower seeds should be a part of any diet, especially of those people who are seeking economical, easily digested, youth-protecting proteins.