Great things come in small packages, and in the case of our sunflower seeds, the packages are absolutely delicious! So delicious, in fact, that sometimes we can start munching on a bag of Smokehouse BBQ or Dill Pickle flavored sunflower seeds, and before we know it, half of the bag is gone. 😳
This begs the question; is there such a thing as eating too many sunflower seeds?
Thankfully, sunflower seeds are a pretty healthy snack that are rich in magnesium, folate (a vitamin that aids in DNA synthesis), phosphorus (assists with bone health), and B6 vitamins (hello healthy brain development!). Additionally, they’re low in carbohydrates, and are a great source for extra protein in your diet, plus vitamin E, fiber, and healthy fats that support heart health and reduce risk of cardiovascular disease. Bonus: Chinook Seedery sunflower seeds are also gluten free, low-salt and contain no MSG. Who knew sunflower seeds were so chock-full of good-for-you benefits?!
Calories
Sunflower seeds have a modest amount of calories when eaten in moderation, and when eaten in balance with other foods they’re a healthy addition to many diets!
Sodium
Sunflower seeds brands that are high in salt are also something to keep an eye on, as too much sodium in-take in your diet can raise your blood pressure, which contributes to other issues including increased risk of stroke, heart disease, osteoporosis, stomach cancer and kidney disease, according to the American Heart Association. Choosing a low-salt sunflower seed and enjoying in moderation is the best option for those who are concerned about their sodium intake.
MSG
Another issue for some flavored sunflower seed brands is the inclusion of unwanted additives such as MSG (monosodium glutamate) or other artificial flavorings. Many people are sensitive to MSG, which means consuming it in large quantities when eating sunflower seeds isn’t ideal. As reported by the Mayo Clinic, MSG can cause adverse reactions, known as MSG symptom complex, that can include headaches, numbness, tingling or burning in the face and neck, heart palpitations and chest pain. This is a part of the reason why at Chinook Seedery, we’re proud to say that our sunflower seeds flavorings are made from real foods and spices, and our products are non-GMO verified and never contain MSG.
While we can’t tell you exactly how many sunflowers you should eat in a day to reap the benefits, we do know that following the recommended serving size and easting sunflower seeds in moderation to your current diet is a great way of getting in extra protein, poly-saturated fat and essential vitamins. Plus, they’re pretty delicious, if we can say so ourselves!
Of course, if you have any specific concerns about your diet or sunflower seed intake, we always recommend talking to your doctor or another trusted health professional.
Happy snacking!