Sunflower and pumpkin seeds have so many health benefits that consuming them together might be the best move since that way, you absorb all of the nutritional content they offer.
All the vitamins and other minerals they contain will improve your immune system, give you healthy skin and provide you with protein.
Flax Seeds, Pumpkin Seeds, Sunflower Seeds – What Are They?
It is no wonder that tiny seeds are so popular nowadays since they offer both health and amazing flavor to the meals. Whether it is about sesame seeds, sunflower, pumpkin, flax, or chia seeds, these are rich sources of vitamins, healthy fats, and protein and can be enjoyed as a nutritious snack.
Seeds can be used in many different ways, for instance, in salads such as toppings, smoothies, oatmeal, or syrups. In addition, each of the super seeds mentioned improves your immune system and has a certain nutritional value.
What Is The Difference Between Sunflower And Pumpkin Seeds?
Whether you eat them as healthy snacks or you, put them in your meals to add flavor, pumpkin and sunflower seeds do their job. It is up to you to pick which ones to use and if you would mix them or not.
Both of these seeds improve the nutritional value of the things you consume daily. You could eat them raw, or you could eat roasted pumpkin seeds or roasted sunflower seeds. You could sprinkle them on the top of your snacks or just blend them in with the meal. In addition, the protein they contain is of high quality since it has all the essential amino acids.
Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds are not real seeds but the fruit of the sunflower, and their classification is fruit. They are smaller and thicker than pumpkin seeds. Their husks can be black and white. They taste nutty and can be eaten raw or roasted with salt for a better flavor.
The sunflower seed is a great magnesium source. It also contains copper, the mineral needed for maintaining healthy bones. In addition, the selenium in the sunflower seed is good for fighting against cancers and boosts your immune system to control the cell damage.
Being a good source of vitamin E, the sunflower seed is recommended for healthy skin, hair, and nails. A healthy body on the outside will result in a healthy immune system on the inside, so eating these seeds is a game-changer. The sunflower seed also contains vitamin C and can help your cardiovascular health.
The fat content and protein are similar in the pumpkin and the sunflower seed, although the sunflower seed is higher in dietary fiber and phosphorus.
Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds or pepita are true seeds and the edible part of pumpkins and squash. They are oval-shaped, with light green color. They are covered with white husks. They can also be roasted and mixed with salt for a better taste.
Not only does pumpkin seed provide you with Omega 3 fatty acids, but it is also a good source of magnesium and zinc. Zinc plays an important role in improving your immune system, especially for men, since it is a mineral that protects the prostate. Likewise, the magnesium in the pumpkin seed is important for a healthy heart. Also, pumpkin seeds come with zero cholesterol and no saturated fat.
Tryptophan is also a part of pumpkin seed, and it makes you able to sleep because the body converts it to serotonin. So overall, the pumpkin seed is very significant for the human body and health.
Can You Eat Sunflower Seeds And Pumpkin Seeds Together?
You can eat them together, and you should do it often. Mixing sunflower and pumpkin seeds and sometimes adding flax or sesame seeds offers many health benefits. This is good for your body in general.
They contain enough protein to maintain bones and muscle mass. The level of the alpha-linolenic acid is 3.1g, which provides normal blood glucose levels and can protect your blood vessels from any damage. Also, they offer vitamin E to protect your body cells and provide you with antioxidants. They also provide your body with zinc and good hair, nails, and skin.
Sunflower seeds’ protein amount can reduce the risk of having heart disease because the monounsaturated fats and Omega-3 fatty acids tend to reduce the cholesterol in your body. Therefore, they should be consumed if you want to reduce inflammation, thus lowering the risk of heart disease.
Try using sesame seeds in your diet, too, since these seeds are known to be a good fat source able to reduce bad cholesterol and help you stay healthy. However, use white seeds since they have more iron. Another option would be using chia seeds in the diet since they can help you lose weight by reducing your appetite.
You could treat yourself to a healthy salad by adding sunflower oil to the seeds.
FAQs
What Is the Appropriate Amount of Sunflower And Pumpkin Seeds to Consume?
The reasonable amount of sunflower or pumpkin seeds you should eat in a day is 30 grams or one ounce daily. Therefore, a healthy diet would include not more than a quarter cup of pumpkin/sunflower seeds in your food.
Can You Eat Pumpkin and Sunflower Seeds Before Bed?
You can enjoy a delicious snack with pumpkin or sunflower seeds before bed. Especially sunflower seeds containing the amino acid tryptophan can help you relax and reduce stress before bed. It will trigger the right chemicals in your brain to make you feel more relaxed and calm.
What Are Some Side Effects Of Eating Sunflower And Pumpkin Seeds?
Although seeds add flavor and taste to your food, you should not eat more seeds than the recommended daily amount. Eating too many pumpkin seeds can make you cough, irritate your throat and cause headaches. If you excessively consume sunflower seeds, you could end up with stomach pains, constipation, and vomiting. Since they are very rich in calories, you could gain weight too.
Hi, my name is Brett White, and I have a passion for cooking, and following a raw diet. Eating raw has completely changed how I view food, and has led me down a much healthier and happier path in life over the last three years.
Through Addicted To Veggies, I want to share with you my favorite raw recipes. From brownie recipes, to recipes containing pumpkin, my site is full of delicious and wonderful options to consider.
