If you’re looking for a healthy and nutritious snack, sunflower seeds are a great option. They are packed with essential nutrients like protein, fiber, healthy fats, and minerals. But what about the calorie count? Let’s find out how many calories are in sunflower seeds.
Calories in Sunflower Seeds
A quarter cup (30 grams) of sunflower seeds contains around 180 calories. This may seem like a lot, but it’s important to note that sunflower seeds are a calorie-dense food. In addition to calories, this serving size also contains:
6 grams of protein
4 grams of fiber
16 grams of fat, mostly healthy unsaturated fats
29% of the daily recommended intake (DRI) of vitamin E
As you can see, sunflower seeds are a nutrient-dense food that can provide many benefits to your health. They make for a great snack on their own, or you can add them to salads, trail mixes, or smoothies for some added crunch and nutrition.
Health Benefits of Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds are not only delicious, but they also have many health benefits. Here are some of the most significant:
Rich in antioxidants: Sunflower seeds contain vitamin E and other antioxidants that can help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Good for heart health: The healthy fats in sunflower seeds can help lower your LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, reducing your risk of heart disease.
May help regulate blood sugar: Sunflower seeds are a good source of fiber, which can help regulate your blood sugar levels and prevent spikes and crashes.
May aid in weight loss: Sunflower seeds are high in protein and fiber, both of which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied for longer, reducing your overall calorie intake.
May reduce inflammation: The nutrients in sunflower seeds may help reduce inflammation in the body, which is linked to many chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
It’s important to note that sunflower seeds are high in calories, so it’s essential to practice portion control. A quarter cup is an appropriate serving size for a snack, and you can adjust accordingly depending on your calorie needs.
Conclusion
Sunflower seeds are a delicious and healthy snack that can provide many essential nutrients. While they are calorie-dense, they also offer many health benefits, including improved heart health, blood sugar regulation, and reduced inflammation. Remember to practice portion control and enjoy sunflower seeds as part of a healthy and balanced diet.
