Medicinal Uses for Sunflower Seeds

Potassium

• Adults should ingest approximately 4,700 mg of potassium per day and sunflower seeds are a good source of potassium. One cup of non-salted sunflower seeds has at least 1,300 mg and a mere 4 mg of sodium. Vegetables and fruit are also a good source of potassium. According to Oregon State University, potassium reduces the risk of stroke or kidney stones. Potassium also helps maintain ideal bone mineral density levels, which helps reduce the chance of osteoporosis; the nutrient also lowers blood pressure.

Magnesium

• Just a 1/4 cup of sunflower seeds will provide you with approximately 32 percent of the magnesium you should have everyday. Magnesium acts as a bodyguard for our nerve cells and prevents too much calcium from invading them. A calcium overload or a magnesium deficiency would damage or unsettle nerve cells and surrounding muscles and vessels. For example, too many nervous systems messages can cause a muscle spasm. According to the George Mateljan Foundation, magnesium can also help lower the risk of stroke and heart problems, reduce blood pressure, eliminate migraines and lessen the severity of asthma-related conditions.

Vitamin E

• Approximately 91 percent of a person's daily Vitamin E intake is provided by 1/4 cup of sunflower seeds. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects some of the body's essential cells and molecules, including healthy levels of cholesterol. Vitamin E is also an anti-inflammatory agent, and according to the George Mateljan Foundation, reduces the risk of colon cancer and diabetic complications. It can even reduce the severity of hot flashes related to menopause..

Quit Smoking

• Some former smokers have successfully quit with the help of sunflower seeds. Removing the shells from the seeds and then munching on them allows engages the smoker in an activity that still involves their mouth and hands.