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Sunflower seeds are small but mighty. They’re high in protein, Vitamin B-6, Magnesium, Vitamin E and Iron. Four key benefits of adding sunflower seeds to your diet include:
- Promote healthy cholesterol levels because they’re high in phytosterol
- Promotes a healthy cardiovascular, nervous and immune system because of the high levels of Magnesium
- Sunflower seeds are said to be an anti-inflammatory because they contain Selenium.
- The tiny seed is also said to promote heart health because of the vitamin E and level of Magnesium, which is good for the cardiovascular, nervous and immune system.
If you’re wondering how to incorporate these healthy but oh so delicious gems into your diet, I’ve got you covered! Here are 13 ways to use sunflower seeds in recipes and foods you may never have even thought of.
1. Add sunflower seeds to your salad
Sunflower seeds are a great topping for a salad! You know how a salad can sometimes lack that crunch that you get when you have a ceasar (after all, not every salad can have croutons). So, why not use sunflower seeds instead. It adds an extra dimension to what can sometimes be a little bland. Give it a shot. It works on almost any salad. (Roasted pine nuts can be another great alternative).
2. Homemade Chocolate Bark
This one might sound a little odd when you just read the name, but trust me on this one.
Homemade salted dark chocolate bark, with sunflower seeds is a killer way of turning a simple piece (or pieces) of chocolate into something above and beyond. It not only gives an extra oomph to chocolate (along with the zing of the salt) it also adds – yes you got it, that crunch and different texture that makes it far more interesting to eat.
On top of that, the health benefits, along with that dark chocolate (yes, chocolate has some benefits) is sure to be a winner amongst adults.
3. Vegan Paleo Sunflower Mayonaise
Whip yourself up some Vegan & Paleo Sunflower Mayo. Now that is very on trend at that moment. And with the emulsifying properties of sunflower seeds there to help, you end up with something that despite not having eggs is still tasty, thick and very “mayo” like.
4. Spice Up Your Trail Mix
Sure, you already have your trail mix staples on hand. And a recipe that you love to dive into by the fistful while hiking that trail on the weekend. But, have you ever added seeds to the mix? Try sunflower seedsm or even pumpkin seeds if you are trying this in the fall season. After all, pumpkins have so many great uses too.
5. What About Sunflower Bread
Yet another a diverse way of throwing sunflowers into the mix is a delicious loaf of sunflower seed bread. Ok, I would be lying if I did not admit this bread is also stuff full of other yummy seeds and stomach filling goodness, but sunflower seeds appear prominently in there for sure. Sick of your standard sour dough or white bread? Give it a try this weekend.
6 Sunflower Seed Butter, What?
Homemade sunflower seed butter is the bomb. There, I said it. This recipe takes only about a quarter of an hour so you really have no excuses. And it is dead simple. So, intrigued about the taste of butter made with sunflowers? Now there is no stopping you.
7. A Veggie Topping
Dead simple. Top a celery stick with peanut butter, honey and sunflower seeds. Or even a carrot. Here comes that extra crunch again. Getting the idea?
8. Kale Pesto
Dreaming of big plate of pasta, pure Italian style. Then this kale pesto might just be the ticket. Easy to make, and healthy as well, it’s definitely one for those busy nights when you don’t have time to cook.
9. Protein Power
If you are inclined to make your own protein bars or balls then sometimes it pays to add a little extra health and flavor boost. Sunflower seeds are just the ticket.
10. Homemade Crackers
Another easy way to add sunflower seeds to your homemade treats. And with these healthy crackers you will be add to another another great snack to your repertoire.
11. Avocado Toast
Avocado toast is in at the moment, and for good reason. That salty smooth goodness, spread all over some crispy toast is a godsend. And with the extra crunch of sunflower seeds, it rises to a new level.
12. Homemade Coleslaw
Another dish that just screams “add some sunflower seeds” is coleslaw, and this recipe hits the spot.
13. Muffin Toppings
Seeds or nuts as a topping is definitely nothing new, but the addition of sunflower seeds to those tasty morning muffins adds a little health kick. So why not give it a shot.
Here are some sunflower seeds you can grab online to use in your next favorite recipe.
- Contains twelve 5.25 oz bags of DAVID Original Sunflower Seeds, great for group and solo snacking
- Power through baseball season with these flavorful sunflower seed snacks, roasted and salted to perfection
- 12 Count Variety of 6 Ounce Spitz Sunflower Seeds
- Special seasoning blends
- 12 Count Variety of 6 Ounce Spitz Sunflower Seeds
- Special seasoning blends