Nutrititional Information on Sunflower Seeds

Sunflower seeds are an achene (a dry fruit from a flowering plant). There are two commercial types: black hulls (higher oil content) and striped hulls (lower oil content). The black are commonly used to make sunflower oil and are used for birdseed.
The striped seeds are used for human consumption, either with or without the hulls. Sunflower seeds can be eaten roasted, unroasted, in bread or as sunflower seed butter.

Vitamins

• The B vitamins in sunflower seeds include B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (PLP) and B9 (folate). Other vitamins in sunflower seeds are vitamin C and vitamin E.

Minerals

• Sunflower seeds contain iron, calcium, zinc, selenium, magnesium, manganese, potassium and phosphorus.

Cholesterol-Lowering Aspect

• Sunflower seeds contain phytosterols, which lower cholesterol.

Fat

• Saturated fat, polyunsaturated fat and monounsaturated fat are found in sunflower seeds.

Carbs & Protein

• Sunflower seeds contain sugar and are a good source of fiber and protein.

Fatty Acid

• An unsaturated omega-6 fatty acid, called linoleic acid, is found in sunflower seeds.