Roasting Sunflower Seeds

Who doesn't like sunflower seeds, especially when they are salted, roasted or toasted? They can be eaten in just about any way that you can imagine as they are excellent when baked in cookies, sprinkled on salads, eaten raw or toasted, either by themselves or added to a trail-mix.

The sunflower is thought to be the most cheerful flower in the world. It is a symbol of light, hope, innocence, strength and endurance.

The sunflower follows the sun from sunrise to sunset. In the morning the face of the flower faces east, and as the sun moves toward the west, the sunflower follows so that by evening it faces westward where the sun sets. Its soft, bright yellow petals around the seeds even resemble the light and the shape of the sun.

When the seeds are harvested they are dried before being sold or processed. They can be bought with or without the shell, raw or toasted. The seeds are also processed into butter and oil.

Sunflower seeds are high in protein, which makes them a good substitute for meat and other proteins. They are an excellent source of omega-6 fatty acids, and dietary fiber. Plus, they are high in vitamin E and many B vitamins. They also contain minerals, such as potassium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, selenium, calcium, and zinc.

Sunflower seeds have been used as a diuretic, as relief from constipation, chest pain, rheumatism, ulcers and allergies. They are safe to take in cases of parasites and can help to eliminate free radicals from the body. Free radicals have been referred to as the number 1 cause of diseases. As for oral health, they are a good remedy for bleeding gums and can slow down tooth decay. Additionally, sunflower seeds are good for the heart, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, as well as the eyes, skin, hair, nails, and teeth.

However, as good as sunflower seeds are for you, you do not want to eat too many because they are phosphorus and this could result in a loss of calcium. Eating a handful of hulled seeds every day should be sufficient enough to obtain all the health benefits.

Unshelled sunflower seeds are great when it comes to losing weight or trying to quit smoking. Hulling the seeds keeps one occupied and takes the mind off that bag of chips or pack of cigarettes. Also because they are so nutritious they will help to naturally suppress those nasty food cravings.

Sunflower seeds can also be sprouted and tossed into salads or eaten on sandwiches. They can be sprouted in a sprouting bag, jar, or in a layer of dirt. Sprouted sunflower seeds are a good source of chlorophyll which helps in detoxifying the liver and blood. Chlorophyll also acts as a natural body deodorizer.

It is best to buy the seeds raw, either hulled or in the shell. This way you can eat them any way you like. And if you want to roast and salt them, you have full control as to how much salt you put on. If you do add salt I recommend you use unrefined sea salt.

Here's how you can roast your own sunflower seeds:

1) Put about 2 cups of seeds (still in the shell) in a microwave safe bowl and microwave for about 90 seconds.

2) Remove and sprinkle on the seeds about 2 tbsp of water and salt to taste. Stir the seeds to ensure all seeds are wet and salted.

3) Return to microwave for another 60 seconds.

4) Remove and stir.

5) Return to microwave for about 40 seconds.

6) Remove and stir. At this point taste the seeds and return again if needed for 20-30 seconds.

You may have to repeat step 6 several times depending on how roasted you like them, plus each microwave will differ. You don't want to leave them in for too long as these seeds do burn easily.

Sunflower seeds do lose some antioxidants and healthy fats during roasting, but nevertheless they are still good for you.