By Claire Diab and Dennis Boyle
The healthiest summer snack … sunflower seeds! … New research is showing that sunflower seeds nourish your body, mind, and soul. Here are some of the amazing benefits!
- Vitamin E – Great for skin and hair. Promotes healthy circulation and production of red blood cells. One ounce of sunflower seeds has two-thirds of your recommended daily intake of this nutrient!
- Vitamin B-1 – Increased energy; good for your eyes and brain function.
- Copper – Benefits your skin and hair; your body uses copper to make melanin, which can protect you from UV rays when spending time in the sun – perfect for summer!
- Protein – Provides energy, builds and strengthens muscles.
- Folic Acid/Vitamin B-9 – Heart health, mood regulation, diabetes prevention.
- Essential minerals: Calcium, iron, manganese, zinc, magnesium – improves bone health, red blood cell production, hormone production, and heart health.
Who says eating healthy has to be boring! Enjoy these tasty treats, and know you are nourishing your body, mind, and spirit!
Take them to work, keep some in your car, and bring them to the beach. Sprinkle them on salads, rice, veggies, or even hot and cold cereal. You can soak them in water overnight and blend them into soups to add nutrients and texture … or swap out your peanut butter for sun butter!
Claire Diab is an internationally recognized Yoga therapist. She is the director of the Yoga Program for the Chopra Center founded by Dr. Deepak Chopra and Dr. David Simon. She is an adjunct professor of Asian Studies at Seton Hall University. She is the author of several books and DVDs on Yoga including “Yoga For Firefighters.”
Dennis Boyle is a retired fire director and acting chief with the West Orange (NJ) Fire Department. He was the recipient of the 1999 New Jersey Deputy Fire Chiefs “Fire Officer of the Year” award.
