| Introduction
Mother Nature has created a nutritional power pack that is hard
to beat in sunflower seeds. Healthy unsaturated fats, protein and
fiber, plus important nutrients like vitamin E, selenium, copper,
zinc, folate, iron and phytochemicals come wrapped up in this small
and perhaps unsuspected package – a sunflower seed. |
 |
Nutrition Content
Confection
Sunflower Kernel
Nutrient Composition per 1 oz. (28.35 grams) |
| Calories |
160 |
| Calories
from fat |
129 |
| Total
fat |
14
g |
| Saturated
fat |
2
g |
| Polyunsaturated
fat |
9
g |
| Monounsaturated
fat |
3
g |
| Cholesterol |
0
mg |
| Sodium |
<
2 mg |
| Total
Carbohydrate |
5
g |
| Dietary
Fiber |
4
g |
| Sugars |
1
g |
| Protein |
6
g |
| Vitamin
A |
<
3 IU |
| Vitamin
C |
<
0.2 mg |
| Calcium |
33
mg |
| Iron |
1.9
mg |
| Vitamin
E |
11.34
mg |
| Thiamin |
.65
mg |
| Riboflavin |
.07
mg |
| Niacin |
1.3
mg |
| Folate |
64.5
mcg |
| Magnesium |
104
mg |
| Zinc |
1.4
mg |
| Copper |
.4
mg |
Nutrition Value
- Sunflower seeds and oil contain both monounsaturated and
polyunsaturated fat – the types of fat that may protect the heart.
Clinical studies show that higher unsaturated fat diets may be
preferable even to low-fat diets because they lower total cholesterol,
low density lipoprotein (LDL) or bad cholesterol, and triglycerides,
while maintaining beneficial high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol,
which is needed to carry the “bad” cholesterol away.(1-2) • Almost
90% of the fat in sunflower seeds is good, unsaturated fat.
- Protein supplies amino acids, the building blocks that build, maintain
and repair body tissues. Sunflower seeds are a good source of
plant protein.
- Vitamin E is an antioxidant that may protect against heart disease by
getting rid of harmful molecules called free radicals that can lead to arterioscleroses.
Sunflower seeds are the best whole food source of vitamin E.
- Selenium works with vitamin E as an antioxidant and protects cells
from damage that may lead to cancer, heart disease, and other health
problems.
- Copper helps the body carry oxygen to red blood cells and produce
energy in the cells. Copper is also a vital part of some antioxidant
enzymes in the body, thus protecting from oxidative stress. While a
copper deficiency is rare, this trace mineral is essential to an
energy-rich life.
- Folate, a B vitamin, plays an essential role in making new body cells
by helping to form the DNA and RNA that contain each cell’s “master
plan” for reproduction. Folate also pairs with vitamin B-12 to help
form hemoglobin in red blood cells, which allows them to carry optimal
amounts of oxygen. Folate is involved in the removal of homocysteine, an
amino acid thought to promote heart disease, from the blood. A large
population study from Harvard University shows an association between
higher intakes of folate and lower risk of heart disease.
- Other B vitamins are essential for producing energy from food.
Sunflower seeds contain pantothenic acid, vitamin B6, thiamin and
niacin.
- Zinc is a mineral that is vital for keeping your immune system strong,
fending off infections and healing wounds.
- Iron is essential in carrying oxygen from the lungs, through the
blood, and to every body cell.
- Fiber – the indigestible part of plant foods – promotes good
health by helping to lower blood cholesterol, manage blood glucose and
prevent constipation.
Conclusion
The value of sunflower seed as part of a healthy diet for parrots has
been recognized by aviculturist for a long time. Almost every manufacturer
of a parrot mix includes sunflower.
As in any other food, moderation is the key. Flying and breeding parrots
require considerable amount of energy therefore the percentage of sunflower
in a varied diet can be increased. Naturally, for less active parrots the
percentage should be reduced.
Sunflower seeds are a high energy food source for your birds.
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author
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