Sunflower seeds are a great source of protein, vitamins, minerals, and healthful fats. They are also high in fiber, which improves digestion and prevents constipation. However, consuming too many sunflower seed shells can cause stomach cramps, diarrhea, and even intestinal blockage. While these are usually harmless, you should be aware that some sunflower seed shells contain phytoestrogens that may affect your health. It is best to avoid these shells when eating sunflower seeds.
Some sunflower seeds have a hard outer shell that is crunchy and nutty in flavor. This is called the pericarp. You can use the pericarp to season your salads, and you can even dunk them in chocolate. Unlike the shell, sunflower seed meat is soft and delicious, and you can eat it without worrying about damaging your digestive tract. If you want to add sunflower seeds to your salads, you can just mix them in with your other ingredients. The shell should be tossed away, though.
Because of its tough outer shell, sunflower seed shells have an unpleasant taste and a tendency to break and clog the intestines. You can remove these seed shells by soaking them in water. Once the shells have softened, you can drain them through a colander. Before consuming any sunflower seeds, you should make sure that you have checked with your doctor.
In addition, sunflower seed hulls are not good for your teeth. These shells can irritate your teeth, increase your risk of ulcers, and cause bleeding in your stomach. They can also cause infection of your small intestine. And in the worst case scenario, they can get stuck in your throat, which is a choking hazard.
When you ingest sunflower seed shells, it is important to remember that they have a high fiber content. Fiber helps with digestion, but too much of it can cause stomach pain and constipation. Also, some shells can be very fibrous and clump together, which can cause intestinal blockage.
So if you’re looking to add sunflower seeds to your diet, you should know that it’s best to eat them with the skin on, not the hull. Seeds with the hull have more of a bitter taste, and can cause choking hazards. Alternatively, you can use the skin on sunflower seeds to season your dishes. Or you can add them to your baked goods, such as muffins, cookies, and waffles.
Despite their high fiber content, sunflower seed shells are not a healthy way to eat. In fact, the shells can be a major choking hazard for young children. Fortunately, you can prevent this by removing any pieces of the shell that are visible. To help with this, you can also drink liquids, such as fruit juice or milk.
Sunflower seeds are a great source of antioxidants, which may protect against cancer. They are also a source of calcium, which is essential for maintaining bone density. A daily intake of one ounce of sunflower seeds can reduce your risk of heart disease.
