One of the healthiest things you can include in your diet are seeds. From adding them to your breakfast bowls, smoothies, salads, curries to simply munching on them as a snack, there are a lot of ways to incorporate seeds in your daily diet. It is important that you do so, because seeds are usually packed with a lot of nutritional value, essential vitamins, and energy-boosting properties. Consuming a handful of seeds every single day goes a long way in improving not just your overall health, but your skin and hair as well.
Interesting, isn’t it? One such seed to have caught our attention for being a rich source of vitamin E is sunflower seeds. Although these seeds have been used for centuries in various cuisines and medicines, it is only recently that people have started to recognize sunflower seeds for their beauty benefits as well. From protecting your skin against oxidative damage to giving you voluminous and healthy hair, sunflower seeds benefits are just too many to count. You can add sunflower seeds to your daily smoothies, salads or even just chew on them as a snack, and see the difference this highly nutritious food item brings in your skin hair and health.
But it is totally understandable if you are completely unaware about the health and beauty benefits of sunflower seeds or how to incorporate them into your daily beauty routine. We are here to help. Find below a list of sunflower seeds benefits so that you can start making the most of this wonder ingredient ASAP!
- Sunflower seeds benefits for skin:
- 01. Prevents premature ageing
- 02. Reduces acne and inflammation
- 03. Detoxifies the skin
- 04. Acts as a natural moisturiser
- 05. Provides sun protection
- Sunflower seeds benefits for hair:
- 01. Reduces frizz
- 02. Acts as a natural conditioner
- 03. Fights hair loss
- Frequently asked questions about sunflower seeds benefits:
Sunflower seeds benefits for skin:

01. Prevents premature ageing

One of the best benefits of eating sunflower seeds is that it is brimming with selenium, which is an important component when it comes to repairing damaged cells. It also contains a high percentage of vitamin E and that is vital to produce collagen and elastin. These keep your skin taut and firm by preventing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles to maintain a youthful glow.
02. Reduces acne and inflammation

Another great benefit of sunflower seeds is that they are chock-full of fat-soluble antioxidants. This helps fight oxidative damage and improve your skin’s barrier function. This is why it plays an important role when it comes to fighting inflammation, redness and sensitivity that usually comes with having temperamental, acne-prone skin. The magnesium present in these seeds helps regulate hormonal imbalance and thereby regulate excess sebum production to reduce the occurrence of acne.
03. Detoxifies the skin

As discussed, the antioxidants present in sunflower seeds also mitigate the harmful effects of toxic impurities present in the skin, thereby giving it a clearer appearance. From protecting your skin against the harmful effects of the sun, to reducing effects of pollution, sunflower seeds pack quite a punch. It helps in preventing clogged pores, eliminating impurities present in the skin, and giving it an overall brighter appearance.
04. Acts as a natural moisturiser

Sunflower oil, which is obtained from sunflower seeds, is also a rich source of natural fats that help in repairing severely dry, damaged and dehydrated skin from within. It acts as a natural emollient and gives your skin a really soft, supple and nourished appearance. This oil is also excellent for people with sensitive skin, as it helps in calming and soothing inflamed skin.
05. Provides sun protection

Another great benefit of sunflower seeds is that it acts as a natural sunscreen and provides excellent sun protection. Additionally, it also helps in repairing skin damage caused by years of UV exposure. It does so, thanks to the presence of beta carotene, which plays an important role in reducing your skin’s sensitivity to harmful sun rays.
Sunflower seeds benefits for hair:

01. Reduces frizz

The essential fatty acids present in sunflower seeds infuse your hair with moisture and work from deep within to provide hydration to your strands and repair damage. It also forms a protective layer that helps in preventing damage caused by environmental aggressors and thereby keeps your hair looking healthy and strong.
02. Acts as a natural conditioner

Sunflower seed oil has an extremely lightweight texture, and is easily absorbed into your hair and scalp. The emollient properties of this oil go a long way in moisturising your locks and providing deep conditioning without you having to go to the salon for a hair spa. Regularly massaging your hair with cold-pressed sunflower seed oil will make your hair shinier and healthier!
03. Fights hair loss

Another great benefit of sunflower seeds for your hair is its ability to fight hair loss and promote hair growth. Sunflower seeds contain a unique ingredient called gamma-linolenic acid that helps in deep conditioning your strands and stimulating dormant hair follicles. It also works at mitigating the damage caused by various environmental factors and ensures healthier, faster and stronger hair growth cycles.
Frequently asked questions about sunflower seeds benefits:

1) How much sunflower seeds should I be consuming in a day?
A. Sunflower seeds are quite safe to be consumed every single day, but of course, overdoing anything isn’t healthy. Therefore, consuming about 30 grams or a handful of sunflower seeds every day should be good enough.
2) Do sunflower seeds make your hair grow?
A. Yes, sunflower seeds are super beneficial when it comes to maintaining the health of your strands, and can be the secret to long and luscious hair. They are a rich source of vitamin A and E, both of which are important for healthy hair. Therefore, consuming sunflower seeds every day or applying sunflower seed oil regularly will help you achieve the hair of your dreams.
3) What are the side effects of sunflower seeds?
A. It is highly uncommon to develop allergies from sunflower seeds, but it is not exactly unheard of. Eating too much can sometimes lead to vomiting, skin rashes, fever, itching of the mouth and even asthma.
Written by Urvi Dalal on 24th Jul 2020
Writer, avid reader and hardcore beauty enthusiast is the best way to describe Urvi Dalal. With over 5 years of writing experience in the beauty industry, you can trust her to have the latest skin, hair and makeup tidbits on her fingertips. In her time working as a beauty writer, she has had the opportunity to interact and work closely with a string of dermatologists, makeup artists and hairstylists. All that knowledge exchange, coupled with her flair and love for writing make it possible for her to bring you some authentic yet fun beauty content. When Urvi isn’t working, you’d usually catch her curled up with a big, fat book, drinking a cup of tea or practising her makeup skills; there is no in-between!