Though I appreciate sesame seeds in stir fries and sushi and have been known to throw pumpkin seeds into the occasional batch of muffins, my experience with seeds as a whole is much too limited - especially sunflower seeds.

According to the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, sunflower seeds standout among their fellow nuts and seeds, with the highest concentration of phytochemicals - the plant chemicals that have been shown to lower cholesterol levels and improve overall heart health. Despite their tiny size, sunflower kernels contain a giant helping of photchemicals specifically, vitamin E, betaine, phenolic acids, choline, arginine, and lignans. And they don't stop there. Sunflower seeds also contain healthy fats, protein, fiber, minerals, and vitamin E.

I'm on a sunflower seed campaign. They are an excellent substitute for the average handful of nutrition-free chips or pretzels and they can also be easily integrated into recipes - or simply roasted for a simple snack. "They're an excellent source of protein, micronutrients, vitamin E, and essentially fatty acids" explains Matt Ruscigno, a registered dietician. "And their culinary use is extremely versatile - from stir-fries to sauces and even desserts."

If you happen to be in Goodland, Kansas this summer, check out the Sunflower Celebration.

[via Conscious Choice Magazine]