Long Covid ? Brain, fog, memory issues, and you just simply don’t feel the same? Add sunflowers daily!!
Long COVID and Sunflower Seeds ?
As you may already know long COVID, characterised by prolonged symptoms after an initial COVID-19 infection, can include fatigue, brain fog, muscle weakness, and other neurological symptoms. Sunflower seeds may offer several benefits for individuals dealing with long COVID, particularly through their potential impact on acetylcholine production and overall nutrition.
Sunflower seeds contain lecithin, a source of choline, which is a precursor for acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter essential for cognitive function. Enhancing acetylcholine levels may help improve cognitive functions such as memory and attention, potentially addressing some of the cognitive deficits seen in long COVID (BioMed Central).
Sunflowers, particularly their seeds, are
rich in nutrients that support nervous system health,
such as:
Vitamin E: An antioxidant that protects neurons from damage.
Magnesium: Plays a critical role in nerve transmission and neuromuscular conduction.
Folate: Important for the production of neurotransmitters
Lecithin is a fat that is essential in the cells of the body. It can be found in many foods, including sunflowers, and is often used as a dietary supplement. It is composed of phospholipids, which are critical for brain and nerve function:
Phosphatidylcholine: A major component of lecithin, it helps in the formation of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter essential for memory and muscle control.
Phosphatidylserine: Another phospholipid present in lecithin that is vital for cognitive functions and can help reduce the risk of dementia and cognitive decline.
Connection to the Nervous System
Neurotransmitter Production: Lecithin contributes to the production of acetylcholine, which is crucial for memory, learning, and muscle control.
Cell Membrane Integrity: The phospholipids in lecithin help maintain the integrity of cell membranes in neurons, facilitating proper nerve signal transmission.
Antioxidant Properties: The antioxidants in sunflower seeds, such as vitamin E, protect neurons from oxidative stress, which can damage nerve cells. Including sunflower seeds and lecithin in your diet can provide nutrients that support overall nervous system health.
Including sunflower seeds and lecithin in your diet can provide nutrients that support overall nervous system health.
Sunflower seeds are highly nutritious and offer numerous health benefits beyond their positive effects on the nervous system. Here are some of the key health benefits of sunflower seeds:
Heart Health
Healthy Fats: Sunflower seeds are rich in unsaturated fats, particularly linoleic acid, which can help reduce bad cholesterol levels (LDL) and lower the risk of heart disease.
Phytosterols: These compounds help reduce cholesterol absorption in the intestines, contributing to lower cholesterol levels.
Magnesium: Helps regulate blood pressure and prevent hypertension, reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Circulation and Blood Clots
Vitamin E: Acts as an antioxidant, preventing oxidative damage to blood vessels, and improves circulation. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that help maintain healthy blood vessels.
Copper: Essential for the production of red blood cells and helps maintain healthy blood vessels and circulation.
Radiation Protection
Selenium: Sunflower seeds contain selenium, which can protect cells from damage caused by radiation and oxidative stress.
Antioxidants: The high levels of antioxidants, including vitamin E, help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals and radiation
Overall Health
Rich in Fiber: Promotes digestive health by aiding in regular bowel movements and preventing constipation.
Protein: A good source of plant-based protein, important for muscle repair and growth.
B Vitamins: Including folate, niacin, and pantothenic acid, which are essential for energy production and brain health.
Minerals: Including magnesium, iron, and manganese, which are vital for various bodily functions such as bone health, oxygen transport, and enzymatic reactions.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Compounds in sunflower seeds help reduce inflammation, which can lower the risk of chronic diseases like arthritis.
Incorporating sunflower seeds into your diet can provide a wide range of health benefits, supporting heart health, circulatio and overall wellness.
Soaking sunflower seeds overnight can enhance their nutritional value
and improve the absorption of nutrients. Here’s why and how you should do it:
Benefits of Soaking Sunflower Seeds
Improved Digestion: Soaking helps break down phytic acid, an anti-nutrient that can interfere with the absorption of minerals like zinc, iron, and calcium.
Increased Nutrient Bioavailability: Soaking activates enzymes that improve the digestibility and bioavailability of nutrients.
Reduced Enzyme Inhibitors: It decreases enzyme inhibitors, making the seeds easier to digest and their nutrients more accessible.
Enhanced Flavor and Texture: Soaking can make the seeds taste fresher and give them a softer texture.
How to Soak Sunflower Seeds
Rinse: Place the sunflower seeds in a bowl and rinse them thoroughly with FILTERED water.
Soak: Cover the seeds with FILTERED water (you don’’t want to soak chlorine and other chemicals to your food!) , ensuring they are fully submerged. Add a pinch of salt if desired.
Duration: Let the seeds soak for about 8-12 hours or overnight.
Rinse Again: After soaking, rinse the seeds thoroughly to remove any remaining phytic acid and enzyme inhibitors.
Dry (Optional): You can dry the seeds in a dehydrator or an oven set to a low temperature (around 110°F or 45°C) if you prefer a crunchier texture.
Ways to Eat Soaked Sunflower Seeds
Raw: Enjoy them as a snack on their own.
Salads: Sprinkle them on salads for added crunch and nutrition.
Smoothies: Blend them into smoothies for an extra boost of protein and healthy fats.
Baked Goods: Add them to bread, muffins, or cookies.
Granola: Mix them into homemade granola or trail mix.
Yogurt: Stir them into yogurt or oatmeal for a nutritious breakfast.
Soaking sunflower seeds overnight is a simple and effective way to enhance their nutritional benefits and make them easier to digest.
Enjoy this simple food - but powerful
FOOD AS MEDICINE
with Gratitude
Anna Wilson Natural
Natural Health Practitioner
Reference:
A review of phytochemistry, metabolite changes, and medicinal uses of the common sunflower seed and sprouts (Helianthus annuus L.)A review of phytochemistry, metabolite changes, and medicinal uses of the common sunflower seed and sprouts (Helianthus annuus L.) link
The Role of the Acetylcholine System in Common Respiratory Diseases and COVID-19 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36770805/
Acetylcholine, Fatty Acids, and Lipid Mediators Are Linked to COVID-19 Severity https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35768148/
Direct and Indirect Neurological Signs of COVID-19Direct and Indirect Neurological Signs of COVID-19 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34751196/
Stress and inflammation target dorsolateral prefrontal cortex function: Neural mechanisms underlying weakened cognitive control https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38944141/
