Move Over Nut Butters – This Seed Butter Will Change How You Snack

This is why your sunflower seed butter should be your butter of choice

We know, how could we ever replace beloved peanut butter? A SB&J sandwich just doesn’t have the same ring as a PB&J sandwich does – but the health benefits of sunflower seed butter might be enough for it to deserve a place in your kitchen cabinets.

What’s the deal with sunflower seed butter?

Sunflower seed butter isn’t only high in protein, it’s also packed with vitamin E, loaded with magnesium, and full of healthy fats, says Dr. Josh Axe, D.N.M., C.N.S., D.C., founder of DrAxe.com, best-selling author of Eat Dirt, and co-founder of Ancient Nutrition,

Organic sunflower seed butter contains an average of three grams of protein, which helps you feel full longer. (If you find yourself being always hungry, here this will explain why.)

“Peanut butter has long been the reigning champion of portable, high-protein pre- and post-gym snacks. But sunflower seed butter can give it a run for its money,” says Axe. “That’s because each serving of sunflower seed butter has about three grams of protein, a great size for a snack, particularly when paired with carbs.” (You know to eat protein after a workout, but your body also needs these nutrients.)

Sunflower seed butter is packed with more than just protein

“Vitamin E is one of our body’s favorite antioxidants,” says Axe. Sunflower seed butter’s vitamin E content balances cholesterol levels, increases immunity, and even reduces the appearance of aging. In case you need more convincing, just one tablespoon of sunflower seed butter only has 93 calories and provides 24 per cent of your body’s daily need of vitamin E.

Axe describes magnesium as being “the most important mineral in our bodies.” It is essential in maintaining high energy levels, stopping muscle spasms, relieving constipation, and even getting a good night’s sleep.

“Thankfully, snacking on sunflower seed butter provides about 15 per cent of what your body needs a day– not bad for just one tablespoon!” says Axe. And being deficient in magnesium can also lead to hormone issues for women.

Sunflower seed butter toast is the new avocado toast

Just like avocados are chock-full of healthy fats, so is sunflower seed butter. Healthy fats help deliver vitamins throughout your body, absorbs nutrients, and gives your skin a healthy glow. Here are some signs you’re not eating enough healthy fats.

Still, check the label

However, it’s important to note that while sunflower seed butter may be delicious, some pre-made jars sold in grocery stores have more than what you’re bargaining for – like hydrogenated oils and a lot of sugar. So check the label to make sure that even though it is sunflower seed butter, that it is still healthy for you (ahem, low in sugar compared to your regular nut butter and is void of trans fats.)

“With peanut allergies highly on the rise many people have switched to sunflower butter,” says Dr. Elizabeth Trattner A.P. DOM, Doctor of Chinese and Integrative Medicine.

“It is worth making the switch because peanuts are loaded with mold, chemicals and they are also legumes and people with digestive disorders cannot tolerate.”

Feel like trying sunflower seed sauce? Try our Strip Loin Steak with Cilantro-Sunflower Sauce – you’ve never tasted steak like this before.