Healthy fats are an essential part of our diet! They keep our skin and hair healthy and moisturized, balance our blood sugar, keep our brains happy, and are necessary to maintain a healthy body! Nuts and seeds are great ways to add in beneficial fats to your diet because they also contain small amounts of protein, especially when consumed in the most bioavailable way! Nuts and seeds are best consumed when they are soaked and/or sprouted because it makes them more bioavailable. This means that our bodies are better able to assimilate the nutrients in them. Enzyme inhibitors are neutralized and phytic acid are removed, making it easier to digest and absorb the vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients found in them. 
Sunflower seeds are no different, plus they are one of the easiest seeds to sprout! And, they are absolutely adorable…i mean look at these cute sprouts!When you sprout something you are turning it into a plant and really upping the vitamin and mineral content because that seed now contains all of the necessary nutrients and energy to turn into a plant, pretty cool right!?
To sprout sunflower seeds…
- Rinse seeds
- Soak overnight
- Drain and Rinse seeds in the morning
- Place in sprouting bag for 1-4 days rinsing every morning and evening!
Just soaking the seeds is beneficial and sometimes I will only sprout for 10 hours during the day after I soaked them and then use the seeds that night!
To make the “Cheesy Spiced Sunflower Seeds”
- 1 cup sprouted sunflower seeds (or at least soaked!)
- 2 tbsps nutritional yeast
- ½ tbsp turmeric
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- Combine spices.
- Sprinkle on sunflower seeds and mix well.
- Dehydrate or place on a baking sheet in the oven at the lowest setting!
Ingredient Spotlight:
Turmeric is an amazing herb that is a key component in Chinese and Indian medicine systems. It works internally and externally as an anti-inflammatory and pain aid. It is also loaded with antioxidant action, specifically the antioxidant curcumin, that protects healthy cells from free radicals. Nutritional Yeast is an amazing addition to any diet, though it has gained popularity through vegan diets for its cheesy flavor, protein and B12 content. It’s vitamin and mineral content and complete protein profile, make it a fabulous boost to any individuals diet!
Cayenne Pepper is also a great anti-inflammatory pain reliever due to its high concentration of capsaicin. It also supports blood flow, increased metabolism, and cardiovascular health!
These are delicious on salads or as a snack !Let us know if you make these or try your own spin! 🙂 As always, tag us @holisticrendezvous and #holisticrendezvous 🙂
Blair is a Nutrition Consultant and Natural Chef with a passion for helping others achieve optimal health through a holistic approach that focuses on body, mind, and spirit. 
