Can we eat sunflower seeds with the skin?

Can we eat sunflower seeds with the skin?

One of the childhood arguments we all had was that we should not eat sunflower seeds with the skin, and we did not have the strength to break it when we were young. But can sunflower seeds really harm our health by eating them?

Sunflower seeds that come from the dried center of the sunflower plant contain healthy fats, proteins, vitamins and minerals. They are delicious as a snack in cooked foods, or sprinkled salads or yogurt.

However, since you can buy them whole or in shell, you may think that the shells are safe to eat or nutritious.

Sunflower seeds have a white, grayish striped outer shell that holds a core. The kernel or flesh of a sunflower seed is edible. Tan is chewy, soft to the touch, and has a slightly buttery flavor and texture. The shells, also called the body, are hard, fibrous and difficult to chew. They have many fibers called lignin and cellulose that the body can not digest.

It does not hurt if you swallow small pieces of shell. However, if you eat too much, the shell may block the intestinal tract, which can be dangerous. Seed shells from any type of edible plant can collect in your small or large intestine and form a mass, also called a bezoar. This can cause constipation, intestinal pain, and in some cases latent bowel movements.

A latent bowel means that a large amount of stool is stuck in your colon or rectum. It can be painful and in some cases cause hemorrhoids or more serious damage such as a rupture in your colon. Sunflower husks may have sharp edges that can scratch your throat if swallowed.