Sunflower seeds are technically the fruits of the sunflower plant. There are two main types of sunflower crops. One type is grown for the seeds you eat while the other â which is the majority farmed â is grown for the oil. Sunflowers seed packs many nutrients into a tiny seed. Sunflower seeds are especially high in vitamin E and selenium. These function as antioxidants to protect your body's cells against free radical damage which plays a role in several chronic diseases . Additionally sunflower seeds are a good source of beneficial plant compounds including phenolic acids and flavonoids â which also function as antioxidants. Unshelled sunflower seeds are a popular snack. You can: -Stir into homemade granola bars. -Sprinkle on a leafy green salad. -Stir into hot or cold cereal. -Sprinkle over fruit or yogurt parfaits. -Add to stir-fries. -Stir into tuna or chicken salad. -Sprinkle over sautéed vegetables. -Add to veggie burgers. -Use in place of pine nuts in pesto. -Add to baked goods such as bread and muffins. -Add to trail mix.