Do Sunflower Seeds Cause Pimples?

No one knows exactly what causes acne, according to Brown University Health Services 1. But the accepted theory is that oil-clogged pores develop bacteria that lead to the whiteheads and blackheads, commonly called pimples or zits. Experts agree that what causes pimples comes from within, not from what you eat. The idea that foods cause pimples is a myth, though what you eat – including nuts like sunflower seeds – can have an effect on the overall health of your skin.

Pimple Facts

When you reach puberty, hormones called androgens cause your body to secrete increased amounts of oil. The oil, called sebum, can clog your pores, trapping dirt and dead cells under your skin. This causes bacteria to develop, forming a blister called a comedone. If the blister ruptures, the bacteria can spread to other parts of your skin, which is why acne so often appears in clusters. Sunflower seeds don’t contain human androgens, so eating them can’t stimulate sebum production.

Sunflower Seed Facts

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Sunflower seeds come from sunflowers. They can be harvested by cutting off and drying the flower head when when most of the petals have fallen and the back of the blossom is dry and brown. Sunflower seeds have black-and-white striped shells, and you can scrape out of the blossom with your fingers. If you like salted sunflower seeds, boil them in their shells in salted water for two hours, let them dry and roast them at 300 degrees F for 30 to 40 minutes. Or, soak them overnight in salted water and then roast them. Nothing about this process -- handling, boiling or soaking, roasting or eating them -- will cause you to get pimples.

Misconceptions

An unhealthy diet can contribute to acne, but not because dietary oil is somehow clogging your pores. Eating oily, greasy or sugary foods usually means that you aren’t eating the fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein and essential fatty acids you need to keep your body functioning efficiently. Sunflower seeds are not overly oily –like oil-roasted peanuts or french fries -- so even if oily foods caused acne, sunflower seeds couldn’t be included in that group.

Expert Insight

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The Mayo Clinic dismisses the idea the oily foods can cause pimples, but experts there state that evidence may exist that links high glycemic index foods to pimples. High glycemic index foods are those that raise the glucose levels in your blood, causing an insulin spike. This process has been linked to weight gain, but studies linking high glycemic foods like breads and chips to acne are ongoing. Sunflower seeds are low on the glycemic index, so even if this hypothesis is correct, the seeds would net be included in a list of pimple-causing foods.

Conclusion

Sunflowers are no more likely to cause pimples than any other food. When you eat them as part of a healthy diet, they provide calcium, phosphorous and potassium, and one-fourth of a cup only contains 200 calories. Sprinkling sunflower seeds over yogurt, tossing them into salads and adding them to tuna or chicken salad adds flavor, crunch and extra nutrients to help keep you – and your skin – healthy and glowing.