Sunflower seeds contain monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, termed "good" fats because they help raise HDL, or the good type of cholesterol, while lowering LDL, or unhealthy, cholesterol. The National Sunflower Association states that approximately 90 percent of the fat in sunflower seeds is unsaturated, or healthy, fats. The seeds also contain protein, which helps build and maintain muscle and tissue in the body. An ounce of sunflower seeds contains 12 percent of the daily value of protein, says the National Sunflower Association