Sunflower seeds

From CopperWiki

Sunflower seeds are probably the most familiar of all edible seeds. Thy are the tightly packed core of the glorious sunflowers

[edit] Description

The latin name of sunflower is Helianthus Annuus, that comes from the word helios, which in Greek, means sun and anthos, which stands for flower. The sunflowers are unmistakable flowers that normally come in gigantic sizes, are yellow in colour and always keep their face towards the sun.

The seeds are a dark gray and green in colour and covered encased in an oval blackish shell that oftentimes features black and white stripes. The seeds have a slight nutty taste and a tender texture. They are commonly crushed for their oil being rich in oil content. There are many varieties of sunflower seeds. The larger kernels are generally used for edible purposes while the smaller are used for crushing into edible oil

[edit] Origin and distribution

The sunflower is believed to have originated in the Mexico area. In fact there is some evidence to suggest that as far back as 5000 years ago, the Native Americans used the seeds as a food and an oil source. They also used the entire flowers from its roots and stems for varied purposes including as a dye pigment. It was introduced in Europe in the 16th century by the Spanish explorers. It became popular as an ornamental flower and was established as an oilseed crop in Eastern Europe. It was imported into Russia from Holland in the 18th century. The first commercial production of oil began in 1830-40. The crop steadily grew in importance and soon became one of the world’s most important oilseeds.

[edit] Food value

Sunflower seeds nutritional value is quite well known. They are an excellent source of healthy unsaturated fats, protein and fiber, plus important nutrients like vitamin E, selenium, copper, zinc, folate, iron and phytochemicals. They are a very rich source of B-complex vitamins as well.

Sunflower seeds can be used to enrich any meal. They can be sprinkled over cereals, salads, yogurt and soups. They can be mixed with vegetables to augment their protein, vitamin and mineral contents. They can be used like chopped nuts on desserts. They are also healthy substitute as snacks

[edit] Natural Benefits

Sunflower seed kernels are an excellent protein food and can be considered as complete food. Eaten with milk, the seeds contribute to the needs of protein, the substance of which every cell of the body is made.

Being rich in potassium, the seeds help balance the sodium in our diet, thereby protecting the body from the dangers of too much salt in tissues.

Sunflower seeds are a very well known whole food source of vitamin E. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps protect against heart disease by getting rid of harmful molecules called free radicals that can lead to arterioscleroses.

Sunflower seeds are a good source of magnesium. A number of studies have shown that magnesium helps in the case of severe asthma. It lowers high blood pressure, and prevent migraine headaches. It also works against heart attacks and strokes. Magnesium is also necessary for healthy bones and energy production.

Sunflower seeds and oil contain both monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat – the types of fat that help protect the heart. The seeds contain substantial quantity of linoleic acid, which is the fat helpful in reducing cholesterol deposits on the walls of the arteries.

As a rich source of thiamin and niacin, sunflower seeds help to protect the health of nerves and brain as well as skin and digestive tract. Lack of these vitamins will produce deficiencies like beriberi and Pallagra

The flour made from sunflower seds is one of the richest sources of iron in any food. It is therefore highly beneficial in the prevention and treatment of anaemia

Powder of the dry seeds or the decoction of the pounded seeds is used as a remedy for bronchitis, laryngitis, tonsillitis, influenza and cough.

[edit] Sunflower Oil

Sunflower oil is a combination of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats with low saturated fat levels. It is light in taste and appearance and supplies more Vitamin E than any other vegetable oil. There are basically three types of sunflower oil available, each with its unique properties.

• NuSun- is a mid-oleic sunflower oil with a lower monounsaturated fat level than high oleic sunflower oil, but a lower saturated fat level than linoleic oil. Hence it is considered a mid-range oleic sunflower oil

• Linoleic – It contains essential fatty acids that are polyunsaturated.

• High oleic- They have monounsaturated fat levels of 80 percent or higher

Also according to new research being done in the United Kingdom, scientists are developing a process for making hydrogen from sunflower oil, which may become an important future source of eco-friendly energy.

[edit] Did You know

• Back in the days of the czars, every Russian soldier out in the campaign field was given what was called his daily 'iron ration'-a two-pound bag of sunflower seeds.

• Sunflower seeds can also help against bleeding gums, and slows down tooth decay

• Having a handful of sunflower seeds can slow down the process of aging.

• In many parts of Europe sunflowers provide leaves for smoking, flower buds for salads, flowers for dyes, and oil for cooking.

• Throughout the world folk medicine has depended on the sunflower for the oil in the seeds for coughs and teas made from stem parts.

[1] [www.parrothouse.com/sunflower.html] [www.whfoods.com] [www.sunflowernsa.com/health]