SUNFLOWERS
Marigold of Peru
Asteraceae Helianthus annuus F.
Sunflower seeds are harvested from the flower head of the sunflower plant. While the seed itself is encased in a black and white striped shell, sunflower seeds are white and have a tender texture. Known for their distinct nutty flavour and high nutritional value, you can eat the seeds raw, roasted, or incorporated into other dishes.Sunflower seeds are high in protein and rich in healthy fats, as well as antioxidants that can lower your risk of developing serious conditions. It’s also an excellent source of: Vitamins E, B1 and B6; iron, copper, selenium, manganese, zinc and potassium. For those with short-term or chronic inflammation, sunflower seeds can offer anti-inflammatory benefits. Sunflower seeds contain vitamin E, flavonoids, and other plant compounds that can reduce inflammation. A study found that consuming sunflower seeds and other seeds five times or more each week resulted in lower levels of inflammation, which also lowered risk factors for several chronic diseases.
What are the health benefits of sunflower seeds?
Sunflower seeds are an excellent source of antioxidants like vitamin E, healthy fats, B vitamins, copper andother minerals. They contain nutrients that fight cancer, lower your risk of heart disease, balance blood sugar, support thyroid health and lower inflammation.
Supporting the Immune System
Sunflower seeds are a source of many vitamins and minerals that can support your immune system and increase your ability to fight off viruses. These include both zinc and selenium. Zinc plays a vital role in the immune system, helping the body maintain and develop immune cells. Selenium also plays a role in reducing inflammation, fighting infection, and boosting immunity.
What are the side effects of eating sunflower seeds?
A side effect of eating sunflower seeds is that it can elevate blood pressure when consumption isn’t controlled. It elevates the level of sodium in the blood, which in turn can increase blood pressure and the risk of heart conditions.
Are sunflower seeds good for the gut?
Sunflower seeds definitely count as a gut-healthy food. They contain both insoluble and soluble fibre, both of which support digestive regularity.
What are the healing properties of sunflower petals?
Sunflower petals were used as herbal teas in Iranian and Chinese ancient medicine to heal wounds, accelerate childbirth, lower blood pressure and strengthen the stomach. Tendency towards traditional medicine has increased all around the world.
How to Eat Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds are typically sold inside the shell and are eaten roasted or raw. Eating shelled sunflower seeds requires you to crack them open with your teeth and spit out the shell – which shouldn’t be eaten. Using your tongue, position the shell vertically or horizontally between your molars, crack the shell with your teeth and separate the seed from the shell. Then spit the shell out and eat the seed. You can also eat sunflower seeds in a variety of dishes. There are a few ways you can incorporate them into meals. Sprinkle on top of a salad, add to trail mix, stir into oatmeal, sprinkle over stir fry or mixed vegetables, add to veggie burgers, mix into baked goods, and use sunflower butter in place of peanut butter or cook with sunflower oil instead of other oils.