Sunflower seeds – Let the Sun Shine In
Sunflower for seeds – Good things come in small packages
Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) is a beautiful and versatile flowering annual that has been aptly named. Not only does the large flower’s shape and yellow color bring to mind the sun, but flower heads face in the direction of the sun during their early development; mature heads typically face east. While sunflowers can be grown for ornamental uses, this profile will focus on production for seed. Sunflower seeds are the gift of the beautiful sunflower that has rays of petals emanating from its bright yellow, seed-studded center. The flower produces grayish-green or black seeds encased in tear-dropped shaped gray or black shells that oftentimes feature black and white stripes. Since these seeds have a very high oil content, they are one of the main sources of polyunsaturated oil.
Let the Sun Shine In – Brighten the Nutritional Quality of Your Diet With a Daily Dose of Sunflower Seeds
Finding foods that are full of nutrients and fitting them into your daily eating plan isn’t always easy. While most of us get enough calories everyday (and sometimes too many),many of us fall short on important nutrients. Calorie for calorie, nutrient-dense foods like sunflower seeds will give you more bang for the buck when it comes to nutrition.New research studies data shows that sunflower seeds also contain a good amount of beneficial plant chemicals, or phytochemicals, thought to be advantageous to health.
Sunflower seeds are power packed with healthy fats,protein, fiber, minerals, vitamin E and phytochemicals.
Health benefits – medicinal values – Uses – Culinary -Commercial uses – Sunflower seeds and oil
Sunflower seeds are packed with Vitamin E, and are high in B1 and manganese. Vitamin E has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. So, not only does it neutralize free radicals,but also helps prevent problems like colon cancer and complications due to diabetes. Vitamin E has a special relationship with cholesterol by which is prevents it from oxidizing. Only oxidized cholesterol can adhere to blood vessel walls. Thus, it plays a critical role in heart health, reducing heart attack and stroke.
Calm Your Nerves, Muscles and Blood Vessels with Sunflower Seeds’ Magnesium
Sunflower seeds are a good source of magnesium. Magnesium helps reduce the severity of asthma, lower high blood pressure, and prevent migraine headaches, as well as reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke. Magnesium is also necessary for healthy bones and energy production. About two-thirds of the magnesium in the human body is found in our bones
Sunflower Seeds’ Selenium – Prevents Cancer and Improved Detoxification
Sunflower seeds are also a good source of selenium, a trace mineral that is of fundamental importance to human health. Selenium has been shown to induce DNA repair and synthesis in damaged cells, to inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells, and to induce their apoptosis, the self-destruct sequence the body uses to eliminate worn out or abnormal cells. In addition, selenium is incorporated at the active site of many proteins, including glutathione peroxidase, which is particularly important for cancer protection
How to enjoy sunflower seeds -Tips for Everyday Living
- For big nutrition, use a small amount of sunflower seeds throughout the day:
- Combine sunflower seeds, golden raisins, peanuts, and granola or crunchy cereal for a tasty trail mix.
- Sprinkle sunflower seeds on your salad for extra nutrition and crunch.
- Snack on a handful of sunflower seeds as an afternoon snack.
- Add some sunflower seeds to your hot or cold cereal.
- Mix sunflower seeds into your favorite stir-fry or vegetable dish.
- Use sunflower seeds in baking breads, snacks, and desserts
How to buy /purchase – On line availability of seeds and nuts
These seeds are sold shelled or unshelled. When purchase unshelled try to avoid,which are in yellowish colour. The shells should be gray,black, or often have black and white stripes.Because of their high unsaturated fat content, they are prone to rancidity, so when you buy them, it is a good idea to place in an airtight container or even a freezer if you don’t plan to eat immediately.
Sunflower,Flax,pumpkin seeds is available at most specialty and health food stores, .the best quality Sunflower seeds available our on line store NatureLoc,
