General information
The sunflower (Helianthus annuus) is an annual plant of the Asteraceae family, native to America. It is one of the most cultivated composites for oil rich seeds, from which the sunflower oil is extracted. The leaves are large, entire, petiolate and cordate.
The stem ends with a single calatidium or, sometimes, is branched and has several inflorescences. The calatidias are large, with the flat receptacle, having a yellow color.
The seeds are rich in oil, containing, without the rind of the fruit, about 55% edible oil and for industrial use, for example, in the manufacture of soap.
The remaining tarts as residues from the oil extraction make up a concentrated feed, rich in crude and digestible proteins.
The sowing period is from April to May. It is an annual plant.
Sunflower seeds - Source of health
If sunflower seeds are not on your regular shopping list, you might want to make them a place there. Look for them in the stores of natural products of the raw ones and consume them with confidence instead of almonds or cashews.
They are much cheaper, but they have many beneficial properties: they contain healthy fats, fiber and protein, vitamins and minerals.
These seeds are rich in vitamins E, B1, B6, folic acid, in minerals such as magnesium, selenium, manganese, copper, phosphorus, tryptophan and phytosterols (helps reduce cholesterol levels in the blood).
In short, it is a true source of health and an excellent energizer.
Sunflower seeds and pistachios have approximately 270-289 mg
phytosterols per 100 g.
Phytosterols are compounds found in plants that have a chemical structure very similar to cholesterol, and when present in the diet in sufficient amounts, they are thought to help lower cholesterol levels in the blood, improve immune system response and lower the risk of to do certain types of cancer.
Important Beneficial Effects
The beneficial effects of phytosterols are so important that they were extracted from soy, corn, pine oil and added to processed foods, such as butter substitutes, which were then considered foods that help lower cholesterol levels.
But why are you satisfied with an imitation when nature provides you with nuts and seeds that are a naturally rich source of phytosterols and healthy fiber, minerals and fats at the same time?
35 grams of sunflower seeds contain: 61% of DZR (recommended daily dose) of vitamin E, 34% of DZR of vitamin B1, 31% of copper DZR, 28% of magnesium DZR, 26% of selenium DZR , 23% of DZR of phosphorus, contributing 204 calories.
Sunflower seeds are a good source of magnesium. Numerous studies have shown that magnesium helps reduce asthma intensity, decrease high blood pressure, prevent migraines, and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Selenium has been shown to induce DNA repair and synthesis in damaged cells, inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells, and induce their apoptosis (programmed cell death).
These seeds contain over 40% protein, which is closer to the nutritional value of those of animal origin.
We can also eat them in a raw state to make the most of their nutritional qualities. If you put them in a little oven, they will give a special flavor to salads, omelets and vegetable preparations.