Sunflower is one of the most popular oilseed crops in North America and Europe. Farmers grow it mainly for snacks and oil production. This bright yellow flower symbolizes adoration, loyalty, and longevity. Its scientific name, Helianthus, comes from the Greek words ‘helios’ (sun) and ‘anthos’ (flower). Sunflowers belong to the Asteraceae family. They have rough, hairy stems that grow 1 to 4.5 meters tall. Their broad leaves measure 3 to 12 inches in length. The vibrant blooms range from 7.5 to 15 cm wide. Sunflowers mature in 2 to 3 months and bloom for about three weeks.
History & Origin
Sunflowers originated around 1000 B.C. and were first cultivated as a valuable food source for both humans and livestock. They were also used in traditional medicine. Native to North and Central America, sunflowers were initially spread across the world as ornamental plants. Over time, they became an important global oilseed crop. Indigenous tribes began growing sunflowers over 4,500 years ago. However, large-scale commercial cultivation started in Russia.
Sunflower Usage
Every part of the sunflower plant—including seeds, flowers, and oil—serves a purpose in food, medicine, and natural remedies.
Seeds
Packed with lots of nutrients, sunflower seeds are actually the fruits of sunflowers. Sunflower seeds might appear tiny but actually, they are extremely nutritious. They contain a variety of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals which are required by our body to carry out different functions. These nutrients protect our body cell’s against free radical damage and reduce the risk of chronic diseases and helps in boosting our immunity. Sunflower seeds can be used in nutrition bars, salads, multi-grain, trail mix, and bread, as well as for snacking straight from the bag.
Oil
Sunflower oil is a heart-healthy oil, this oil contains poly- and monounsaturated fats, as well as vitamin E, a potent antioxidant that helps lower the risk of heart disease. Today sunflower oil is used in food, medication, skin treatment, and much more. Sunflower oil contains far more Vitamin E than any other vegetable oil, many studies advocate that adding vitamin E to your diet could provide many health benefits. Sunflower oil can be used for cooking, body massaging, and a lot more.
Leaves & Stems
Sunflower is an herbaceous plant its leaves are used in many medications such ad insect bites, reducing inflammation, make tea. Sunflower leaves can be used as greens salads or fodder. Sunflower leaves are also used in many herbal supplements too.
Health & Beauty Benefits of Sunflower
- Improves Skin Health
Sunflower oil contains a high quantity of vitamin E – an antioxidant that helps to protect your skin cells from harmful Ultraviolet rays from the sun and other environmental stressors. Vitamin E also helps in keeping skin hydrated for a longer period. The antioxidant properties present in sunflower oil help in preventing premature signs of aging.
- Improves Immune System
Sunflowers are a source of many vitamins and minerals which supports your immune system and increase your immunity. Sunflower seeds contain zinc mineral that helps activate about 300 enzymes in the body and the selenium present in it additionally performs a role in fighting infection and viruses.
- Helps in Controlling diabetes
People who suffer from diabetes always have to keep their blood sugar level in check, sunflower seeds can even help with that. The tiny seeds have been tested to be very effective in lowering blood sugar levels in several studies. Eating a handful of sunflower seeds daily can help in controlling blood sugar levels by about 10 percent within a few months. This happened due to the plant compound chlorogenic acid present in it.
- Reduces the risk of cancer
In today’s world Cancers are the leading cause of mortality, but a healthy diet can definitely lower the chances. There are several nutrients found in sunflower seeds that can help with the same, such as Beta-sitosterol a phytosterol present in sunflower seeds that helps in preventing breast cancer. It also helps in inhibiting the growth of tumor cells. And the presence of antioxidants in it reduces the risk of cancer.