Its botanical name is Helianthus annuus. It is native to Middle American region from where it spread as an important commercial crop all over the world. Sunflower seeds are widely considered as a health food. They are high in energy and a good source of nutrients, minerals, antioxidants and vitamins.
Health benefits:
- Sunflower seeds are one of the best sources of B-complex.
- They are a very good source of vitamins.
- Rich source of minerals like: Calcium, Iron, Manganese, Zinc, Magnesium, Selenium and Copper.
- Much of their calories come from fatty acids. The seeds are especially rich in poly-unsaturated fatty acid linoleic acid, which constitute more 50% of the fatty acids in them.
Uses:
- Sunflowers seeds are commonly eaten as a healthy snack, added to muesli, bread etc.
- The seeds can also be sprouted and eaten in salads.
- Sunflower oil has become popular worldwide and processed into polyunsaturated margarines.
Nutritional information per 100 gr of Sunflower seeds
- Energy: 584kcl
- Protein: 21 g
- Total fat: 51 g
- Saturated Fat: 4,46 g
- Monounsaturated fat: 18.53
- Polyunsaturated fat: 23.14 g
- Carbohydrats: 20 g
- Fiber: 8.6 g
- Calcium: 78 mg
- Iron: 5.25 mg
- Selenium: 58.0mcg
- Phosporus: 660mg
- Magnesium: 325mg
- Potassium: 645mg
- Vitamin A: 50 UI
- Vitamin B6: 1.235mg
- Vitamin C: 1.4MG
- Vitamin E: 35.17 mg