Sunflower Seed
A
sunflower seed is the name for the sunflower's seed. The three types of
sunflower seeds that are most frequently used are linoleic, high oleic, and
sunflower oil seeds. Depending on the type, different amounts of
monounsaturated, saturated, and polyunsaturated fats are present. The linoleic
variety is mostly discussed in this article.
Sunflower
seeds are typically categorised for commercial use based on the design on their
husks. If the husk is entirely black, the seeds are referred to as black oil
sunflower seeds. The crops can be referred to as oilseed sunflower crops.
Usually, pressing is done on these seeds to extract the oil. Sunflower seeds
with stripes, commonly referred to as candy sunflower seeds, are typically
eaten as a snack.
Mexican Sunflower
A
species of flowering plant in the Asteraceae family known as Tithonia
diversifolia is often referred to as the tree marigold, Mexican tournesol,
Japanese sunflower, or Nitobe chrysanthemum. It is a flowering plant and is not
to be confused with the sunflower whose seeds we consumed.
Sunflower Seeds Uses
Sunflower
seeds are typically consumed as a snack rather than as a meal. They can also be
added to recipes as ingredients or garnishes. The seeds may be offered for sale
as dehulled kernels or in-shell seeds. Additionally, the seeds can be sprouted
and added to salads.
In
order to process in-shell seeds, they must first be dried. For the purpose of
preserving flavour, they may also be roasted or coated with flour or salt
afterward.
When
sunflower seeds are purchased by the bag, they can be consumed plain, salted
(also known as "plain"), or with seasoning that has been added by the
producer. Barbecue, pickles, hot sauce, bacon, ranch, and nacho cheese are a
few examples of flavours.
Sunflower
seeds are particularly well-liked when they are still in their shells in
Mediterranean, Eastern European, and Asian nations. In these regions, they can
be purchased freshly roasted and are frequently eaten as street food, with the
hull being cracked open and spit out. In many other nations, however, they can
be purchased freshly packed in a variety of roasted flavours. Baseball players
frequently consume them in the US as an alternative to chewing tobacco.
Mechanically
dehulled kernels can be purchased raw or roasted, and they are occasionally
flavor-added to bread and other baked items. By encasing the sunflower seed
kernels in hard sugar candy, sunflower seed brittle is created. A form of halva
is produced in Belarus, Russia, Ukraine, and Romania using pulverised, roasted
seeds. In schools, sunflower butter is a common alternative for students with
nut allergies because it is comparable to peanut butter but made with sunflower
seeds rather than peanuts. Pets and wild birds can also be fed sunflower seeds.
Sunflower oil
Sunflower
oil has gained popularity throughout the years. The oil can either be processed
into polyunsaturated margarines or utilised as is. Typically, sunflower seeds
are subjected to intense pressure to extract the oil, which is then collected.
After the seeds are extracted for their oil, the protein-rich cake that is left
is fed to animals.
About
68% of the original sunflower oil, or linoleic sunflower oil, is a
polyunsaturated fatty acid, while stearic and palmitic acids, which are
saturated fats, are absent. However, a number of hybrids have been created to
change the crop's fatty acid profile for a number of reasons.
Sunflower seed Hulls
The
cellulose-based hulls or shells degrade gradually and can be used as biomass
fuel. Helianthus annuus, a cultivated sunflower, contains allelopathic
chemicals in its hulls that are harmful to grasses and the great majority of
other cultivated garden plants. Only a few garden plants, including day lilies,
are immune to the allelopathic substances present in sunflower hulls.
Health Benefits of Sunflower Seeds
Studies
show that eating sunflower seeds has a number of positive health effects, such
as a lower risk of developing heart disease or high blood pressure. Sunflower
seeds are also abundant in other nutrients that support a stronger immune
system and more vitality.
Sunflower
seeds provide the following health advantages:
Reducing Inflammation
People
with acute or chronic inflammation can benefit from sunflower seeds'
anti-inflammatory properties. Sunflower seeds include flavonoids, vitamin E,
and other plant base compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties which is
best for better health. Flavonoids, vitamin E, and other plant components with
anti-inflammatory characteristics can be found in sunflower seeds. A study
found that eating sunflower seeds and other seeds five or more times a week
reduced inflammation and, as a result, lowered risk factors for a number of
chronic diseases.
Improve Heart Health
Sunflower
seeds include a lot of the beneficial polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats.
Sunflower seeds contain around a cup's worth of fat, or 14 grammes. Studies
have linked eating seeds, particularly sunflower seeds, to a reduced risk of
heart disease, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.
Boost Immunity
Nearly
a dozen necessary vitamins and minerals, including two essential minerals like
zinc and selenium, can be found in sunflower seeds in good or outstanding
amounts. Due to its role in immune cell development and maintenance, zinc plays
a crucial role in the immune system. Zinc also works as an antioxidant to fend
against free radicals.
Along
with boosting immunity and battling inflammation and infection, selenium helps
to guarantee that our bodies are developing the right defences against any
outside invaders. This mineral is crucial for maintaining mental health as well
as for preventing neurological diseases (like Alzheimer's).
Boosting Energy Levels
Protein-rich
sunflower seeds naturally contribute to an increase in energy levels. But extra
minerals like selenium and vitamin B can also keep you inspired. Sunflower
seeds contain vitamin B1, commonly known as thiamin, which can aid in the
conversion of meals into energy, keeping you energised all day. Selenium helps
your body receive more oxygen by increasing blood flow.
Sunflower Seeds Nutrition
Dried
whole sunflower seeds provide 584 calories per 100 grammes and contain 21%
protein, 51% total fat, 20% carbs, and 5% water (table). The seeds are a great
source of protein (42% DV), dietary fibre (36% DV), various B vitamins (23-129%
DV), and vitamin E (234% DV) (20% or more of the Daily Value, DV). Magnesium,
manganese, phosphorus, iron, and zinc are among the many dietary elements found
in high concentrations in the seeds (40-94% DV).
Fat
makes up 50 grammes of a 100-gram serving, primarily linoleic acid and other
mono- and polyunsaturated fats. The seeds also include phytosterols, which may
help to decrease blood cholesterol levels.
Sunflower Seeds Price
Sunflower
seeds range in price from 500 to 1200 Indian rupees per kilogram, depending on
quality and branding. The price of roasted sunflower seeds ranges between Rs
600 and Rs 1500 per kg.
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