Benefits of Sunflower seeds

[Guest guest]

Heres some information found on the National Sunflower Association

website and you can also get more information on the sunflower @

Sunflowerocity <http://www.sunflowerocity.com/>

 

 

 

The Amazing Kernel - A Powerhouse of Benefits

 

[Health and Nutrition]

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The Amazing Kernel - A Powerhouse of Benefits

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[http://www.sunflowernsa.com/images/dot_clear.gif] According to research

completed in March 2001 by Dr. K. Phillips of Virginia Polytechnic

Institute and State University, sunflower kernel is rich in a number of

components that have been shown to protect against cardiovascular and

other diseases and to act as antioxidants and anticarcinogens; thus the

kernel can be considered a functional food. When considered in

aggregate, the amazing kernel adds a nutritional wallop to a wide array

of products such as breads, muffins, crackers, and snack foods.

 

This is good news for consumers who are increasingly interested in

functional foods. It's also good news for manufacturers of baked goods

and snack foods, because it provides the opportunity to consider kernel

as an ingredient in new products in order to deliver upon this growing

demand.

 

What are functional foods?

While an exact definition continues to evolve, functional foods provide

benefits beyond basic nutrition. They may prevent certain disease(s) or

promote better health. Most foods are functional, at least to some

degree, since they provide important nutrients essential for good

health. Here are a few examples:

* Tomatoes contain " lycopene " which may decrease the risk of

developing certain cancers, * Onions and garlic contain " diallyl

sulfide " which lowers LDL cholesterol and maintains a healthy immune

system, * Cranberries and chocolate contain " proanthocyanidins " which

have been shown to improve urinary tract health and may reduce risk of

cardiovascular disease, * Sunflower kernel, the edible heart of the

sunflower seed, is a good source of phytochemicals (non-nutrient plant

chemicals) that can be protective against disease.

 

What specific phytochemicals are prevalent in kernel and what are their

respective health benefits?

In comparison to other nuts and foods high in these compounds, sunflower

kernel contains high levels of vitamin E, betaine, phenolic acids, and

choline. In addition, kernel is a good source of arginine and lignans

compared to some nuts. Each of these compounds, while perhaps unfamiliar

to the layperson, has been studied by the scientific community and shown

to offer a variety of health benefits.

 

Vitamin E (tocopherols)May protect against cardiovascular

diseaseBetaineMay protect against cardiovascular diseasePhenolic acids

(chlorogenic acid) Antioxidant and anticarcinogenCholinePlays a role in

memory and cognitive functionArgininePotential heart benefitsLignansMay

protect against heart disease and some cancers; lowers LDL cholesterol

and triglycerides

 

A brochure containing charts that describe in detail the comparisons of

the kernel to other food products (almonds, walnuts, soybeans,

hazelnuts, pecans, eggplant, beef steak, eggs, tuna, chicken, and

turkey, to name a few) is available for downloading in a PDF format (see

link at bottom of page). The brochure also includes references to the

scientific resources used in the brochure's data.