The sunflower or Helianthus annuus is an annual flower which is famous for its extremely large and vividly yellow blooms. Sunflowers are native to South America, but they are widely cultivated all over the world today as ornamentals, food plants, and for their valuable oil. Many people enjoy growing sunflowers, because they are quite easy to grow and they are a great way to brighten even a small garden.
The most well known trait of the sunflower is probably its heliotropism. Sunflowers actually follow the sun, with heads which face east in the morning, and slowly track the sun across the sky. After dark, the heads reorient themselves to face the east for morning.
Sunflower Oil
Sunflower oil is probably most commonly heard whenever we discuss frying or cooking. It is a non-volatile oil produced from sunflower seeds. The most common use of sunflower oil is in frying oil, as well as in cosmetic formulations like lip balms and skin creams as a soothing agent. Whenever we hear about someone having a heart attack, the first thought is that the person should exercise regularly and use sunflower oil brand for cooking. Various health awareness programs have spread the useful information that sunflower oil is the best option to keep your heart healthy even after consuming fried foods.
The health benefits of sunflower oil are almost same as that of sunflower seeds, since the origin of sunflower oil is from the parent seeds. The monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats present in sunflower oil provide energy and also reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Like the seeds, sunflower oil also has choline and phenolic acid that prevent heart diseases.
It is believed that sunflower oil also has an important role to play in skin care. Some people use sunflower oil for massaging premature infants having low birth weight or other complications. It is claimed that this efficiently lowers the chances of developing skin infections. Since their organs (including their skin) are in an underdeveloped stage, this oil acts as a protective barrier. However, sufficient scientific literature is not available on this benefit of sunflower oil.
Like the sunflower seed, sunflower oil is also rich in vitamin E. Thus, being an antioxidant, it counterbalances cancer-causing free radicals. Vitamin E also prevents asthma, rheumatoid arthritis and colon cancer. While the magnesium content prevents muscle cramps, Tryptophan helps in relaxing the brain and can cure insomnia. Sunflower oil also has palmitic acid (used in anti-psychotic medicines), stearic acid, lecithin, tocopherols, carotenoids and selenium. This oil is also rich in proteins, copper, iron, zinc, calcium, and omega-6 fatty acids.
The versatility of this oil has prompted its usage to a wide extent. Sunflower oil can be used in extremely high cooking temperatures and keeps the food fresh and healthy for a much longer time. Sunflower seeds also enrich your food's flavor. They can be sprinkled over salads, cereals, and soups, used on desserts, or simply as snacks and also mixed with vegetables. To savor a tasty, healthy, and quick energy-giving snack, add sunflower seeds to any of your recipes.
