Daily Food | Known as the "Spleen and Lung Fruit": Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds are the fruit of the sunflower. Sunflower belongs to the genus Helianthus in the Asteraceae family. It is an annual herb. Also known as sunflower, it is also called passionflower, chrysanthemum, and sunflower in ancient Chinese texts.
Sunflowers are native to southwestern North America. Originally a wild species, they were cultivated for ornamental purposes and quickly spread throughout the world, reaching Europe in the early 16th century.
Sunflower cultivation in my country dates back at least 400 years. In the past two decades, sunflower seed production has grown rapidly, with global production now second only to soybeans as a major oilseed, and sunflower seed cultivation is also widespread in my country.
Sunflower Seeds are rich in vitamin E and phenolic acids, making them one of the foods with the highest vitamin E content. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps maintain the normal function of nerve and muscle tissue, strengthen capillary walls, and restore stagnant blood circulation.
The medicinal use of sunflower seeds is mentioned as early as in the Compendium of Materia Medica. Also known as cantaloupe seeds, they are sweet and neutral in nature. They are known to treat blood stasis, relieve swelling and toxins, soothe the nerves and promote sleep, and expel parasites and moisten the lungs. The flower disks can also nourish the lungs, resolve phlegm, and relieve asthma.
What other functions and effects do sunflower seeds have?
1.Antioxidant Benefits: Sunflower seeds contain a large amount of antioxidants, such as vitamin E and carotenoids, which can effectively combat free radical damage and slow aging.
2.Improves Blood Lipids: The linoleic acid in sunflower seed oil can lower blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels, preventing cardiovascular disease.
3.Protects Vision: The vitamin E in sunflower seeds can promote the repair and regeneration of eye tissue, protect retinal health, and prevent eye diseases such as cataracts and macular degeneration
- Improve Digestion: The fiber in sunflower seeds promotes intestinal motility, speeds up digestion, and prevents constipation and colon cancer.
- Enhance Immunity: Trace elements like zinc and selenium in sunflower seeds can boost immunity, improve resistance, and prevent illnesses like colds and flu.
- Anti-inflammatory and Antibacterial: The rutin and flavonoids in sunflower seeds have significant anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, relieving inflammatory reactions like arthritis and dermatitis.
Who are the people who should avoid eating sunflower seeds?
Avoid overeating sunflower seeds: It's best to shell them by hand. Cracking them with your teeth can easily erode your tongue and mouth, and it can also cause you to spit out a lot of saliva, dulling your sense of taste, reducing your appetite, and even causing stomach cramps. Saliva helps remove food debris from the mouth, reduces bacterial growth and fermentation, and protects the oral mucosa.
Patients with hepatitis: Sunflower seeds can damage the liver and cause cirrhosis. Moderation: About 80 grams per serving is recommended. Eating large amounts of sunflower seeds can significantly deplete saliva, which can affect oral health and even digestion over time. Avoid eating too many sunflower seeds at once to avoid developing inflammation and mouth sores.
How to Eat Sunflower Seeds: Sunflower seeds can be eaten directly, roasted, mixed with other foods, or mixed with yogurt. Here are the details:
Eaten Directly: Peel and eat directly; this is the simplest and most common way.
Roasted: Toast the sunflower seeds in an oven or microwave until they are slightly golden. This creates a crispier texture and makes the nutrients more readily absorbed.
Combination: Sunflower seeds can also be eaten with biscuits, candies, vegetables, and other foods for a richer taste.
Mixing with Yogurt: Mixing sunflower seeds with yogurt not only creates a crispy texture but also increases the yogurt's nutritional value.
◆ Tips on Sunflower Seeds ◆1. Tips for Choosing Sunflower Seeds: ① Dryness: If you grab a handful of seeds and release them, and there's a rattling sound, they're dry. If the sound is dull, they've absorbed moisture and become damp, making them susceptible to mold and mildew, increasing health risks. ② Color: Sunflower seeds should be light yellow or dark brown, with lighter yellow corners. Avoid seeds that are completely black or green, as these may be dyed seeds.
③ No insect holes: When choosing melon seeds, pay attention to whether they have insect holes. ④ Shelled melon seeds: It is recommended to buy shelled melon seeds, as the fatty acids in the kernels are easily oxidized, increasing the risk of cancer. ⑤ Original flavor: Give priority to original flavor melon seeds and avoid seeds fried with salt or sugar to control salt and sugar intake.