Sunflower Seeds Turn You On

Some years ago. Prevention Magazine ran a series of articles about sunflower seeds (Helianthus annuus). One of them started off by saying that if you were stranded on a desert island and the only food you had was sunflower seeds, you would be fortunate, because of the many healthful elements they contain. I've always remembered that.

Though in my Extremely Busy Solo Woman's Biscuit / Cookie Recipe sunflower seeds are cooked, they are of course even better eaten raw. In fact, Prevention had another insight to share, and it was this. According to a friendly doctor, the secret of staying young and vital all your life is :

"Every day eat something which, if put into the ground, will grow."

If you think about that, most things we eat would definitely not grow if put into the ground. That attribute is reserved for seeds - and sunflower seeds are one of the best. Here's a summary of what they contain:

• Protein (24%) This is complete protein - a rare find in non-animal foods - with an excellent balance of the 9 essential amino acids. In comparison with eggs, sunflower seeds have just about the same amount of lysine and methionine, and even higher levels of all the other essential amino acids. In today's world when the price of meat is high and questions are being asked about the connection between over-consumption of meat and cancer, it's good to know that at least one non-animal food can foot it with the best.
• Essential Fatty Acids (46%) - particularly linoleic acid - required for smooth skin and healthy hair, strength of connective tissue, reproductive processes, and to mobilize cholesterol.
• Vitamin E - for heart health, preventing blood clotting, and for reproductive processes.
• Vitamin A - for complexion, eyesight and the integrity of mucous membranes. It appears the vitamin A content of sunflower seeds is particularly well utilized - cattle when fed on sunflower seed cake (the remains from oil extraction) produce a higher level of vitamin A in their milk than when they are fed on other feeds.
• Vitamin D - again a very good natural source, probably because the sunflower keeps its face turned towards the sun. On top of that, this natural source also contains a bunch of minerals needed to activate the vitamin D. Isn't this far preferable to taking your D in capsule form?
• Vitamin Bs - especially thiamine, riboflavin, niacin and B6. More B Vitemins than are found in wheatgerm, in fact. THAT's useful information for people suffering from gluten intolerance or coeliac disease!
• Minerals - zinc for heart and prostate health; magnesium for strong blood vessels, bones and nerves; potassium for heart function; phosphorus and iron. And for anyone concerned about sodium intake, sunflower seeds are low in salt.
• Enzymes - when eaten uncooked, sunflower seeds provide an excellent source of enzymes - something most people living on cooked foods are drastically lacking.
• Fibre - essential for the bowel, heart health and cholesterol management. They are in fact better for us than wheat bran : another good tip for coelic sufferers and people who are allergic to grains.

I should add that the elements stored in this powerhouse seed are also known for their capacity to promote a sense of well-being. These gluten-free seeds have what it takes to add a spark to your day - and there are NO SIDE EFFECTS.

So instead of rushing off to get your fix of fast foods (and all the nasties that go with it), make sure you have sunflower seeds in your pantry, and take some to work with you every day.  Your body will thank you for it.  So will your bank balance!

Patricia