Sunflower Seeds: The seed of nourishment, warm feelings, relaxation and radiance
Sunflower Seeds “Helianthus Annuus”
“Helianthus flower, Bannerghatta Bangalore” Photo taken by L. Shyamal | Permission=cc-by-2.5
The history of the Sunflower
The Sunflower Seed is native to North America and is believed to have been firstly domesticated by the Native Indians in what is today Arizona and New Mexico. Archeologists believe the kernal has been a staple for many dating back as far as 3000BC.[1]
Roman marble statue of Apollo from the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek. The god is depicted with his attributes, the lyre and the sacred snake Python. The tree trunk around which the snake is wrapped is inscribed with the words "Apollonios made it". Circa 150 AD
The seeds often make a spiral like pattern of the inside of a 1 headed flower, which when observed throughout a day will turn its face so that it is always looking towards the sun.
Where did the name come from?
A Greek myth suggests a water nymph by the name of Clytie falls in love with the Sun God, Apollo, and does nothing but idolize his chariot cross the sky. After 9 days she was transformed into a Sunflower[2] and the Sunflower we know is renowned for her face which always turns towards the sun. The name Sunflower originated from the Greek word Helianthus ‘heli’ meaning Sun, and ‘anthus’ meaning flower. There is some speculation however that this name may refer to the Marigold.
The Sunflower is thought by many to promise nourishment and warm feelings. In Chinese the Sunflower was thought to symbolize longevity. Even Peruvians are said to have held the Sunflower in high praise, wearing large ring like gold shapes which represented both the Sunflower and the Sun which they worshiped.[3]
Nutritionally, the Sunflower seed influences the spleen-pancreas; lubricates the intestines; hastens the eruption of measles (when prepared as a decoction) and is even used to treat constipation. Sunflower seeds are rich in Vitamin E, Thiamin, Manganese and Copper. They are also a good source of Zinc and Dietary Fiber[4] while also having notable amounts of Magnesium for relaxing muscles[5] and Tryptophan, to regulate sleep and give an overall lift in mood.[6] Additionally, they are a good source of Pantothenic Acid (otherwise known as B5), which is critical in the metabolism and synthesis of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats[7]; and Phosphorus, which is used to transport cellular energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) in nearly every cellular process. We know Phosphorous is a key element in all forms of life.
The positive radiant food signature…
Not only does the Sunflower have the outward appearance of being positive, relaxed and easy going, we now know it also has the minerals and vitamins on the inside to make us feel exactly the same way.
Sunflower seeds, hulled and dehulled.
Today Sunflower Seeds find themselves in many products for both their medicinal qualities and their pure delightful taste. Abundance has Sunflower Seeds blended into every bag for their healing and tasty benefits and we’re not the only ones taking advantage of this incredible food. You will find Sunflower Seeds used in breads, wholefood bars, in cakes, grounded up into butters and pastes, even in salads. Plus the oil extracted from Sunflower Seeds is is high in oleic acid and so is least damaged by heat therefor tending to be a favorite cooking oil.
References
- National Sunflower Association: All About Sunflower http://www.sunflowernsa.com/all-about/default.asp?contentID=41
- Sunflower Greek myth http://www.spiritus-temporis.com/sunflower/greek-myth.html
- Sunflower Myths And Legends http://www.twowests.co.uk/weblog/archives/2007/03/sunflower_myths.html
- Author, Don Tolman 2005. Farmacist Desk Reference: Encyclopedia of Whole Food Medicine Vol II. Hong Kong: Benacquista Publishing, Inc.
- WHFoods: Sunflower Seeds http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=57
- WHFoods: Tryptophan http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=nutrient&dbid=103