Sunflower is a genus of Helianthus, belong to the family Asteraceae and native to the Americas. It grow to heights between 5–12 ft. Sunflower seeds are usually classified by the difference of their husks and are considered as healthy snack of a meal.
Nutritional Supplements
1. Carbohydrates
2. Sugars
3. Fiber
4. Fat (Saturated, Monounsaturated, Polyunsaturated)
5. Protein
6. Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
7. Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
8. Niacin (Vitamin B3)
9. Pantothenic acid (B5)
10. Vitamin B6
11. Folate (Vit. B9)
12. Vitamin C
13. Vitamin E
14. Calcium
15. Iron
16. Magnesium
17. Manganese
18. Phosphorus
19. Potassium
20. Selenium
21. Sodium
22. Tryptophan
23. Zinc
24. Etc
Health Benefits
A. health benefits according to the concentration
1. Vitamin E
a. In the evuluation of the effect of vitamin E against the risk of cardiovascular diseases, in the study of "Vitamin E and risk of cardiovascular diseases: a review of epidemiologic and clinical trial studies" by Cordero Z, Drogan D, Weikert C, Boeing H.(1), the researcher found that fifty-nine published reports from observational studies, retrospective and prospective, randomised clinical trials, meta-analyses as well as pooling analyses were reviewed. The paper provides a detailed discussion about design, quality and limitations of these studies with regard to the evidence of the hypothesized relationship between vitamin E and cardiovascular diseases.
b. Cognitive aging and dementia
Vitamin E from food sources as well as many others such as the n-3 fatty acid, DHA, found in fish, a high ratio of polyunsaturated to saturated fats, and vitamin B12 and folate, have exerted the benefits of reducing the cognitive aging and diseases, according tothe study of "Nutritional determinants of cognitive aging and dementia" by Morris MC.(2)
2. Vitamin B1(Thiamin)
a. Diabetic complications
Vitamin B1 defeiciency may induce the accumulation of triosephosphates arising from high cytosolic glucose concentrations in hyperglycemia is one likely or potential trigger for biochemical dysfunction leading to the development of diabetic complications, according to the study of "The potential role of thiamine (vitamin B1) in diabetic complications" by
Thornalley PJ.(3)
b. Cardiac function
In the evuluation of diuretic treatment for heart failure may lead to an increased urinary thiamine excretion and in long-term thiamine deficiency, which may further compromise cardiac function, in the study of "Thiamine supplementation in symptomatic chronic heart failure: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over pilot study" by Schoenenberger AW, Schoenenberger-Berzins R, der Maur CA, Suter PM, Vergopoulos A, Erne P.(4), researchers found that thiamine supplementation has beneficial effects on cardiac function in patients with diuretic drugs for symptomatic chronic heart failure.
3. Meganesium
a. Osteroporosis
In the evaluation of therelationship between osteoporosis and magnesium (Mg) deficiency in the study of "A case of magnesium deficiency associated with insufficient parathyroid hormone action and severe osteoporosis" by Kanazawa I, Yamamoto M, Yamaguchi T, Yamauchi M, Yano S, Sugimoto T.(5), researchers found that Mg deficiency in this case seemed to cause impaired secretion of PTH from the parathyroid and the refractoriness of bone and kidney to the hormone, which led to the suppression of both bone remodeling and renal vitamin D production. that probably linked to her severe osteoporosis.
b. Metabolic syndrome
In the assessment of high Mg intake may reduce the risk but the possibility of confounding factors exists, given the strong association between Mg and other beneficial nutriments (vegetables, fibers, cereals), in the study of "Magnesium deficiency and metabolic syndrome: stress and inflammation may reflect calcium activation" by Rayssiguier Y, Libako P, Nowacki W, Rock E.(6), researchers indicated that Mg effect on intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis may be a common link between stress, inflammation and a possible relationship to metabolic syndrome.
4. Manganese
a. Antioxidant
Manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), an enzyme located in mitochondria, is the key enzyme that protects the energy-generating mitochondria from oxidative damage caused by free radicals, according to the study of `The role of manganese superoxide dismutase in inflammation defense`by Li C, Zhou HM.(7)
b. Diabetes risk
Deficiency (too little) and efficiency (too much) of some essential trace metals may play a role in the development of diabetes mellitus, including manganese, according to the study of `Copper, chromium, manganese, iron, nickel, and zinc levels in biological samples of diabetes mellitus patients`by Kazi TG, Afridi HI, Kazi N, Jamali MK, Arain MB, Jalbani N, Kandhro GA.(8)
5. Etc.
B. Other health benefits
1. Heart diseases and stroke
Since it contains high amount of Omega 3 fatty acids, it increases the ratio of good cholesterol , thus reducing the risk of heart diseases and stroke., according to the study of "Omega-3 Fatty acids for cardiovascular disease prevention" by Defilippis AP, Blaha MJ, Jacobson TA.(9)
2. Vascular function
Since it contains high amount magnesium that increases the elastic of blood vessels and regulates the muscle relaxation and constriction, thus enhancing the blood flow in the body,according to the study of 'Oral magnesium supplementation improves vascular function in elderly diabetic patients" by Barbagallo M, Dominguez LJ, Galioto A, Pineo A, Belvedere M.(10)
3. Ulcerative colitis
Since sunflower contains high amount of vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant beside is important in preventing cholesterol from being converted to plaque, it helps to enhance the immune system in fighting against irregular cells growth, virus causes of inflammation, according to the study of "Vitamin E has a dual effect of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities in acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis in rats" by Tahan G, Aytac E, Aytekin H, Gunduz F, Dogusoy G, Aydin S, Tahan V, Uzun H.(11)
4. Etc.
Side Effects
No side effect is known
Super foods Library, Eat Yourself Healthy With The Best of the Best Nature Has to Offer
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Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20373188
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22067138
(3)http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18220605
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22057652
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18048993
(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20513641
(7) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21977313
(8) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18193174
(9) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20842560
(10)http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20736142
(11) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21933527
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