Sunflower is one of the most popular plants in the plant kingdom and it is recognized all over the world. It is known perhaps because of its product, which is sunflower oil, also for its usual false impression that the flower follows the sun during different times of the day and because of the unique shape of the flower which almost resembles the sun. The name sunflower in English is derived from the Greek word Helianthus, which is a combination of Helios meaning the sun and Anthos meaning a flower. Thus, the name sunflower.
Sunflower Seeds Nutrition
A ¼ cup serving of sunflower seeds provides (in value recommended values): 190 calories, 16 grams of fat, 6 grams of protein, and 4 grams of fiber
- 82% of Vitamin E
- 70% DV of copper
- 43% Vitamin B1 (thiamine)
- 34% of manganese
- 33% of phosphorus
- 28% of magnesium
- 28% of Vitamin B6
- 20% of folate
- 18% of Vitamin B3
Health benefits of sunflower seeds for Childrens
Here are some of the health benefits of adding sunflower seeds to your kids’ diet.
1. Good for digestion:
Sunflower seeds have good amount of dietary fiber. This fiber is good for your kids as it adds bulk to the food. It absorbs more water and helps in easy bowel movement and relief from constipation and keep your kid’s gut healthy.
2. Calms the brain:
Just like pumpkin seeds, even sunflower seeds have a good amount of tryptophan. Tryptophan is an amino acid which helps in producing serotonin and melatonin. These hormones are some of the key ingredients for a good night’s sleep. Hence, if your child is suffering from insomnia, give sunflower seeds few hours before sleep.
3. Rich supply of amino acids:
Sunflower is a good source of essential amino acids such as histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine. These are known as essential amino acids because, the body cannot produce them naturally and they need to be supplied through the food that we eat. Fortunately, sunflower seeds contain all the essential amino acids. Amino acids play an important role in muscle development and metabolism and they are the building blocks of proteins.
4. Anti-inflammatory properties:
Sunflower has good amount of vitamin E in it. Vitamin E has been noted to possess anti-inflammatory properties and has been known to reduce inflammations related to asthma, bronchitis, laryngitis, tonsillitis, influenza and cough, etc.
5. Reduces anemia:
Anemia is a condition characterized by lack of red blood cells and lack of hemoglobin. If your child is anemic, giving sunflower seeds to your child can reduce anemia, as sunflower seeds are high in iron.
6. Bone development:
Sunflower seeds are high in magnesium, a mineral which has a great role to play in bone development apart from calcium. While there is more and more focus on the intake of calcium, the intake of calcium should be well balanced with that of magnesium because magnesium helps in reducing the ill-effects of excess calcium in the body. A thumb rule of 2:1 ratio of calcium and magnesium daily intake needs to be followed.