FOODS FOR THE ARTERIES- SUNFLOWER SEEDS

Sunflower seeds- Combating arteriosclerosis

French: Graine du tournesol;
Spanish: Semillas de girasol.
Description: Seeds from the sunflower ('Helianthus annuus'L.), an annual plant of the botanical family Solanaceae Compositae that grows to a height of two meters.

PROPERTIES AND INDICATIONS: Sunflower seeds are composed of up to 49.6% fat, which provides an excellent culinary oil; 22.8% proteins, an amount similar to meat; and up to 8.3% carbohydrates.
Sunflower seeds are almost completely lacking in vitamins A and C. But they are one of the richest sources of vitamin E (surpassed only by almonds) and vitamin B1 (surpassed only by brewer's yeast).
They are very rich in such minerals as magnesium, iron (6.8 mg/100 g, equal to lentils), calcium and phosphorous.
It is possible to deduce from this that sunflower seeds are among the most nutritionally concentrated foods, minerals, and vitamins B1 and E. Even with all of this nutritional richness, they are easily digested provided they are well chewed.
Eating sunflower seeds regularly (unsalted, of course) is particularly indicated in the following situations:
-Arteriosclerosis and coronary heart disease: The essential fatty acids in sunflower seeds (particularly linoleic acid) impede the progress of arteriosclerosis by lowering the level of cholesterol in the blood. Vitamin E, which sunflower seeds contain in abundance, is a powerful antioxidant that prevents arterial deterioration. It also reduces platelet stickiness, which helps prevent blood clots and heart attacks.
-Excess cholesterol: Eating sunflower seeds, particularly as a substitute for other fatty or calorie-rich foods, causes a significant reduction in cholesterol level. This same effect is gained by using sunflower seed oil.
-Skin and related disorders: Linoleic acid and vitamin E improve the elasticity of the skin, protecting its cells from the effects of aging (antioxidant action). Eating sunflower seeds is recommended for eczema, cracked, dry skin, and dermatitis in general. They also strengthen the nails and hair, reducing the number of gray hairs.
- Nervous disorders: Sunflower seeds contain as much vitamin B1 as wheat germ. Those suffering from stress, depression, insomnia, or nervousness will find real help in these humble seeds.

-Diabetes: Sunflower seeds are well tolerated by diabetics and constitute a nutritious food that should be included in their diet.
-Increased nutritional needs: Sunflower seeds are a high-calorie food, as well as being rich in essential nutrients. They are appropriate for pregnant or lactating women, athletes, those with anemia, those that are undernourished, and those recovering from debilitating diseases, and in general, anyone needing a greater supply of nutrition.
-Cancer: Numerous epidemiological and experimental studies show that vitamin E exercises an anticarcinogenic effect, as well as offering a possible cure in some instances.

PREPARATION AND USE
(1)Raw: Sunflower seeds are best eaten raw after they have been spread on a flat surface and dried for a few days.
(2)Toasted: These are very flavorful, but if they are toasted for a long period their nutritional value suffers.
(3)Ground to a paste: Once shelled, the seeds are ground to a homogeneous paste, which is excellent for children, the elderly, and those with deteriorated teeth.