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Introduction
Benefits
Precautions
Recommended dosage
How to use
FAQs
References
Author Details
Scientific View By
Monalisa Deka
M.Tech, B.Tech
Ayurvedic View By
Dr. Deepak Soni
BAMS
Reviewed By
Dr. Rajeev Sharma
MBA, MBBS
Last updated
29 Aug 2022 | 04:38 PM (IST)
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Sunflower

Sunflower or Suryamukhi is one of the most beautiful flowers. Sunflower oil extracted from its seeds is the world’s second most edible oil. It is rich in healthy fats, various vitamins and minerals that play a very important role in reducing the risk of many health problems.
Consuming soaked Sunflower seeds helps manage constipation by reducing dryness of the intestine. Sunflower oil is also beneficial for the heart due to the presence of antioxidants that help manage cholesterol levels in the blood. Using Sunflower oil for cooking might help to improve digestion. It also helps reduce pain and swelling in rheumatoid arthritis due to its anti-inflammatory property.
You can apply Sunflower oil to helps manage skin infections due to its antimicrobial activity[2-5].

What are the synonyms of Sunflower?

Helianthus annuus, Suryamukhi, Surajmukhi, Beliphul, Jirasol, Suriakamal, Adityabhakti, Suryakanthi huvu, Sumukhi, Curiyakanti, Suryakanti, Adityabhakti chettu, Shuriamukti, Suryaphula, Brahmoka, Surajmuka, Suryakanti, Mirasol, Common Sunflower, Arzivana, Aftabi, Guliaftab[1]

What is the source of Sunflower?

Plant Based

Benefits of Sunflower

What are the benefits of Sunflower for High cholesterol?

Modern Science View
Sunflower seed oil may be useful in managing high cholesterol. It is rich in linoleic acid and oleic acid that plays a role in lowering total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels in the blood[3][5][6][10][11].
Ayurvedic View
High cholesterol is due to an imbalance of Pachak Agni (digestive fire). Impaired digestion at the tissue level produces excess waste products or Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion). This causes accumulation of bad cholesterol and blockage in the blood vessels. Sunflower oil helps to improve digestive fire and reduce Ama due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties. This helps control high cholesterol level.
Tips:
1. Use 1/2 -1 tablespoon of Sunflower oil for cooking purpose.

What are the benefits of Sunflower for Constipation?

Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Sunflower seeds may be useful in managing constipation[6][13].
Ayurvedic View
Constipation is caused due to an aggravated Vata dosha. This can be due to the frequent consumption of junk food, excess intake of coffee or tea, sleeping late at night, stress and depression. All these factors aggravate Vata in the large intestine and cause constipation. Soaked Sunflower seeds help to reduce dryness of the intestine and manages constipation. This is due to its Vata balancing nature.
Tips:
1. Eat 1/2-1 teaspoon of raw, roasted or dried Sunflower seeds 30-60 minutes before a meal.
Or, you can sprinkle it over your food or roast and have it as a snack.

What are the benefits of Sunflower for Hypertension (high blood pressure)?

Modern Science View
Sunflower seed oil may not be useful in managing high blood pressure[6][12].

What are the benefits of Sunflower for Rheumatoid arthritis?

Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Sunflower seeds or oil may be useful in managing Rheumatoid arthritis[6][17].
Ayurvedic View
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is known as Aamavata in Ayurveda. Amavata is a disease in which vitiation of Vata dosha and accumulation of Ama takes place in the joints. Amavāta starts with a weak digestive fire which leads to accumulation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion). This Ama is carried to different locations through Vata but instead of being absorbed, it gets accumulated in the joints and causes Rheumatoid arthritis. Using Sunflower oil in cooking helps to improve digestive fire and reduce ama due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties. This helps in improving mobility in case of Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Tips:
1. Use 1/2 -1 tablespoon of Sunflower oil for cooking purpose.

What are the benefits of Sunflower for Atherosclerosis (plaque deposition inside the arteries)?

Modern Science View
Sunflower seeds and oil may be useful in managing atherosclerosis. Sunflower seeds and oil contain polyunsaturated fatty acids that have potent anti-atherosclerosis activity. They decrease total cholesterol, triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels and increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level in the blood. This reduces the formation of plaques in the arteries and prevents atherosclerosis[3][6][16].

How effective is Sunflower?

Likely effective
High cholesterol
Likely ineffective
Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Insufficient evidence
Atherosclerosis (plaque deposition inside the arteries), Constipation, Rheumatoid arthritis

Precautions when using Sunflower

Allergy
Modern Science View
People sensitive to members of the Asteraceae/Compositae plant family such as chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies etc. are also allergic to Sunflower. In such cases, consult a doctor before using Sunflower[6].
Breastfeeding
Modern Science View
Although Sunflower is safe to consume in food amounts, consult your doctor before consuming Sunflower supplements during breastfeeding[6].
Patients with diabetes
Modern Science View
Sunflower may lower the blood glucose levels. So it is generally advised to monitor the sugar levels regularly while taking Sunflower along with anti-diabetic drugs[3].
Pregnancy
Modern Science View
Although Sunflower is safe to consume in food amounts, consult your doctor before consuming Sunflower supplements during pregnancy[6].

Recommended Dosage of Sunflower

  • Sunflower Capsule - 1-2 capsules twice a day.
  • Sunflower Seeds - ½-1 teaspoons once or twice a day.
  • Sunflower Powder - ¼-½ teaspoon twice day.

How to use Sunflower

1. Sunflower Seeds
a. Eat 1/2-1 teaspoons of raw, roasted or dried Sunflower seeds 30-60 minutes before a meal.
b. Sunflower seeds can also be added to salads.

2. Sunflower Oil
It can be used in general cooking for e.g., frying, baking etc.

3. Sunflower Powder
a. ¼-½ teaspoons of Sunflower powder can also be taken twice a day.
b. You can also sprinkle it over food or have it as a snack.

4. Sunflower Capsule
a. Take 1-2 Sunflower capsule.
b. Swallow it with water after taking lunch and dinner.

Frequently asked questions

Modern Science View
Sunflower oil is good for you as it is low in unhealthy saturated fatty acids and so it does not raise your cholesterol levels. It is naturally free from trans fat and sodium and is rich in linoleic acid and vitamin E. It improves the immune system and reduces the risk of heart disease.
Modern Science View
Yes, Sunflower seeds can be eaten raw. They are naturally low in sodium and high in oil content. Sunflower seeds can also be roasted or baked. But their consumption must be limited as they are high in calories (100 grams of Sunflower seeds have about 584 calories).
Modern Science View
To harvest Sunflower seeds:
1. Check for ripeness of the Sunflowers. The back of the head of the flowers that have turned brown from green are selected (this happens about 35-40 days after bloom).
2. Cut the head off the plant (about 4 inches below the flower head) and remove the seeds with your fingers or a fork.
Modern Science View
Sunflower seeds do not contain a lot of carbohydrates but are high in calorie. Two tablespoons of dried Sunflower seeds contain about 6 gram carbohydrates and 160 calories.
Modern Science View
Sunflower seed shells are very high in fiber so eating them may result in intestinal blockage and constipation. The sharp edges of shells may cause cuts to the lining of the digestive tract causing stomach pain.

References

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    Balkrishnan A.Tulsi.Ayurved Jadi Buti Rehsya. Danik Bhaskar.2017.
  2. 2
    Sepideh M.Helianthus annuus: A systematic review of Pharmacological activity.Der Pharma Chemica, 2016, 8(14):73-76.
  3. 3
    Shuangshuang Guo,Yan Ge,Kriskamol Na Jom.A review of phytochemistry, metabolite changes, and medicinal uses of the common Sunflower seed and sprouts (Helianthus annuus L.).Chem Cent J.2017;11:95.
  4. 4
    Dwivedi A, Sharma GN.A Review on Heliotropism Plant: Helianthus annuus L.The Journal of Phytopharmacology 2014; 3(2):149-155.
  5. 5
    Al-Snafi EA.The pharmacological effects of Helianthus annuus- A review.IAJPS 2018;05(03):1745-1756.
  6. 6
    WebMD.Sunflower-oil: Uses, Side effects, Doses, Interactions [Internet].Atlanta [last updated in 2016].
  7. 7
    USDA.Basic Report 12036, Seeds, Sunflower seed kernels, dried.2018.United States.
  8. 8
    Hausen BM, Spring O.Sunflower allergy On the constituents of the trichomes of Helianthus annuus L. (Compositae).Contact Dermatitis.1989;20(5):326-334.
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    Díaz-Viciedo R, Hortelano S, Girón N et al.Modulation of inflammatory responses by diterpene acids from Helianthus annuus L.Biochem Biophys Res Commun.2008;369(2):761-766.
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    Arjmandi BH, Khan DA, Juma S et al.Whole flaxseed consumption lowers serum LDL-cholesterol and lipoprotein(a) concentrations in postmenopausal women.Nutr Res.1998;18(7):1203-1214.
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    Binkoski AE, Kris-Etherton PM, Wilson TA et al.Balance of unsaturated fatty acids is important to a cholesterol-lowering diet:comparison of mid-oleic Sunflower oil and olive oil on cardiovascular disease risk factors.J Am Diet Assoc.2005;105(7):1080-1086.
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    Mutanen M, Kleemola P, Valsta LM et al.Lack of effect on blood pressure by polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fat diets.Eur.J.Clin.Nutr.1992;46(1):1-6.
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    Pal D.Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) seeds in health and nutrition.Nuts and Seeds in Health and Disease Prevention.Elsevier BV;2011.
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    Bashir T, Mashwani ZUR, Zahara K et al.Chemistry, pharmacology and ethnomedicinal uses of Helianthus annuus (Sunflower):a review.Pure Appl. Biol.2015;4(2):226-235.
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    Saini S, Sharma S.Antidiabetic effect of Helianthus annuus L., seeds ethanolic extract in streptozotocin- nicotinamide induced type 2 diabetes mellitus.Int J Pharm Pharm Sci.2013;5(2):382-387.
  16. 16
    Islam RT, Islam AT, Mazumder K.In vivo anti-obesity activity of methanolic extract of Helianthus annuus seeds.International Journal of Applied Research.2015;1(13):518-522.
  17. 17
    Heo JC, Woo SU, Kweon MA et al.Aqueous extract of the Helianthus annuus seed alleviates asthmatic symptoms in vivo.Int J Mol Med.2008;Int J Mol Med.2008;21:57-61.
  18. 18
    Nandha R, Singh H, Garg K et al.Therapeutic potential of Sunflower seeds:an overview.Int J Res Dev Pharm Life Sci.2012;3(3):967-972.
  19. 19
    Darmstadt GL, Saha SK, Ahmed ASMNU et al.Effect of topical treatment with skin barrier-enhancing emollients on nosocomial infections in preterm infants in Bangladesh:a randomised controlled trial.Lancet.2005;365(9464):1039-1045.
  20. 20
    Darmstadt GL, Badrawi N, Law PA et al.Topically applied Sunflower seed oil prevents invasive bacterial infections in preterm infants in Egypt:a randomized, controlled clinical trial.Pediatr Infect Dis J.2004;23(8):719-725.
  21. 21
    Marques SR, Peixoto CA, Messias JB et al.The effects of topical application of Sunflower-seed oil on open wound healing in lambs.Acta Cir Bras.2004;19(3).
  22. 22
  23. 23
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.