Sunflower seeds: The tiny superfood with big health benefits

 In the diverse world of nuts and seeds, sunflower seeds stand out as a nutritional powerhouse that’s often overlooked. These small, grayish seeds with black-and-white striped shells are far more than bird food or a casual snack -- they are nutrient-dense, versatile and increasingly recognized for their role in promoting heart health, brain function and balanced nutrition.

Sunflowers are native to North America and were first cultivated around 3,000 BCE by Indigenous tribes in present-day Mexico and the southwestern United States. Native Americans revered the sunflower for its nutritional and medicinal value, using not just the seeds but also the oil, petals and stalks.

By the 16th century, Spanish explorers had brought sunflower seeds to Europe, where they quickly gained popularity. Russia, in particular, embraced sunflowers and began cultivating them extensively, eventually developing high-oil varieties. In the 20th century, sunflower seeds re-entered the North American diet with renewed purpose, not just as a source of cooking oil but also as a standalone food....<<<Read More>>>...