Sunflower Seeds Garden Nursery Landscaping Guide
Sunflower Seeds For Your Garden
By Suzzie T Franklin
If you have ever seen a field of sunflowers, then you know the
sight is absolutely breathtaking. The tall flowers have a large
yellow head filled with hundreds of small seeds. The kernels of
these flower seeds are available unshelled or shelled, raw or
toasted.
These organic seeds can be tossed in salads, folded into dough,
or added to your favorite trail mix. Whichever way you eat them,
they are an inexpensive and nutritious snack. Sunflower seeds
provide a quick burst of energy that can help you stay awake in
that afternoon meeting or give you that added boost to get through
your daily workout.
High In Protein And Carbohydrates
Athletes eat the seeds because they are high in protein and carbohydrates,
and both are fuels for maintaining energy levels while working
out or competing. They are a great snack if you want quick energy,
as they help the liver release glycogen (a form of sugar) into
the blood stream.
With the quick energy comes a calming effect as well. The sunflower
plant seeds contain high levels of tryptophan, which is an amino
acid that has a calming effect on the brain. Eating a diet balanced
with protein and complex carbohydrates raises the level of tryptophan
in the brain.
Plenty Of Minerals
Sunflower seeds are veritable storehouses of the minerals magnesium,
fluorine and phosphorus, calcium and iron. They contain abundant
levels of protein, the B vitamins and more. Not only that, but
they contain linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid.
For a snack that tastes great, gets you pumping and keeps you
calm and collected, try the modest sunflower seed. It is the choice
you should make. They are also rich in vitamin E, an elemental
component of a healthy diet.
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that destroys free radicals within
the body. Because free radicals can cause cell damage, daily consumption
of vitamin E is important. It is used to prevent and treat dementia,
cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Growing Your Own Sunflowers
The sunflower is a complete pleasure to look at and the seeds
are a delight to eat. From their cheerful bright yellow flowers
to the tasty goodness of the kernel, only the grouchiest of grouches
could fail to have his day brightened by the mere sight of a sunflower
in bloom or the sunny taste of a roasted seed.
In North America, sunflower seeds are said to have originated
in Mexico, as early as 300 B.C., yet other studies state the plant
was domesticated between 4000 and 10,000 years ago. Yet regardless
of the plant’s origin, why not add a few sunflowers to your garden
planting endeavors and harvest your own supply of seeds?
About the Author:
Suzzie T Franklin has written a number of articles on gardening
and landscaping including
Cherry Blossom,
Tole Painting,
Lady Slipper Flower,
Bamboo Plants,
Zen Garden,
Wire Topiary Frames,
Flower Seeds,
Gardening Vegetable, Container
Gardens.
Keep a lookout for more of her articles on this website.
Little Known Seeds Facts....
How are seeds collected?
In order for seeds to be collected, the plant
has to be fertilized by another plant. The gymnosperm and the
angiosperm will combine and result in a seed. But before even
that happens the plant must be mature and develop the seed beginnings.
In the case of certain flowers, the flower must bloom and then
be left to wither.
Once it has withered, the seed of the plant
will be left. People or machines will then come along and collect
the seeds that are left. The seed is then stored in a cool, dry
place and it awaits the time when it will undergo germination.
The germination process will happen once the seed has absorbed
enough water to swell and split the outer coating. Seeds can remain
dormant for years waiting for the right conditions in which to
germinate and grow.
RECOMMENDED READING
|
