Sunflowers in a Field
Sunflowers are beloved by many for their beautiful bright flowers, but they are more than just a pretty face. The common sunflower (helianthus annuus l.) was a staple for Native Americans and it was used for more than just a tasty snack. Sunflowers were used as a medicine or a dye and contain plenty of nutrients. They are native to many regions in the Americas.
Where to Find Sunflowers?
Multiple Cultivars of Sunflower
The sunflower is native to South America with some more hardier species residing in North America. They were thought to have originated in the south of USA to the north of Mexico, then later spread throughout the continent as they adapted. Sunflowers can be found in moist open areas such as grasslands and prairies, meadows, roadsides, and at the edge of forests. They tend to prefer warmer climates, but there are some cold tolerant species found as far as the Northwest Territories! Sunflowers have since been brought to countries all across the globe, with hundreds of different cultivars.
Sunflowers used to have more of a bush like appearance with multiple small flowers but Native Americans have cultivated them to grow from a single stem with a large flower. Varieties can grow from 1 – 15 ft, but the most common is around 4 – 6 ft tall. The hairy stems are thick and hollow to support the weight of the flower head which is normally 2 – 4 inches wide. Typically the petals create a yellow ring around the dark center, a distinct appearance that has awarded this flower its name. There are a large variety of colors now, such as red, orange, pink, brown and white. These flowers bloom in the summertime into fall when it is warm enough.
Historical Significance
Sunflower Farm Field
Some consider sunflowers to be the fourth sister of the Native American garden. While corn provided a climbing pole for the beans to grow up and squash protected the base of the plants with its wide leaves, the sunflower was used for protection. It would attract birds to feast on its seeds, preventing them from eating the corn. When there were seeds left behind, they were eaten whole or ground into a flour to make baked goods. Native Americans would also extract oil from their seeds to be used in cooking. They have also been used to create a reddish – purplish dye for hair, skin, and fabric.
Nutritional and Medicinal Properties
Bucket of Sunflowers at a Market
Sunflower seeds contain plenty of fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins that make it a healthy snack! According to National Library of Medicine linoleic acid is found in the seed oil, which has been proven to lower cholesterol and prevent coronary heart disease as well as other heart diseases. They also are great at treating coughs, colds, and pulmonary infection. Besides the lungs and heart, the vitamin E (37.8 mg/ 100 g), thiamine, riboflavin and antioxidants in sunflowers help support eye health. They also have the power of cancer prevention, thanks to the antioxidants found in the seeds and sprouts.
Sunflowers are antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antiallergic. They have the ability to prevent blood clots (antithrombotic) and dilate the capillaries (vasodilatory). The seeds contain flavonoids, which supports metabolic health and aids in healthy weight regulation. The oil is able to heal the skin, reducing wounds by 300%! Sunflowers are also anti-diabetic as they aid in lowering glucose in the body. Sunflower seeds and sprouts include vitamin A, B, C, and E, as well as plenty of minerals such as zinc, magnesium, phosphorous, calcium, and potassium.
Warning!
Eat in moderation. Consuming too many sunflower seeds or sunflower food products many result in vomiting, constipation and stomach aches.
Conclusion
Sunflowers are beautiful and inspiring, but have more uses besides being a decorative garden flower. The seeds, oil and sprouts contain plenty of vitamins and minerals that can help maintain health and prevent or treat illness. Native Americans have known about these properties for centuries. They would grow them in their gardens as food, dye, and protector against birds. Our food impacts our wellbeing, and its important to be aware of the healing properties of local plants.