From Greek Mythology: “Flower of Steadfast Love” to Magical Vegetable Recipes, Globally Adopted as Superfood.
From Greek legend, the “flower of steadfast love” is not only beautiful, but also a superfood with great benefits, a miraculous vegetable for people all over the world.
Sunflower, a bright yellow flower with a love legend from Greek mythology, is now recognized as a “superfood“ with amazing nutritional benefits from the flower, seeds and sprouts.
Flower of the Sun and the Legend of Unrequited Love
The scientific name of the sunflower is Helianthus annuus, which comes from the Greek words Helios (sun) and Anthos (flower), meaning “sun flower.”
In Greek legend, Clytie, a sea nymph, fell in love with Apollo, the sun god, after being washed ashore by a storm.
Although Apollo never cared, Clytie watched him every day from morning till night, eating nothing but tears and dew. On the 9th day, she died of grief. The gods took pity on her and transformed her into a “sunflower” that would turn its flowers to follow the sunlight forever.
The sunflower has therefore become a symbol of steadfast love, loyalty and never giving up.
The benefits of sunflowers are not just beautiful, but also good for health.
Sunflowers are not just beautiful flowers, but also medicinal herbs that can be used in all aspects: flowers, leaves, stems, roots, and seeds, especially sunflower seeds and sunflower sprouts, which are highly nutritious.
Sunflower Seeds: Tiny Snacks, Full of Benefits
Sunflower seeds are rich in good fats, protein, fiber, vitamin E, B vitamins, calcium, zinc, and selenium, which have many health benefits:
- High in protein, suitable for those who want to build muscle or control their weight.
- Reduce blood fat with unsaturated fatty acids
- Nourishes the eyes: Vitamin E helps reduce the risk of cataracts.
- Reduce the risk of heart disease, fight free radicals, reduce inflammation
- Nourish thyroid with selenium
- Helps reduce numbness and strengthen bones.
- Relieve stress with magnesium that nourishes the nervous system.
- Helps with bowel movements because it contains fiber.
- Nourishes the skin, protects against UV rays and helps moisturize the skin.
Warning : 1/4 cup of roasted sunflower seeds provides 186 kcal, so eat them in moderation.
Sunflower sprouts
Sunflower sprouts are the part of the sunflower plant that has just sprouted from seeds. They are small plants with round, light green leaves and a crunchy, oily taste. *They are popularly consumed around 7-10 days after sprouting because during this สมัครสมาชิก UFABET วันนี้ รับเครดิตฟรีทุกวัน period they contain the most concentrated nutrients and are considered a “superfood.” They are often added to salads, stir-fried in oil, or used to make other healthy menus.
- More protein than other types of sprouts
- High in calcium & iron
- Vitamins B1, B6, E and folate
- Omega 3, 6, 9
- Antioxidants help protect against respiratory infections.
Main properties of sunflower sprouts
- Control blood fat
- Prevent heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
- Weight control
- Nourishes the brain and eyes
- Nourish bones and teeth
- Helps the digestive system
- Boost immunity
Warning : 100 grams of sprouts provide about 53 kcal of energy. It should be eaten in moderation.