A Farmer Planted Over 2 Million Sunflowers to Provide a Respite During This Rough Year

How would you feel facing a field of bright yellow sunflowers? What if you could walk among 2 million sunflowers? If you are feeling depressed, worried, or stressed about the world today, this many sunflowers could surely make you feel better.

A farmer in Kenosha County Wisconsin felt this way. He wanted to do something to help people during the pandemic so he planted 22 acres of sunflowers, a field of sunshine, on his you-pick strawberry farm. Scott Thompson knew if he could help folks get out of their homes and come to the country, the fresh air, space for social distancing, and room for family picnics, the faces of sunflowers would make them happy, at least for a while. (1)

What is it about sunflowers that help us feel good? The large round flowers, like their name, look like the sun. They follow the sun by turning their flower heads during the day, and almost have a smiley face looking back at us. Sunflowers can provide energy in the form of nourishment and vibrance, attributes that mirror the sun, and the energy provided by its heat and light.

History of Sunflowers

In many cultures, sunflowers are a symbol of happiness and optimism. They represent longevity, love, vitality, and loyalty and have been used in ceremonies for thousands of years. Evidence suggests that the plant was originally cultivated by those living in present-day Arizona and New Mexico about 3000 BC. Sunflowers may have been domesticated as a food source even before corn. Practical uses included a purple dye for textiles and body painting. Parts of the plant were used medicinally for snakebite and other remedies. The oil of the seed was used on skin and hair. The dried stalk was used as a building material. (2, 3)

Health Benefits of Sunflowers

Sunflower seeds are excellent sources of several nutrients, including antioxidants such as vitamin E and selenium, and plant compounds that may help prevent chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes. Here’s a detailed look at their benefits:

• Rich in Antioxidants: Sunflower seeds are an excellent source of antioxidants like vitamin E and selenium. These antioxidants play a crucial role in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, which can lead to chronic diseases.
• Prevents Chronic Diseases: The compounds in sunflower seeds may help in preventing conditions like high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes. This is likely due to their anti-inflammatory and heart-healthy properties.
• Aids in Weight Loss: Being high in protein and fiber, sunflower seeds can promote feelings of fullness, reducing overall calorie intake and aiding in weight management.
• Energy Boosting: These seeds are a good source of B vitamins, which are essential for energy production in the body. They also contain healthy fats that provide a steady energy supply.

• Improves Skin Health: The high vitamin E content in sunflower seeds can contribute to the health of the skin. Vitamin E acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting skin cells from damage by free radicals.
• Lowers Cholesterol: Sunflower seeds contain phytosterols, plant-based compounds that can help lower blood cholesterol levels. Additionally, the unsaturated fats in these seeds are beneficial for heart health.

Environmental Benefits

Sunflowers are not only beautiful and nutritionally beneficial but also have remarkable environmental benefits. They can play a role in cleaning up soil contaminants, including various pollutants:

• Natural Detoxifiers: Sunflowers possess the unique ability to absorb toxins from the soil through a process known as phytoremediation. This means they can extract a range of harmful elements, including heavy metals and other pollutants, effectively cleaning the soil.
• Radioactive Waste Cleanup: Sunflowers have been used to extract radioactive isotopes from contaminated soil and water, notably after nuclear disasters. Their roots absorb radioactive substances, which are then stored in their stems and leaves.
• Eco-Friendly and Cost-Effective: This method of using sunflowers for soil cleanup is environmentally friendly and cost-effective compared to traditional methods, which can be invasive and expensive.

• Symbol of Peace: Due to their role in decontaminating soil, sunflowers have become associated with environmental restoration and peace, symbolizing hope for a world free of nuclear weapons.

 According to the online publication Healthline.com: “Unshelled sunflower seeds are a popular snack, while shelled varieties can be eaten by the handful or added to any number of foods, such as trail mix, salads, and baked goods.” Eating only ¼ cup of seeds a day is enough to avoid excessive calorie intake and potentially high exposure to cadmium. (4)

Sunflower seed sprouts, called microgreens, are also a good source of nutrition. Be careful with your growing conditions. Though uncommon, bacterial contamination of sprouted seeds may cause sunflower seed allergies and intestinal blockages.

Numerous studies show that exchanging saturated fats, like those in butter, cheese, full-fat dairy, and coconut, for unsaturated fats like those found in sunflower oil, is associated with reduced risk of coronary heart disease. Use cold-pressed sunflower oil, which has a rich, nutty flavor, for salad dressings and other low-heat applications. (5)

Next time you are feeling down, buy some sunflowers OR try these other seeds to boost energy. You will be happy you did.