Sunflower Seeds
<p >In addition to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linoleic_acid" title="Linoleic acid" >linoleic acid</a> (an <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Essential_fatty_acid" title="Essential fatty acid" >essential fatty acid</a>), sunflower seeds are also an excellent source of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dietary_fiber" title="Dietary fiber" >dietary fiber</a>, some <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amino_acids" title="Amino acids" class="mw-redirect" >amino acids</a> (especially<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tryptophan" title="Tryptophan" >tryptophan</a>), <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitamin_E" title="Vitamin E" >Vitamin E</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B_Vitamins" title="B Vitamins" class="mw-redirect" >B Vitamins</a> (especially vitamin B1 or <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thiamine" title="Thiamine" >thiamine</a>, vitamin B5 or <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pantothenic_acid" title="Pantothenic acid" >pantothenic acid</a> and folate / <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Folic_acid" title="Folic acid" >folic acid</a><sup id="cite_ref-3" class="reference" ><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunflower_seeds#cite_note-3" >[4]</a></sup> Additionally, they are rich in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cholesterol" title="Cholesterol" >cholesterol</a>-lowering <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phytosterol" title="Phytosterol" >phytosterols</a>.<sup id="cite_ref-4" class="reference" ><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunflower_seeds#cite_note-4" >[5]</a></sup></p>
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The <b>sunflower seed</b> is the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fruit" title="Fruit" >fruit</a> of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunflower" title="Sunflower" >sunflower</a> (<i>Helianthus annuus</i>). The term "sunflower seed" is actually a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Misnomer" title="Misnomer" >misnomer</a> when applied to the seed in its <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pericarp" title="Pericarp" class="mw-redirect" >pericarp</a> (hull). Botanically speaking, it is more properly referred to as an <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Achene" title="Achene" >achene</a>. When dehulled, the edible remainder is called the sunflower kernel.</p>
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There are three types of commonly used sunflower seeds. Linoleic (most common), high oleic, and Nusun. Each variety has its own unique levels of monounsaturated, saturated, and polyunsaturated fats. The information in this article refers mainly to the linoleic variety.</p>
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For commercial purposes, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunflower" title="Sunflower" >sunflower</a> seeds are usually classified by the pattern on their husks. If the husk is solid black, the seeds are called black oil sunflower seeds. The crops may be referred to as oilseed sunflower crops. These seeds are usually pressed to extract their oil. Striped sunflower seeds are primarily used for food; as a result, they may be called <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confectionery" title="Confectionery" >confectionery</a> sunflower seeds.</p>