 The just released federal dietary guidelines are a blue print for sunflower. The report identifies several nutrients that are lacking in the American diets, including vitamin A, E, C, calcium, magnesium, potassium and fiber. Visit the Kernel Nutrient Composition page of this site to find out the details of how sunflower fills the nutritional void mentioned in the report.
Sunflower seeds are specifically listed in the scientific report of the Guidelines as the best whole food source of vitamin E. You'll understand why after reading Facts about Vitamin E.
Dietary Guidelines for Americans is published jointly every 5 years by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA). The Guidelines provide authoritative advice for people two years and older about how good dietary habits can promote health and reduce risk for major chronic diseases.
The Guidelines recommend that trans fats be virtually eliminated from our diets and that saturated fat (animal fat, palm, coconuts oils) should be limited to less than 10 percent of our calories while healthy oils containing poly and monounsaturated fatty acids are an important part of a healthy diet. Sunflower oil is listed by name in the scientific report as an example of a healthful liquid vegetable oil.
Additional Links
Dietary Guidelines for Americans (link)
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