for all body cells. Calcium: Our bodies need calcium for building strong bones, hard teeth, good muscle
and tissue tone, well-being of nerves, and proper clotting of blood. Iron: Found in good amount, and
while iron is most essential for the formation of healthy, red blood corpuscles, evidence also points to the
necessity of copper being present, even though in minute quantities, for the proper utilization of iron.
There are very few foods in which copper is found in any amount; however, sunflower seeds present a
rich source. Fluorine, iodine: Iodine has always been associated with seafoods, sea salt, and sea moss or
vegetation, but it is also found in sunflower seeds. Natural fluorine, so essential for hard tooth enamel
formation, is present in amounts of 2.6 parts per million. Fluorine is also needed in the development of
the skeleton, since no normal bony substance can be formed without it. Potassium: Without potassium life
as we know it would not exist. It is very predominant in brain tissue and appears to be vital in the proper
functions of this organ and of the nervous system. Magnesium: Magnesium contributes to the formation of
the albumin of the blood and is also found in greater amounts than calcium in muscular tissues, brain and
nervous tissue, and lungs. Sodium: It is interesting to note that sunflower seeds are unusually low in
sodium, containing only 0.4 milligrams. Protein: Sunflower seeds contain up to 30 percent protein, plus
all of the amino acids needed for building and repairing the body cells. This protein is 98 percent
digestible, has a biological or utilization value of 64.5 percent, and does not putrefy, as does animal
protein. Thiamine: Sunflower seeds contain a good amount of vitamin B, this being essential for normal
growth and metabolism, maintenance of appetite, nerve functioning, and for good mobility and tone of the
stomach and intestines. Niacin: Niacin is another important vitamin that is also known as the pellagra-
preventive vitamin. A lack of this vitamin affects the skin and digestive and nervous systems of the body.
Sunflower seeds are a very good source of this vitamin. Vitamin D: Every 100 grams of sunflower seeds
contain 92 U.S.P. units, or 23 percent of an adult minimum daily requirement of vitamin D. This vitamin is
necessary for controlling the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus in bone building and teeth formation.
While no definite minimum daily requirement has been established, it has been shown that this vitamin
appears to be important in the prevention of sterility and for increasing endurance. Further tests have also
indicated its value in heart conditions, and in some countries it is used to treat heart trouble (due to the
unsaturated fatty acids, the opposite of which, saturated fats, form high cholesterol in the bloodstream).
Sunflower seeds are used by those who know and respect this vital source of natural nourishment for
snacks, soups, meatless loaves, and desserts.
DOSE: Prepared as medication, 2 ounces of sunflower seeds to 1 quart of water; boil down to 12 ounces
and strain; add 6 ounces of gin and 6 ounces of honey. The dose is 1–2 teaspoonsfuls three or four times a
day. Make sure the seeds are fresh, as old and rancid oil is detrimental.
RUSSIAN EXPERIENCE: The Russian name is podsolnechnik, “under the sun.” Sunflowers are inseparable
from Russian daily life as a plant of decoration, food, and medicine.
The sunflower originated in North America. Archaeological discovery reveals sunflower seeds found
in clay containers over three thousand years old, indicating that the original people of this continent knew
how to cultivate and use this essential plant. In 1510 the Spaniards were the first to bring the sunflower
species to Spain, where Madrid Botanic Garden started its cultivation for decorative purposes only, as
the flowers resembled giant chamomile and daisys. Botanist Lobelius, in the sixteenth century, gave us the
first botanical description, named Helenithus annuus, which was also grown for decoration only. Russian
czar Peter the Great first observed the sunflowers while visiting Holland. His orders for seed supplies
were filled and Russia soon started cultivation, at first experimentally in St. Petersburg Botanic Garden;
but soon small farms in Ukraine and central Russia were producing comparatively larger and healthier
species due to the rich black soil. The plants grew to over 15 feet. A pleasant discovery soon found
persons of all ages enjoying the seed meat as dried or roasted tidbits when entertaining. The pressed oil
was found to be superior, and thus the handsome plant soon had another purpose. The practical usefulness