5.7 Health Attributes
As discussed previously, sunflower seed is packed with several phytonutrients and
bioactive components; their documented health effects are discussed here:
5.7.1 Reduction of Dyslipidaemia and Cardiovascular
Diseases
Dyslipidaemia is the elevation of plasma cholesterol, triglycerides or both or a low
high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level that contributes to the development of atherosclerosis. It is an important independent adjustable risk factor for cardiovascular
diseases (CVDs). CVDs are currently the primary cause of death in the world, with
its morbidity and mortality growing consistently. Low physical activity, tobacco use,
dyslipidaemia, hypertension and diabetes are some of the factors, which if taken care
of at an early stage could considerably reduce the deaths caused by CVDs.
Dyslipidaemia is one of the key factors responsible for the initiation and growth of
atherosclerosis, and its association with risk of CVD is undoubted. Timely and
efficient modification of plasma lipids can help inconsiderable reduction in the
occurrence of CVDs. Oleic acid, present in significant amounts in nontraditional
sunflower oil, is hypocholesterolemic and decreases LDL cholesterol. Research has
revealed that diets rich in sunflower oil and/or rich in MUFA helped in considerable
reduction in LDL, total cholesterol, triglyceride levels and risk of thrombosis, while
significantly elevated the levels of HDL cholesterol (Binkoski et al. 2005; Junker
et al. 2001; Pal 2011). On the other hand, low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet is likely to
raise triglycerides and drop HDL cholesterol. NuSun
™ sunflower oil, which holds
the major US market share of sunflower oil, has been shown to significantly lower
total and LDL cholesterol. It is thought that the fatty acid profile of NuSun
™ renders
the effect. NuSun
™ has lower percentage of saturated fat in comparison with olive
oil (9.6% against 14.3%). Besides, it has zero-gram trans-fat as per FDA (Food and
Drug Administration) standards. Trans-fatty acid has been well studied to negatively
affect blood lipid profile just like saturated fats and, therefore, amplify the risk of
coronary heart diseases. It has also been demonstrated that diets in which at least
5–10% of energy is contributed by ω-6 or ω-3 PUFAs reduce the occurrence of
CVDs and may reduce expected death from acute coronary syndrome. Besides, the
presence of high amount of vitamin E in sunflower oil has a dual effect: (1) beneficial
effect on serum lipids and (2) scavenging reactive oxygen free radicals, which have
negative impact on atherosclerosis.
5 Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) Seed
135
As discussed previously, sunflower seed is packed with several phytonutrients and
bioactive components; their documented health effects are discussed here:
5.7.1 Reduction of Dyslipidaemia and Cardiovascular
Diseases
Dyslipidaemia is the elevation of plasma cholesterol, triglycerides or both or a low
high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level that contributes to the development of atherosclerosis. It is an important independent adjustable risk factor for cardiovascular
diseases (CVDs). CVDs are currently the primary cause of death in the world, with
its morbidity and mortality growing consistently. Low physical activity, tobacco use,
dyslipidaemia, hypertension and diabetes are some of the factors, which if taken care
of at an early stage could considerably reduce the deaths caused by CVDs.
Dyslipidaemia is one of the key factors responsible for the initiation and growth of
atherosclerosis, and its association with risk of CVD is undoubted. Timely and
efficient modification of plasma lipids can help inconsiderable reduction in the
occurrence of CVDs. Oleic acid, present in significant amounts in nontraditional
sunflower oil, is hypocholesterolemic and decreases LDL cholesterol. Research has
revealed that diets rich in sunflower oil and/or rich in MUFA helped in considerable
reduction in LDL, total cholesterol, triglyceride levels and risk of thrombosis, while
significantly elevated the levels of HDL cholesterol (Binkoski et al. 2005; Junker
et al. 2001; Pal 2011). On the other hand, low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet is likely to
raise triglycerides and drop HDL cholesterol. NuSun
™ sunflower oil, which holds
the major US market share of sunflower oil, has been shown to significantly lower
total and LDL cholesterol. It is thought that the fatty acid profile of NuSun
™ renders
the effect. NuSun
™ has lower percentage of saturated fat in comparison with olive
oil (9.6% against 14.3%). Besides, it has zero-gram trans-fat as per FDA (Food and
Drug Administration) standards. Trans-fatty acid has been well studied to negatively
affect blood lipid profile just like saturated fats and, therefore, amplify the risk of
coronary heart diseases. It has also been demonstrated that diets in which at least
5–10% of energy is contributed by ω-6 or ω-3 PUFAs reduce the occurrence of
CVDs and may reduce expected death from acute coronary syndrome. Besides, the
presence of high amount of vitamin E in sunflower oil has a dual effect: (1) beneficial
effect on serum lipids and (2) scavenging reactive oxygen free radicals, which have
negative impact on atherosclerosis.
5 Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) Seed
135