History

• Sunflowers belong to the daisy family and are indigenous to North America. The seeds have been used and eaten for about 2,000 years by Native Americans, according to The Vegetarian Society.
  
  

Function

• Sunflower seed oil is used in a variety of food products from cooking oil to margarine. The seeds are often cooked into baking goods, added to salads or eaten in trail mixes.
  
  

Benefits

• According to WHFoods, sunflower seeds have both anti-inflammatory and heart healthy properties. Other health benefits include lowering cholesterol and calming muscles.