Origin and species of Sunflower:

Sun flower is Greek in origin and its scientific name is Helianthus. Sun flower belongs to kingdom plantae and owns around 70 known species. Sun flower is the only flower in millions of flower which has the word flower in its name. An interesting fact about sun flower is that they are the symbol of faith, loyalty and adoration. Sun flowers grow with the movement of sun across the sky from east to west and this process is called heliotropism. The plant was first planted by Americans. Sunflower seeds were brought to Europe from the Americas in the 16th century, where, along with sunflower oil, they became a widespread cooking ingredient. The name sunflower is derived from the flower head’s shape which resembles with sun.

Sunflower Oil and its nutritional value:

The most utilized ingredient of sunflower is its sunflower oil. This oil is used to soften leather as well as to soften hair. It is an effective cure for wounds and also used for cooking. This sun flower oil is rich in minerals such as calcium, iron etc and also rich in vitamin A and Vitamin D. Sunflowers are also an excellent source of Vitamin E, copper and Vitamin B1. Sunflower oil ranks second only to soybean oil in world vegetable oil production. Its high ratio of polyunsaturated fatty acids and its good stability characteristics make sunflower oil highly attractive for use as a cooking oil or in salad oils and margarine.

Suitable climate for the growth of Sunflower:

The appealing bright-coloured flower grows throughout much of the summer and fall in many Asian countries. The appropriate timing for its bloom are summer and apportion of fall. However, middle of summer is the peak season for its growth. Sunflowers thrive in warmer weather and climates. They are known for their hardiness and the ability to survive extreme heat; however, the optimal temperatures for growing sunflowers is between 70 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit, with soil temperatures of at least 55 to 60 degrees when the seeds are sown.Sunflowers are one of the fastest growing plants and they grow tall. On an average they grow up to 8-12 feet within six months.

Sun flowers are one of the fastest growing tall plants. On average, their length is up to 8-12 feet and the time duration is around six months. A single sun flower can have up to 2000 seeds.

Medical Uses of Sunflower:

Special sun flower tea is consumed for ailments of lungs and malaria. In many countries, people make tea using its leaf. Many people use sun flower seeds in breakfast as they think it’s a great time to include sunflower seed in died. After adding a few tablespoons of sunflower oil to hot cereal, they enjoy their meals. Sun flower oil is used in salads, desserts and other savory dishes.

Historical introduction:

Sweet Potatoes are dicotyledonous plants and belong to the kingdom plantae. Sweet potato is an edible as well as a beautiful white and purple colored flower in Hong Kong. The origin and domestication of sweet potato is thought to be in either Central America or South America. In Central America, sweet potatoes were domesticated at least 5,000 years ago. In Sout h America, Peruvian sweet potato remnants dating as far back as 8000 BC have been found. Here we shall discuss about the edible side of sweet potato.

Variety and structure of Sweet Potatoes:

Sweet potato is a sweet-tasting potato having roots, young leaves and shoots. It is distantly related to potato and its scientific name is Ipomoea batatas. Sweet potatoes come in variety of colors and skins mainly yellow, orange, red, brown, purple, pink and violet. The native town of sweet potatoes in America where approximately 1000 of its species have been found.

Suitable Climate for the growth of Sweet potatoes:

Sweet potatoes are cultivated throughout tropical and warm temperate regions wherever there is sufficient water to support their growth. Many Asian countries such as India, Pakistan, China and Bangladesh provide suitable climate for the growth of sweet potatoes. The sweet potato is considered as a staple in some tropical countries where rice and potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) are scarce or expensive.

Nutritional value of Sweet potatoes:

Sweet potatoes have a nutritional value of super food as they are packed with both nutrients and a sweet flavor, sweet potatoes are one of the most versatile and healthful vegetables available. They are chock-full of disease-preventing, cancer-fighting, and immune-boosting benefits. These orange-fleshed potatoes are known to be a great source of beta-carotene. But they also deliver good sources of “vitamin A, a good source of vitamin C, and are full of manganese, calcium, potassium, iron, vitamin B6 and fiber.

Health benefits of Sweet potatoes:

There are also a lot of medical uses of sweet potatoes. They are a good source of improving digestion and very soothing for the stomach and intestines. If you want to gain weight, then sweet potatoes contains healthy vitamins, minerals and proteins. They provide extra amount of energy and are easily digestible. Sweet potatoes treat inflammation and boost immune system. They are also effective for relieving asthma. People who suffer from Bronchitis are also given treatment in the form of sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes fight with cancer and cure arthritis pain.

Culinary uses of Sweet Potatoes:

Sweet potatoes have many culinary uses. Cooks have made it into fries, fried battered patties, and plain fried slices, eaten with burgers or alone. Other interesting culinary products are sweet potatoes pies, pancakes, sweet desserts, potato balls, porridge, stew, caramelized chunks, buns, baked, or in soups. Among all the Asian countries, China has more sweet potato dishes than any other country.

Spinach is a super food loaded with tons of nutrients in a low calorie package. Dark, leafy greens like spinach are important for skin, hair, and bone health. They also provide protein, iron, vitamins, and minerals.

Spinach is thought to have originated in ancient Persia (modern Iran and neighboring countries). It is not known by whom, or when, spinach was introduced to India, but the plant was subsequently introduced to ancient China, where it was known as “Persian vegetable”(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spinach)

Health Benefits

Diabetes management
Spinach contains an antioxidant known as alpha-lipoic acid, which has been shown to lower glucose levels, increase insulin sensitivity, and prevent oxidative stress-induced changes in patients with diabetes. Studies on alpha-lipoic acid have also shown decreases in peripheral neuropathy and autonomic neuropathy in diabetics.

Cancer prevention
Spinach and other green vegetables contain chlorophyll, which has been shown to be effective at blocking the carcinogenic effects of heterocyclic amines, which are generated when grilling foods at a high temperature.

Asthma prevention
The risks for developing asthma are lower in people who consume a high amount of certain nutrients. One of these nutrients is beta-carotene, of which spinach is an excellent source. Apricots, broccoli, cantaloupe, pumpkin, and carrots are also rich sources of beta-carotene.

Lowering blood pressure
Due to its high potassium content, spinach is recommended for people with high blood pressure; it can help reduce the effects of sodium in the body. A low potassium intake may be just as big of a risk factor for developing high blood pressure as a high sodium intake. Other high-potassium foods include avocado, banana, beets, potatoes, tomatoes, lima beans, and oranges.

Bone health
Low intakes of vitamin K have been associated with a higher risk of bone fracture. Adequate vitamin K consumption is important for good health, as it acts as a modifier of bone matrix proteins, improves calcium absorption, and may reduce urinary excretion of calcium.

Healthy skin and hair
Spinach is high in vitamin A, which is necessary for sebum production to keep hair moisturized. Vitamin A is also necessary for the growth of all bodily tissues, including skin and hair. Spinach and other leafy greens high in vitamin C are imperative for the building and maintenance of collagen, which provides structure to skin and hair.Iron deficiency is a common cause of hair loss, which may be prevented by an adequate intake of iron-rich foods, like spinach. (https://www.saveur.com/best-spinach-recipes#page-7)

Culinary Recipes

Breakfast
Spinach, Beef, and Egg Hash

This easy one-pan breakfast is just the thing for a fulfilling breakfast that comes together in the blink of an eye.

Buckwheat and Ricotta Gnocchi with Cream, Peas, and Spinach

Making gnocchi with buckwheat flour gives the pasta weightiness and an earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with a spring mix of peas and spinach.

Potato, Spinach, and Red Pepper Frittata

This basil-laced potato and vegetable frittata, adapted from a recipe by author Tamasin Day-Lewis, makes a satisfying lunch. This recipe first appeared in our May 2014 issue with the story Picnic by the Sea.

Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli

These tender ravioli are filled with spinach and cheese and topped with a tangy tomato sauce bolstered with mushrooms, zucchini, and squash.