While people from previous generations could not imagine the ways sunflowers would one day be used, they found their own uses for the plant. Their creativity and ingenuity imply that they understood the plant was out of the potential purposes that were merely decorative or diet. In this article we introduce a brief overview of how sunflowers are used today.
Skin Care
The cosmetics industry has always made great efforts to a new crop of products to promote. When sunflower oil was revealed to be a smoothing effect on the skin, manufacturers quickly investigate how the oil in their formulations to include. Today, the oil extracted from sunflowers used as a non-occlusive moisturizer for the face and body.
Consumption of Health
Sunflower oil, which give a high level of essential fatty acids. These fatty acids, especially omega-3's, offer some health benefits. They lower cholesterol and thus prevent heart disease. Plus, further research has suggested that omega-3 fatty acids may even lower blood pressure. Restaurants and food manufacturers have started using sunflower oil to food to prepare a substitute for other ingredients that have much higher levels of unhealthy saturated fat.
Whether the seeds are eaten as a low-fat, high protein snack, or the oil used for cooking and baking, sunflowers still play a big role in our diet.
Industrial use
Many people would be surprised to learn that sunflowers are used in various industrial and commercial institutions. So a few years ago, scientists discovered that hydrogen can be produced from sunflower oil, providing a renewable energy source that was environmentally friendly. With the price of fuel escalates, the idea of using hydrogen-powered engines (by way of sunflower oil) for our vehicles to propel strong.
Other applications are either widely used or under investigation. For example, the use of oil is needed for the production of certain paints and plastics. However, oils which contain a high level of linolenic acid affect the color of these compounds. Limited use in the production runs suggest that sunflower oil may be an alternative. Meanwhile, in countries where the price of sunflower oil is relatively lower (ie countries in Eastern Europe), the oil has been used to produce soap and various detergents.
Sunflower are also used for coloring purposes. When the seeds are harvested and peeled, they can be used to produce pigments. These dyes colors for a range of products including textiles, baskets and even the litter.
Looking for answers
Scientists remain different ways to use sunflowers' numerous industrial applications to explore. They tested the efficacy plant in the production of lubricants and adhesives. They have experimented with them in making fabric softeners and pesticides. Sunflowers were even used to make uranium from the soil after the Chernobyl disaster to eliminate.
