Nutrient And Anti-Nutrient Composition Of Sunflower Seed (Helianthus Annuus):>- Imoagwu, Miriam U

ABSTRACT This study showed the proximate composition and anti-nutrients ofsunflower seeds flour. Experimental design was used for this study. The sunflower seeds used forthis study were procured from Roban Stores, Abakaliki, Ebonyi state whereas reagents used for analyses were obtained from the Grifeon Projects Limited Laboratory, Umuahia, Abia State. The data obtained in this study were subjected to One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) using the Statistical Product of Service Solution version 22.0 software to obtain their means and standard deviations. The results of proximate composition showed that the sunflower seeds flour have high protein, ash, fibre and fat contents whereas its moisture and carbohydrate contents where low. The anti-nutrients ofthe sunflower flour disclosed that the tannin and flavonoid contents were high whereas the oxalate and phytate contents were quite low. Remarkably, the anti-nutrients of the flour were below the permissible limit stated by FAO. Nevertheless, the tannin content exceeded the stipulated lethal dose. The study recommends that; the sunflower seed flour be stored under conditions that will not facilitate rancidity since it possess high fat. Also, to decrease the tannin content to an appropriate level, the sunflower seeds should be processed using any of the following methods: boiling, sprouting, fermenting, and so on. Finally, those who desire high flavonoid food products might choose the sunflower flour. The flour is also recommended to those that require protein-rich flours and nore studies should be carried out on the mineral contents and amino acid profile ofthe sunflower seeds flour.