Sunflower seeds are recognized toxic
Researchers from the University of Michigan (USA) found that sunflower seeds often contain deadly toxins. The study is published in the journal PLoS ONE.
Scientists have discovered the sunflower seeds from Tanzania fungi Aspergillus flavus or Aspergillus parasiticus.
Aspergillus cause disease in many crops and also nuts and seeds. They produce aflatoxins cause liver damage, and annually cause the death of from 25 000 to 155 000 people worldwide, reports “Around the world”.
Almost 60% of seed samples from Tanzania and 80% meal contain aflatoxins.
According to scientists, the level of liver disease in the region may depend on the amount of sunflower seeds. This is especially true for poor countries where sunflower seeds are actively used in food, serve as a source for the production of oil and added to animal feed.