Sunflower seeds are a good snack

eat sunflower seeds It is a custom that many people refers to childhood.

And, as with so many other things from that time of life, it might be useful to get it back introducing some small changes.

Because sunflower seeds are an excellent pica-pica and a highly recommended ingredient for salads and other dishes. We refer, of course, to the Natural pipes, without added salt.

The pipes are the gift of the spectacular sunflower flowerswhose center is full of seeds adorned with grey, greenish, black and white stripes.

have a nutty flavor and a firm texture which are really addictive.

Taking a moderate amount of sunflower seeds is enough to enrich many recipes with considerable doses of vitamins and minerals.

The nutrients found in the most important proportions in these seeds are vitamin E, vitamin B1, selenium and magnesium:

vitamin e –10 grams of pipes already provide 25% of the recommended daily dose– and selenium are powerful antioxidants that protect cells against attack by free radicals produced by the metabolism itself or arrived from outside the body through polluting agents. They also contribute to prevent cardiovascular diseasethe symptoms of inflammation and some types of cancer.

He magnesiumfor its part, is essential for the bone, muscle and nerve cell health.

Lastly, the vitamin B1 is necessary for the good heart condition and the nervous system.

Why are sunflower seeds good?

In addition to all these benefits, pipes effectively calm hunger –sometimes with a point of nervousness– that appears between meals, which is why they allow keep calorie intake under controldespite the fact that it is a food rich in fatty acids.

As we know, fats are also necessary, but they must be consumed properly. Nuts are always, in adequate amounts, optimal sources.

In the case of the sunflower, it is much better to consume the seeds than the refined oil which is used for frying, for example.

the seeds are rich in omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acidsamong which is linoleic, essential for the health of the skin and hair, among other positive effects.

However, do not abuse the sources of omega-6 -not even the nice sunflower seeds- because you have to balance your intake with other foods rich in omega-3such as walnuts and flax, hemp and soybean oils.

How to enjoy sunflower seeds?

An adequate dose for a person is the one that fits in the hollow of the palm of the hand.When buying peeled pipes you have to check that do not have a yellowish color, because they could be rancid. Then they are kept in the fridge. They can be added to breakfast cereals and salads.