The choice of food at this time of year often depends on the customs and traditions of each family. Sunflower seeds are a classic option as an appetizer and to share with friends and family. And the important thing at Christmas is to enjoy these little pleasures and, if possible, the best of companionship.
Christmas can be a tough time to stick to a healthy diet, with the abundance of delicious but unhealthy foods on offer this time of year. However, there are a few things you can do to protect your health over Christmas. In addition to doing sports or limiting alcohol consumption, it is possible to spend this season without sacrificing health with a little planning and self-control. Making healthy choices and maintaining an active lifestyle are ideal alternatives.
At this time of year, snack consumption increases, and if possible, choose those that contain magnesium, potassium and selenium (they help boost performance and stop oxidative stress) or folates, proteins and fiber (help maintain good body care). organism) much better. This is the case of sunflower seeds, a food that provides essential nutrients to deal with extremes and become the star material of Christmas.
A cultural reference and very common in the daily life of Spaniards, this dish is ideal for accompanying wonderful Christmas moments and giving it a nutritious and satisfying touch to the usual excesses of these holidays.
Reasons to include sunflower seeds this Christmas
This little food contains minerals and nutrients that help regulate our mood and also help reduce oxidative stress. Additionally, due to its high tryptophan content, an amino acid that promotes the production of a mood-influencing hormone: serotonin, also known as the happiness hormone. Is there anything better than improving your mood to have fun with your loved ones?
Sunflower seeds are especially rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids. These “good” fats help us lower bad cholesterol levels in the blood, significantly reducing the risk of having a heart attack or stroke.
In addition, the vitamin E it contains, together with antioxidants, helps cell regeneration, provides flexibility in veins and arteries, protects the heart and prevents cardiovascular diseases.
It’s clear that we tend to neglect ourselves at Christmas. That’s why it’s important to eat foods that do the work for us and indulge us from the inside. Sunflower seeds are an essential source of zinc and have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce acne. In addition, thanks to the B vitamins it contains, this nutrient is considered a refreshing and anti-aging complex.
Including sunflower seeds in your routine is a good way to have healthy and strong hair; A balanced diet containing proteins, fruits, vegetables, seeds and healthy fats is essential to support hair growth and shine as it provides essential vitamins and minerals to keep hair healthy.
With the advent of Christmas, it is very important to exercise and maintain an active lifestyle. Sunflower seeds are the perfect companion to relax after these sports days. Thanks to its potassium content, it increases our performance and prevents possible injuries; and the selenium found in this delicious snack helps keep our joints in good shape.
Sunflower seeds are the basic food that should be eaten between meals as they help you regulate your appetite thanks to the tryptophan it contains. Also, this food is rich in healthy fats that are ideal for the body.
As we mentioned earlier, tryptophan is the amino acid that promotes the appearance of serotonin. However, one of its benefits is that it is necessary for the synthesis of the hormone melatonin, which regulates sleep and is more necessary than ever at these parties.
We already know that sunflower seeds work great as a snack, but did you know that you can also rely on sunflower seeds in your favorite dishes? From the accompaniments in your breakfasts to the main ingredient for a sauce to the topping for desserts. Without a doubt, a crunchy touch to your Christmas dinners is your best ally in succeeding as a family.
About Pipas USA and the National Sunflower Association
Pipas USA is the name used by the American Sunflower Society in Spain to name and describe sunflower seeds from the United States. Based in North Dakota (USA), this non-profit association represents the interests of American sunflower farmers and producers and promotes the consumption of their derivatives in various international markets. In addition, its main purpose is to carry out research and development projects for the selection of new varieties and to work on new techniques for the production and use of the product.