5 Benefits Of Pumpkin Seeds

5 Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds

If your only knowledge of pumpkin seeds stems from scooping them out of the pumpkin you've chosen to carve on Halloween, then you're likely missing out on all the benefits this superfood offers. Pumpkin seeds are often sold in stores as pepitas, and offer a wide selection of vitamins and nutrients essential to good health. Additionally, their pleasant flavor makes them easy to work into all kinds of recipes, from salads to smoothies, to baked goods!

1.       Pumpkin Seeds May Help with Sleep

If you find that you have less time to sleep than is recommended, you'll want to ensure that the time you spend sleeping is restful. Pumpkin seeds are an excellent source of magnesium, a mineral that is crucial in promoting relaxation and restorative sleep. Pumpkin seeds also contain tryptophan, an amino acid that, when consumed, can help you sleep better.

2.       Pumpkin Seeds Are Good for Digestive Health

Pumpkin seeds contain fiber, which can help promote good digestive health. Fiber plays an essential role in digestion and is responsible for getting things moving in our bodies. Therefore, incorporating fiber into your diet can help prevent gastrointestinal distress and promote regularity. Additionally, fiber is a food source for healthy gut bacteria, promoting a healthy gut biome. 

3.       Pumpkin Seeds Contain Heart-Healthy Fats

Pumpkin seeds contain high amounts of healthy fats that contribute to heart health. In addition, they are one of the best plant-based sources of omega-3 fatty acid, alpha-linolenic acid, or ALA. When eaten, ALA gets converted into DHA and EPA omega-3s and helps to protect against heart disease, artery hardening and inflammation.  Pumpkin seeds also contain a high amount of phytosterols, which reduce cholesterol and help protect against carcinogens that cause cancer. Organic pumpkin seeds would not contain any carcinogenic pesticides that could deter from the other health benefits of these seeds.

4.       Pumpkin Seeds Boost the Immune System

If you get sick often, you are probably looking for natural ways to boost your immune system. Pumpkin seeds can help! In addition to iron, a nutrient vital for healthy immune function, pumpkin seeds may also contain antifungal and antiviral properties. They are also a low-allergy food that does not typically trigger allergies or intolerances. In addition, they contain Vitamin E and Zinc, both of which boost immune response and protect against a variety of infectious diseases.

5.       Pumpkin Seeds For Prostate

Pumpkin seeds and pumpkin seed oil have become popular treatments for the reduction of prostate enlargement. Pumpkin seeds are packed with nutrition and are proven to support prostate health. They are rich in zinc, and normal prostate function relies on optimal zinc levels. For this reason, a handful of pumpkin seeds a 2-3 times a week can improve prostate health. They may also limit prostate enlargement, as the seeds contain phytosterol, which is a protective compound that may be responsible for reducing prostate enlargement. Lastly, they potentially reduce BPH symptoms. BPH stands for benign prostatic hyperplasia. BPH is caused by changes in hormone balance. Pumpkin seed oil can help prevent the multiplication of overstimulated prostate cells, levelling hormones.

How to Eat Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds pack a lot of nutrients into a tiny package, meaning you don't need to eat a lot to reap their health benefits. However, to truly enjoy the benefits of pumpkin seeds, we recommend working them into your meals two or three times a week. Have a sensitive stomach? Purchase our raw organic pumpkin seeds and begin sprouting them at home. Sprouting seeds before eating them will help break down and metabolize the fiber and nutrients in the seed and make them more available to your body. Pumpkin seeds can also be enjoyed raw or roasted, and as mentioned, in a variety of recipes! At Love’s, you can find a variety of organic pumpkin seeds, on our shelves as well as in our bulk departments,

 

Peggy Van Cleef