The Health Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds: 11 Reasons to Include Them in Your Diet
As Halloween approaches, pumpkin carving becomes a fun and popular activity. But, before you discard the pulp and the seeds, it is worth considering the benefits of keeping the latter. Pumpkin seeds have an abundance of amazing benefits that can do wonders for your health. Here are 11 reasons why you should consider including pumpkin seeds in your diet.
1. Healthy Heart
Pumpkin seeds are high in magnesium, which is essential for physiological body function. This includes the proper pumping of your heart, tooth and bone formation, DNA synthesis, and bowel function. Magnesium is also a natural relaxant.
2. Sleep
Pumpkin seeds are high in the amino acid tryptophan, which helps you to have a restful night’s sleep. The acid converts to serotonin, a neurotransmitter that can affect your sleep patterns. As such, they are nature’s sleeping pills. Additionally, pumpkin seeds can help improve your mood as a result of an amazing sleep.
3. Stress Relief
Pumpkin seeds are also a great source of the amino acid glutamate. Glutamate is vital to the synthesis of γ-amino butyric acid, which is an anti-stress neurochemical that reduces anxiety and irritability. Snacking on pumpkin seeds can be an excellent way to attain zen.
4. Menopause Symptoms
Pumpkin seed oil is a plant-based xenoestrogen that contains an abundance of phytoestrogens. It is said to help decrease hot flashes, pains, headaches, and reduce blood pressure.
5. Stabilizing Blood Sugar
Pumpkin seeds’ high protein content can regulate your blood sugar levels, helping with weight loss and diabetes prevention. Additionally, pumpkin seeds decrease oxidative stress, which also aids in diabetes prevention.
6. Anti-Inflammatory
Pumpkin seed oil has anti-inflammatory effects that rival indomethacin, a drug used to treat arthritis. It also works without providing any of the side effects that the drug does.
7. High In Omega-3
Pumpkin seeds are one of the most notable plant-based sources of omega-3. Omega-3 is a fatty acid that is essential to metabolic health and brain and cognitive performance.
8. Prostate Health
Pumpkin seeds are rich in zinc, which is essential to prostate health. The highest quantity of zinc in a man’s body is in his prostate. Additionally, the oil within the seeds can help treat prostatic hyperplasia, or a large prostate. Zinc also helps insulin regulation, cell growth, and immune system function, as well as taste and smell.
9. Good For Your Skin
Pumpkin seeds are rich in vitamin E, a lipid-soluble antioxidant that protects tissue cells from oxidative injury. This helps keep your skin healthy and looking younger.
10. Energizing
Pumpkin seeds are full of iron, giving you a fantastic energy boost throughout the day. This is a great alternative to sugary snacks that may only provide a short energy burst before causing a sugar crash.
11. Lowers Cholesterol
Pumpkin seeds are rich in mono-unsaturated fatty acids such as oleic acid. This helps to lower bad LDL cholesterol and prevent stroke and coronary artery disease.
In conclusion, pumpkin seeds are a fantastic addition to your diet, providing various health benefits. They can be eaten raw or roasted, added to salads or smoothies, used as a topping for oatmeal or yogurt, or incorporated into various recipes. Whether you’re looking for a healthy snack, an energy boost, or prostate health, pumpkin seeds are a great choice. So, this Halloween season, instead of tossing the seeds, remember the multitude of health benefits and think about adding them to your diet!
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