Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds, also known as pepitas which is Spanish for “little seed of squash”, are great handy snacks that are well-known for their anti-oxidant properties. They are also a good source of monounsaturated and omega-6 fats that may help in improving heart health and offer relief to symptoms of urinary disorders. Just eating a little quantity can give you a good amount of healthy fats, magnesium and zinc.

PUMPKIN SEEDS ARE FULL OF ANTIOXIDANTS

This along with the Vitamin E in the seeds provide protection against diseases, harmful free radicals and reduces inflammation. The idea is that the high levels of antioxidants in these is what makes them great for your health.

MAY REDUCE SYMPTOMS OF AN ENLARGED PROSTATE AND BLADDER ISSUES  

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a disease that causes the prostate gland to expand resulting in the need for frequent urination. Pumpkin seeds may offer relief in experiencing symptoms related to this condition.

FULL OF NUTRIENTS

Pumpkin seeds are rich in magnesium, tryptophan and zinc that plays a role in improving sleep and mood, and manganese helps in the production of collagen and works to promote bone and skin health. Iron helps with transporting oxygen to cells and along with copper, it supports energy production, while zinc helps vision, immunity and skin health. One serving of these seeds gives you up to 14-42% of the daily requirements of the necessary nutrients.

MAY PROVIDE BETTER HEART HEALTH

The antioxidants, along with the magnesium, zinc and fatty acids can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels that are indicative of heart disease. They also ensure bone health and regulates blood sugar levels.

GREAT SOURCE OF FIBER

Pumpkin seeds will give you about 1.7g of fiber per ounce of serving. A high fiber diet keeps your overall health in check.  This nutritious snack helps cater to a lot of dietary deficiencies in the body and subsequently protects you from complications the deficiencies might cause.

PUMPKIN SEEDS IN SEED CYCLING

Pumpkin seeds are used in the first phase of seed cycling along with flax seeds. You need one tablespoon of these seeds from the first day of your period till the day you begin to ovulate (day 1-14). These seeds may help in reducing the intensity of menstrual cramps and helps bind and excrete excess estrogen from the body.

HOW TO USE

• Sprinkle pumpkin seeds onto your salads

• Take a mixture of pumpkin seeds, dry fruit and nuts to make homemade granola

• You can bake pumpkin seeds with a brush of olive oil and top it off with garlic powder and cumin or any other seasoning you prefer.

• You can make pumpkin seed butter to incorporate into smoothies, mix in yogurt, sprinkle on fruits or put into energy balls.