Pumpkin seeds are good for weight loss and diabetes: see the 22 benefits
Eating just a small amount of them can provide you with a substantial amount of healthy fats, magnesium and zinc.
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Therefore, pumpkin seeds have been associated with several health benefits.
These include improved heart health, prostate health, and protection against certain cancers .
Also, pumpkin seeds can be easily incorporated into your diet.
What is Pumpkin Seed for?
Pumpkin seeds are a good source of antioxidants, magnesium, zinc and fatty acids which can help keep your heart healthy.
Nutritional Properties
Pumpkin Seeds are the edible seeds of a pumpkin .
They are also known as “pepita” – a Mexican Spanish term.
Unlike the hard white seeds of a carved pumpkin , most supermarket-bought pumpkin seeds do not have a shell.
These shellless seeds are flat and oval in shape, and have a green color.
There are approximately 151 calories in 28 grams of shelled pumpkin seeds , mostly from fat and protein. In addition, a serving of 28 grams contains:
- Fiber: 1.7 grams;
- Carbohydrate: 5 grams;
- Protein: 7 grams;
- Fat: 13 grams (6 of which are omega-6s);
- Vitamin K: 18% of RDI;
- Phosphorus: 33% of the RDI;
- Manganese: 42% of the RDI;
- Magnesium: 37% of RDI;
- Iron: 23% of RDI;
- Zinc: 14% of RDI;
- Copper: 19% of the RDI.
They also contain a lot of antioxidants and a decent amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids, potassium , vitamin B2 (riboflavin) and folate.
Pumpkin Seeds and Pumpkin Seed Oil also contain many other nutrients that have been shown to offer health benefits.
Pumpkin seeds are rich in antioxidants, iron , zinc , magnesium and many other nutrients. 28 grams contains about 151 calories.
Uses of Pumpkin Seeds
- According to studies, pumpkin seeds prevent the formation of calcium oxalate kidney stones .
- Pumpkin seeds reduce inflammation and fight arthritis pain without the side effects of anti-inflammatory drugs.
- They are used in many cultures as a natural treatment for intestinal worms and other parasites.
- Pumpkin seeds are good for prostate health. The oil in pumpkin seeds relieves the difficult urination that happens with an enlarged prostate.
Best of all, because pumpkin seeds are highly portable and require no refrigeration, they make an excellent snack to stay with you whenever you’re on the go, or can be used as a quick snack anytime at home, too. .
Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds
To Combat Insomnia:
If you are feeling tired or stressed after a long day, you can turn to Pumpkin Seeds to soothe yourself and sleep well.
Pumpkin seeds are rich sources of both magnesium and tryptophan that are closely associated with sedation and sleep-promoting calming qualities.
Pumpkin Seeds can help your head to hit the pillow peacefully and lastingly due to these two vital components.
Treats Kidney Stones:
Pumpkin seeds help in reducing toxins in the body due to its diuretic properties as well as antioxidant activity.
In addition, they stimulate circulation and increase the speed and processing of the liver and kidneys.
Uric acid and various other toxins are therefore removed from the body, which means that they cannot build up into dangerous kidney stones or other forms such as gout and arthritis.
Pumpkin seeds promote kidney health and help detoxify the body from top to bottom.
Good for the Heart:
One of the organic compounds present in pumpkin seeds are phytosterols, which are directly linked to a decrease in the levels of MAL cholesterol (LDL), which prevents the formation of blood clots and atherosclerosis, thus reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. .
In addition, high levels of copper increase the red blood cell count in the body and improve the oxygenated passage of blood through the vessels.
This fact, in combination with a low sodium content, can boost heart health by lowering blood pressure, so pumpkin seeds are extremely beneficial for cardiovascular health.
Postmenopausal women:
Pumpkin Seed Oil is rich in natural phytoestrogens and studies suggest that this can lead to a significant increase in good “HDL” cholesterol, along with decreases in blood pressure, hot flashes, headaches, joint pain, and more. menopausal symptoms in women.
To Prevent Osteoporosis:
Pumpkin seeds are extremely popular because of their effects on osteoporosis.
They have high levels of Zinc , Calcium , Copper and other minerals that are linked to increased bone density.
Studies have shown that consistent intake of pumpkin seeds can reduce bone weakness and symptoms of osteoporosis.
Download Cholesterol Levels:
One of the unique organic compounds in pumpkin seeds is phytosterols, which is directly connected to lower LDL cholesterol levels.
These phytosterols prevent blood clots and atherosclerosis, thus reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Reduce Blood Pressure:
Furthermore, the high levels of Copper in Pumpkin Seeds increase the red blood cell count in the body and improve the passage of oxygenated blood through the vessels.
This fact, combined with low sodium content , can improve heart health by lowering blood pressure, so pumpkin seeds should be considered as a valuable cardiovascular booster.
Other Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds:
Pumpkin seeds have many health benefits, in addition to those mentioned above, it has many other benefits for the body. Watch the video below and check it out:
Protein Source:
Pumpkin seeds are a huge source of protein. 30% of Pumpkin Seeds volume is made from protein.
There are 12 grams of protein in a single cup of pumpkin seeds , which is approximately 25% of our daily protein requirement.
Preventing Kidney Stones:
Pumpkin seeds have been linked with a reduction in toxins in the body, due to their diuretic properties as well as antioxidant activity.
In addition, they stimulate circulation and increase the speed and processing of liver and kidney functions.
Uric acid and various other toxins are therefore removed from the body, which means they cannot build up in dangerous kidney stones or other forms such as gout and arthritis , as mentioned earlier.
Pumpkin seeds promote good kidney health and help detoxify the body from top to bottom.
Accelerate Metabolism:
Our body functions at its highest levels when all of our systems are working efficiently and healthily.
Having a stable and adequate amount of protein in your diet is essential because proteins are made up of amino acids, which are used in thousands of enzymatic and metabolic processes needed every day.
Without these essential amino acids and proteins, our bodies would cease to function, and we would become weak, lethargic, unhealthy, sluggish and exhausted.
Prevent Worms and Parasites:
Pumpkin seeds have long been associated with anti-parasitic activity and have traditionally been used as a way to eliminate tapeworms and other dangerous parasites from the body.
For children, who are the most susceptible to worms, pumpkin seeds provide a delicious snack and a very important defensive line against these worms, which can result in malnutrition, incorrect growth patterns, and even death.
The exact mechanism by which Pumpkin Seeds does this is unclear.
Lose weight:
One study pointed out that pumpkin seeds act as a key ingredient for someone looking to lose weight due to their high carbohydrate content.
This means that pumpkin seeds provide energy, protein and fiber that provide a feeling of satiety for long periods of time.
This is one of the reasons why nutritionists recommend pumpkin seeds as a powerful snack.
Treating Diabetes :
Pumpkin seeds slowly but surely regulate insulin and glucose levels in the human body to treat diabetes .
Oxidative stress is reduced by keeping the blood sugar level in check and decreasing the amount of oxidative stress in the human body.
Reduce inflammation:
Certain studies have shown that pumpkin seeds have anti-inflammatory properties in the body, which is one of the common uses of this delicious snack.
Inflammation can often be the result of various deficiencies, including protein, various vitamins and minerals.
Inflammatory conditions like arthritis can be debilitating, so adding good amounts of protein and anti-inflammatory compounds to your body will prevent this from happening.
This will also help keep the tissues healthy.
Pumpkin seeds have been directly linked to a decrease in inflammation and pain associated with arthritis .
Powerful Antioxidant:
Cancer is one of the most serious conditions affecting the human race and we are constantly looking for ways to reduce our chances of developing this dreaded disease.
Pumpkin seed extract contains a number of anti-cancer properties and components, including phenolic compounds.
These compounds were directly attributed to free radical scavenging in test subjects who received Pumpkin Seed extract .
Antioxidants are powerful substances that help the body rid itself of free radicals, the dangerous byproducts of cellular metabolism that can lead to a number of diseases, including cancer !
Improve Prostate Health:
Pumpkin seeds are good for relieving the symptoms of an enlarged prostate, mainly due to their activity as diuretics.
This keeps the prostate healthy, which is one of the most common places for men to develop cancer .
Boosts the Immune System:
Zinc is responsible for protecting and fighting a large number of diseases that can settle in our body.
The National Institute of Health recommends 8 mg of zinc a day for an adult woman, and 100 grams of pumpkin seeds have 10 mg.
Cancer Prevention:
Cancer is one of the most serious conditions that affect the human body, and we are constantly looking for ways to reduce our chances of developing this dreaded disease.
Pumpkin Seed Extract contains a number of anti-cancer properties and components, including phenolic compounds that have been directly attributed to scavenging free radicals in guinea pigs given Pumpkin Seed extract .
Additionally, Antioxidants are powerful substances that rid the body of free radicals, the dangerous byproducts of cellular metabolism that can lead to a number of diseases, including cancer.
Improves Mood:
Pumpkin seeds naturally improve your mood and can even be effective against depression, and when taken a few hours before going to bed, the tryptophan present in them helps you get a good night’s sleep.
As an Aphrodisiac:
Pumpkin seeds not only ensure prostate health , but also ensure healthy secretion of testosterone, the male sex hormone.
Phosphorus present in pumpkin seeds promotes sexual arousal, while myosin and amino acids provide energy for muscle contractions.
Stomach Health:
The dietary fiber present in pumpkin seeds ensures that your stomach is protected from problems like diarrhea, cramping, gastritis, bloating and cramping.
It has been said that Native Americans used to use Pumpkin Seed to eliminate roundworms and worms.
To this day, doctors prescribe Pumpkin Seed as a method of curing stomach worms.
Arthritis Symptoms:
Deficiency of calcium in the body is linked to poor bone health, leading to problems such as bone fractures, osteoporosis, gout and arthritis.
The high zinc content in pumpkin seeds has an anti-inflammatory action that improves bone density, reducing swelling, pain and stiffness, providing a natural alternative to medications.
Why are Pumpkin Seeds Good for Man?
Pumpkin seeds are like oysters in that pumpkin seeds are extremely rich in zinc and promote male prostate health, pumpkin seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which act as precursors of prostaglandins, hormones, important for sexual health.
like oysters, pumpkin seeds are extremely high in zinc and promote male prostate health.
Can You Eat Raw Pumpkin Seeds?
If you want to experience the benefits of pumpkin seeds , it’s easy to incorporate them into your diet.
In many countries, they are a popular snack that can be eaten either raw or roasted, salted or unsalted. In addition to eating them on their own, you can add them to smoothies, Greek yogurt, and fruit.
How to make Roasted Pumpkin Seeds?
Ingredients:
– 2 teaspoons melted butter
– 1/2 cup raw whole pumpkin seeds
– 1 pinch salt
Preparation mode:
- Preheat oven to 150 degrees C (300 degrees F).
- Mix the seeds in a bowl with the melted butter and salt.
- Spread the seeds in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for about 45 minutes or until golden brown. stir occasionally.
Harms of Pumpkin Seeds
Stomach Pain:
Pumpkin seeds can be harmful to your stomach when you consume it in large amounts.
You may experience stomach pain. Pumpkin seeds are rich sources of fatty oils.
If you consume pumpkin seeds too much, the fatty oils will upset your digestion, followed by stomach pain, cramping and pain.
Always eat these seeds in a reasonable amount and with other foods to avoid the harmful effects of pumpkin seeds.
Not For Babies:
Pumpkin seeds are not good for babies. It can initiate stomach pain, colic , diarrhea and vomiting for babies.
Pumpkin seeds contain iron , protein, fiber and fatty acids.
Fiber and fatty acids are not good for children’s health. It can also affect babies’ intestinal systems.
Not for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women:
There is no scientific evidence about the effects of pumpkin seeds on pregnant or lactating women.
But to be safe, avoid consuming pumpkin seeds when you are pregnant or breastfeeding your baby.
Incorrect bowel syndromes and stomach problems are not god during pregnancy. Also these seeds have other side effects that can harm you.
Allergy:
Pumpkin seeds are not very allergenic. Still few allergenic reactions can be observed. The skin is the main affected area and most allergies are seen on the skin .
Some of the skin allergies can be named like, eczema, itchy rash.
Some allergies that are not skin related can be called allergic asthma, headache, breathing problems, nose congestion and coughing, throat irritation, swelling and redness in and around the mouth.
In some cases, pumpkin seeds are reported to spread in skin causes and allergies to respiratory problems.
Gain weight:
Pumpkin seeds are high-calorie foods. You can take this as a snack between meals.
But be careful lest you gain unwanted weight. 100 grams of pumpkin seeds provide 559 calories and 49.05 grams of fat. Plan your diet and include Pumpkin Seeds .
You can have this snack occasionally. Obesity and overweight are the cause of many health hazards.
Excessive consumption of this can also lead to high cholesterol levels and obesity.
Risky For Low Blood Pressure:
These pumpkin seeds have antioxidants that generally lower the blood pressure level. If you are suffering from hypertension then you can eat this seed.
Useful links:
In fact, pumpkin seeds are healthy snacks. However, if you already suffer from low blood pressure, you should avoid it due to the harmful effects of pumpkin seeds.