While most people only think of pumpkins on Thanksgiving or Halloween, the seeds of this fruit offer an impressive cocktail of health enhancing and disease fighting compounds, vitamins, and minerals that can be consumed year-round. In addition, they are packed with tryptophan and essential fatty acids. Emerging evidence indicates that pumpkin seeds represent a potent functional food in the battle against heart disease, osteoporosis, bladder dysfunction, anxiety, and arthritis.
Health Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds
1 -Pumpkin seeds are high in calories, about 559 calories per 100 g.
2 -Are filled with lots of minerals including phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, iron and copper.
3 -Are a good source of vitamin K. – Contain phytosterols, compounds that that have been shown to reduce levels of LDL cholesterol.
4 -Contain L-tryptophan, which helps with good sleep and lowering depression. Tryptophan is converted into serotonin and niacin. Serotonin is also very helpful in helping us to have a good night’s sleep.
5 -Are high in zinc, making them a natural protector against osteoporosis. Low intake of zinc is linked to higher rates of osteoporosis.
6 -Are a good source vitamin E; they contain about 35.10 mg of tocopherol per 100 g.
7 -Are the most alkaline-forming seed. -Are an excellent source of vitamin B group (thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine) and folates).
8 -Contain good quality protein. 100 g seeds provide 30 g
9 -Are good for prostate health! The oil in pumpkin seeds alleviates difficult urination that happens with an enlarged prostate.
10 -According to studies, pumpkin seeds prevent calcium oxalate kidney stone formation.
11 -Reduce inflammation for arthritis without the side effects of anti-inflammatory drugs.
Are used in many cultures as a natural treatment for tapeworms and other parasites
With a remarkable assortment of health-enhancing nutrients, from magnesium, protein, niacin, and zinc, to its high concentration of tryptophan and essential fatty acids, pumpkin seeds provide a powerful health punch that offers protection against common health problems including cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. It also provides powerful relief for people suffering from bladder dysfunction, anxiety, and arthritis. While pumpkin seeds are synonymous with Halloween, consider incorporating these nutritional gems into your diet on a regular basis to reap their broad-spectrum health benefits.
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