Packed with a significant amount of magnesium, healthy fats, and zinc, a spoonful of small pumpkin seeds can do wonders with your health. Pumpkin seeds are popularly used in the Mexican diet and considered a healthy snack. Although, people from other parts of the world are yet to recognize the nutritional value of pumpkin seeds.
Pumpkin seeds are also known as pepitas (Spanish word), flat in appearance ad dark green in color. These seeds come encased in a whitish-yellow husk/shell. Speaking about its favor it tastes somewhat nutty as well as slightly sweet and has a chewy texture. Most often the pumpkin seeds are roasted before eating or using it in a recipe.
Pumpkin seeds can be found in the local markets as well as online stores. They typically come in tinned containers or sealed plastic containers. While purchasing it is important to make sure that the containers are not damned and are air-tight. In case the seeds catch moisture, there can be an outbreak of insect damage and foul smell. This will keep you away from enjoying the health benefits of the pumpkin seeds.
Benefits of Adding Pumpkin Seeds to Your Daily Diet
There are a lot of benefits associated with eating pumpkin seeds. All these benefits are discussed below in the article.
Bone Formation and Health
Pumpkin seeds are good for your bone formation and health as it has a high content of magnesium. It also increases your bone density and lessens the risk of osteoporosis in women who are in their menopause phase.
Diabetes
Nutrients in the pumpkin seeds help prevent type 2 diabetes. The anti-oxidant property in pumpkin seeds and the content of magnesium blocks type 2 diabetes from developing in your body. Experts suggest that people who are at high risk should add 100 milligrams (mg) of pumpkin seeds to their daily diet.
Maintain the Condition of Your Heart and Liver
Pumpkin seeds are goods for your heart and liver because it has a combination of fibre, omega-3, omega-6 fatty acids, and antioxidants. Pumpkin seeds benefit the hearts because the fibres in them help maintain the levels of cholesterol in your blood. The omega-3 helps reduce thrombosis and arrhythmias leading to strokes and heart attacks, LDL and triglyceride levels, the fatty build-up at your artery walls, and blood pressure.
Encourages Weight Loss and Metabolism
Pumpkin seeds benefit from weight loss because it’s high fibre content helps maintain a healthy weight, makes you feel full for long hours and enhances the process of metabolism.
Boosts the Immune System
The use of pumpkin seeds is also done to improve the immune system as it has a very high content of antioxidants as well as vitamin E. The pumpkin seeds benefit to maintain the blood vessels, as well.
Prevents Insomnia
The benefits of pumpkin seed are that it is a rich source of an amino acid known as tryptophan. After consuming this amino acid it is converted into serotonin, the relaxing hormone and melatonin, the sleep hormone. Experts suggest having few seeds of pumpkin with a source of carbohydrates for example fruits can help you sleep.
Advantageous during Pregnancy
Pumpkin seeds are good for the pregnant ladies because it provides the right amount of zinc to their diet. As per the World Health Organisation (WHO), almost 80% of women worldwide consume zinc inadequately. This alters the circulation of many hormones that are helpful during the onset of labor.
Benefits of the Skin and Eyes
The pumpkin seeds are good for your skin and eye as it provides squalene to your body. Squalene is an antioxidant that protects the skins from UV rays and plays an essential part in maintaining retinal health.
Tip on How To Add Pumpkin Seeds to Your Diet
- Saute some pumpkin seeds with vegetables, spices, and mixed herbs
- Sprinkle few seeds on your salads
- Use it in a salad dressing clubbed with other vegetables and spices
- Add some roasted pumpkin seeds with your cereal
- Use the pumpkin seeds while baking cookies
- Grind some pumpkin seeds while making a smoothie or fresh juices
