Pumpkin Seeds

PUMPKIN SEEDS are one of nature’s most nourishing foods. They contain high amounts of vitamin E, B-complex, magnesium, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Pumpkin Seeds are essential for men’s health and provide significant protection for the prostate gland. They are an excellent source of tryptophan which is critical for good quality sleep and for keeping anxiety and depression at bay. The B-complex vitamins in pumpkin seeds work as co-factors in the body to help reduce cholesterol and enhance GABA activity which is also known to reduce anxiety and neurological disorders.

Pumpkin Seeds also contain anti-inflammatory properties which provide benefit for those that suffer with chronic inflammation such as in sinusitis, arthritis, bursitis, and other autoimmune disorders. Pumpkin seeds have high concentrations of phytosterols that can help to inhibit the absorption of cholesterol in the gastrointestinal tract which ultimately can help reduce the bad cholesterol in the body.

Pumpkin Seeds have also been known to prevent kidney stones and osteoporosis.

HEALTH BENEFITS

1.  Heart Healthy Magnesium

One-quarter cup of pumpkin seeds contains nearly half of the recommended daily amount of magnesium, which participates in a wide range of vitally important physiological functions, including the creation of ATP (adenosine triphosphate, the energy molecules of your body), the synthesis of RNA and DNA, the pumping of your heart, proper bone and tooth formation, relaxation of your blood vessels, and proper bowel function.

Magnesium has been shown to benefit your blood pressure and help prevent sudden cardiac arrest, heart attack, and stroke, yet an estimated 80 percent of Americans are deficient in this important mineral.

2.  Zinc for Immune Support

Pumpkin seeds are a rich source of zinc (one ounce contains more than 2 mg of this beneficial mineral). Zinc is important to your body in many ways, including immunity, cell growth and division, sleep, mood, your senses of taste and smell, eye and skin health, insulin regulation, and male sexual function.

Many are deficient in zinc due to mineral-depleted soils, drug effects, plant-based diets, and other diets high in grain. This deficiency is associated with increased colds and flu, chronic fatigue, depression, acne, low birth weight babies, learning problems and poor school performance in children, among others.

3.  Plant-Based Omega-3 Fats

Raw nuts and seeds, including pumpkin seeds, are one of the best sources of plant-based omega-3’s (alpha-linolenic acid or ALA). We all need ALA, however, ALA has to be converted by your body into the far more essential omega-3 fats EPA and DHA -- by an enzyme in which the vast majority of us have impaired by high insulin levels. So, while pumpkin seeds are an excellent source of ALA, I believe it is essential to get your omega-3 fats from chia seeds and flax seeds as well.

4.  Prostate Health

Pumpkin seeds have long been valued as an important natural food for men's health. This is in part because of their high zinc content, which is important for prostate health (where it is found in the highest concentrations in the body), and also because pumpkin seed extracts and oils may play a role in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH, or enlarged prostate). Research suggests that both pumpkin seed oil and pumpkin seeds may be particularly beneficial in supporting prostate health.

5.  Anti-Diabetic Effects

Animal studies suggest that pumpkin seeds may help improve insulin regulation and help prevent diabetic complications by decreasing oxidative stress.

6.  Benefits for Postmenopausal Women

Pumpkin seed oil is rich in natural phytoestrogens and studies suggest it may lead to a significant increase in good "HDL" cholesterol along with decreases in blood pressure, hot flashes, headaches, joint pains and other menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women.

7.  Heart and Liver Health

Pumpkin seeds, rich in healthy fats, antioxidants and fibers, may provide benefits for heart and liver health, particularly when mixed with flax seeds.

8.  Tryptophan for Restful Sleep

Pumpkin seeds are a rich source of tryptophan, an amino acid (protein building block) that your body converts into serotonin, which in turn is converted into melatonin, the “sleep hormone.”

9.  Anti-Inflammatory Benefits

Pumpkin seed oil has been found to exhibit anti-inflammatory effects. One animal study even found it worked as well as the anti-inflammatory drug indomethacin in treating arthritis, but without the side effects.

Pumpkin seed butter is a great and tasty alternative to peanut butter and can be found online and in most health food stores or make your own.

Raw pumpkin seeds will provide you with the most nutrition and health benefits. Try sprinkling them on salads, adding them to trail mixes, or chop them with dates to make your own healthy energy bars.

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