Superfood - PUMPKIN SEEDS

 

Pumpkin seeds are a powerhouse of nutrition and have been used for centuries as a superfood.

Not only are they rich in antioxidants, but they are also packed with essential minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients that can satisfy your overall health. Pumpkin seeds can help boost your energy levels, improve digestion, reduce inflammation, and even aid in weight loss. In addition to their nutritional benefits, pumpkin seeds also have some powerful medicinal properties that can help treat various fights. From helping to lower cholesterol levels to fighting off infections and even cancer cells, pumpkin seeds are a versatile food that should not be overlooked.

 

 

Health benefits of pumpkin seeds

A modest dose of pumpkin seeds has high quantities of several critical vitamins and minerals, making them a strong source of numerous nutrients. However, they are also high in calories, so consume them in moderation to maintain a healthy weight. Add a few to your meal for a range of possible health advantages, including:

Diabetes Risk Is Reduced

Magnesium, which the majority of people don't receive enough of in their diets, is abundant in pumpkin seeds. The presence of magnesium lowers your chance of developing diabetes by regulating blood sugar levels. According to studies, pumpkin seeds assist diabetics in managing their condition by helping them maintain blood sugar control.

Anti-cancer Properties

Pumpkin seeds have been shown in lab research to be able to halt the growth of breast and prostate cancer cells. They also cause apoptosis or the death of cancer cells. The strong antioxidant activity of pumpkin seeds is largely responsible for these effects, although much more investigation is required to examine a wider variety of malignancies.

Anti-inflammatory Properties

Antioxidants, which shield our cells from harm that could cause disease and lessen inflammation in our bodies, are abundant in pumpkin seeds. Additionally, they're a fantastic source of dietary fiber. According to studies, the anti-inflammatory properties of pumpkin seeds can support the maintenance of healthy liver, bladder, intestine, and joint function.

Optimal Heart Performance

Pumpkin seeds' high magnesium concentration aids in regulating and lowering blood pressure. This result explains why diets rich in magnesium are linked to a reduced risk of heart attack and stroke.

Enhanced Sleep

Having a snack of pumpkin seeds before bed may improve your quality of sleep. Pumpkin seeds contain zinc, copper, and selenium, which may also influence the quantity and quality of sleep. Finally, research indicates that magnesium can help lower stress and anxiety, two factors that contribute to insomnia.

Therapeutic Properties

More than 7,500 years ago, in the Oaxaca Highlands of Mexico, pumpkin seeds were first used for food. The majority of supermarkets and specialty health food stores sell pumpkin seeds in many forms, including raw, roasted, and spouted. They are also occasionally referred to as pepitas when marketed in their green shells. They have been used as folk medicine  to treat;

 

Urinary tract and bladder infections
High blood sugar and blood pressure.
Renal stones.
Wormlike parasites.

 

The amazing nutrient profile of pumpkin seeds, which supports many aspects of your health, is supported by contemporary science. They are a good source of protein, unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, all of which lower the chance of developing cancer and other chronic diseases.

 

Use of Pumpkin Seeds in Recipes 

 

In supermarket stores, you can purchase pumpkin seeds with or without their shells, or you can simply scoop them out of a full pumpkin. If purchasing a prepackaged item, keep an eye out for additional components like salt that lower the nutritious value of the seeds.

 

On their own, pumpkin seeds are a fantastic snack, and it's great to incorporate them into a variety of dishes and recipes.

 

 

 

 

References

Biomedical Journal of Scientific and Technical Research: “Nutritional and Therapeutic Importance of the Pumpkin Seeds.”
American Heart Association: “Pumpkin seeds pack a healthy punch.”
Current Signal Transduction Therapy: “Strategies of Functional Foods Promote Sleep in Human Being
ESHA Research, Inc., Salem, Oregon: “Pumpkin Seeds.
Indonesian Journal of Cancer Chemoprevention: “A Review: The Emerging Nutraceutical Potential of Pumpkin Seeds
Journal of Medicinal Food: “Antihypertensive and cardioprotective effects of pumpkin seed oil.”
Nutrients: “The Effects of Magnesium Supplementation on Subjective Anxiety and Stress—A Systematic Review.”
USDA FoodCentral: “Pumpkin Seeds.”