Yes, we’ve probably seen pumpkin jack o’ lanterns on Halloween and and even if you haven’t carved one yourself, then maybe you’ve seen other people do so.
And you probably noticed the pulpy mass holding the seeds, that they scoop from the inside and throw away. Well, what if I told you that you just trashed gold?
Pumpkin seeds are small but pack a hearty punch on the dietary nutrients scale with a hodgepodge of fats – the good kind – fibre, magnesium and so on to keep you healthy everyday. Want to hear about all these health benefits of pumpkin seeds? Stay with us.
WHERE DO PUMPKIN SEEDS COME FROM?
Like we said earlier, pumpkin seeds are found in pumpkins or varieties of squash(Cucurbita). Also known as pepita, pumpkin seeds are flat, oval-shaped and completely edible. They are usually covered by a hard white case, but the kernel appears in shades of green when the shell is removed. However, Organicule's Pumpkin seeds are a special heirloom variety from Austria which naturally grows without the shell and hence have a deep green colour and are bigger in size.
Once used in China traditional medicine as an antiparasitic drug to expel tapeworms, this little green seed is capable of aiding in the prevention or management of several serious diseases and conditions including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and so on.
These seeds can be ingested in various forms.
Whether you decide to have raw, toasted or roasted pumpkin seeds, just know that with every bite you take, you’re taking in a whole lot of healthy goodness.
Speaking of which, let’s look at a few examples of all the good they provide,
HEALTH BENEFITS OF PUMPKIN SEEDS
Pumpkin seeds are bursting with nutrients – protein, iron, calcium, carotenoids – you name it! and with only a few grams of carbohydrates. But its biggest superpower is its vast reservoir of magnesium and zinc, in fact just 28grams of the stuff can provide almost half of your recommended daily intake of magnesium and zinc.
These nutrients have far reaching effects on the body which include:
- Controlling Blood Sugar
Research suggests that their high magnesium content reduces the risk of Type 2 diabetes and improves insulin regulation.
- Preventing/Reducing Inflammation
This is due to the antioxidants present in the seeds. Reducing the incidence of inflammation invariably reduces the risk of illneeses like heart diseases and diabetes.
- Improving Sleep
Pumpkin seeds produce tryptophan which is finally converted to melatonin, the sleep-regulating hormone.
Also, magnesium is a requirement for adequate sleep and the pumpkin seed doesn’t skimp in that department.
- Protecting Against Cancer
Antioxidants such as lignans present in pumpkin seeds help to find and dispel free radicals. Thus interfering in the development of tumor and cancer cells.
- Improving Sperm Quality
Low sperm quality are sometimes caused by equally low zinc levels. The generous zinc content of pumpkin seeds help to boost sperm quality and prevent infertility in men.
- Boosting Bladder Health
Studies also suggests that taking pumpkin seed oil extracts daily will help cure Overactive Bladder disorder in humans.
Generally, pumpkin seeds are vital for improved immunity. So, next time you’re carving a pumpkin, remember the importance of pumpkin seed nutrition and save those seeds.
