If you feel like having a snack which also serves as a good phenomenal health food, pumpkin seeds are what you should think about. It is now confirmed that pumpkin seeds come with lots of nutrients including manganese, magnesium, protein, copper and even zinc. There is no doubt that pumpkin seeds are a true nutritional powerhouse. Research has shown that pumpkin seeds contain lots of essential plant compounds referred to as phytosterols as well as free radical antioxidants that can give your health a boost. Here is a look at the top health benefits of pumpkin seeds that you should know about:
Anti- inflammatory benefits
One of the main benefits that come with pumpkin seeds is their incredible anti- inflammatory effects. In fact, studies have shown that the anti-inflammatory properties of pumpkin seeds are just as effective as well know anti-inflammatory drugs and can be used for treating arthritis without any undesirable side effects.
Enhances a restful sleep
It has been found that pumpkin seeds contain an amino acid known as tryptophan in large amounts. This protein building block is covered to serotonin by the body and then converted to melatonin or the ‘sleep hormone’ which ensures that you have a restful sleep. For this reason, if you have troubles falling sleep, it is advisable that you eat pumpkin seeds just a few hrs before retiring to bed. The seeds promote a restful sleep at night.
Promotes liver and heart health
The health of your heart and liver is compromised by so many things in today’s world and pumpkin seeds can really help a lot in this. This is because pumpkin seeds have been found to be very rich in antioxidants, fibers and healthy fats that can boost the health of your heart and liver in a remarkable way. This can even be more beneficial when you mix it with flax seeds.
Combating menopausal symptoms
Pumpkin seeds are a rich source of natural phytoestrogens and this comes with a plethora of benefits for the postmenopausal women. In recent studies, researchers have suggested that taking pumpkin seeds increases the amount of good ‘HDL’ cholesterol in the body. In addition, pumpkin seed oil can help in decreasing your blood pressure, headaches, hot flashes and even joint pains among other menopausal symptoms that most postmenopausal women experience.
Anti- diabetic effects
According to animal studies conducted in the past, it has been proved that pumpkin seeds can help a lot in improving insulin regulation in the body as well as helping prevent complications that may come from diabetes by causing a decrease in oxidative stress.
Prostate health
For a long time, pumpkin seeds have been highly valued as one of the most important natural foods for boosting men’s health especially when it comes to enhancing prostate health. One of the reasons which explain so is the high zinc content found in pumpkin seeds which plays a great role in promoting prostate health. In addition, extracts and oils of pumpkin seeds also play a major role when it comes to treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia or enlarged seeds. Research is also underway to ascertain how pumpkin seeds could contribute towards fighting prostate cancer.
Omega 3 fats
Seeds and raw nuts with pumpkin seeds included are a perfect source for the plant based omega 3 fats. Our body needs ALA which the body concerts into DHA and omega 3 fats EPA which are more helpful to the body. The conversion is enhanced by a particular enzyme which is usually impaired in most people’s body due to the high levels of insulin in the body. Even though you can get ALA from pumpkin seeds, it is still important that you consider getting it from animal sources as well like krill oil.
Immune support
Taking pumpkin seeds promotes immune support, thanks to the high content of zinc found in them. Zinc benefits the body in so many ways ranging from cell growth/ division, immunity, mood, skin and eye health, enhancing your senses for smell and taste, male sexual function and insulin regulation. Most people suffer a zinc deficiency due to drug effects, mineral depleted soils and taking plant based diets as well as diets that are rich in grain. The deficiency is mostly associated with an increase in flu and colds, depression, chronic fatigue, low birth weight babies, acne, fatigue and learning problems. As such, including pumpkin seed in your diet is a highly encouraged as they are a rich source of zinc that can benefit your body in so many ways than you would probably imagine.
Heart healthy magnesium
Another vital mineral contained in pumpkin seeds is magnesium which can promote the healthy of your heart is incredible ways. Magnesium participates a long way in very important physiological functions like ATP creation and synthesizing of DNA and RNA, boosting how your heart pumps blood and promoting proper tooth and bone formation as well as proper bowel function and relaxation of the blood vessels.
The fact that pumpkin seeds taste so good means that it is possible for you to add them in many meals and get to reap all the incredible benefits that come from them and you can make them easy to digest by soaking them in water for just six hours. To ensure that the healthy fats that are present in pumpkin seeds are preserved, it is advisable that they are eaten raw. In case you are buying the seeds in bulk, ensure that they smell fresh and not stale, musty or spoiled. If you can find organic pumpkin seeds, the best for you as this are not contaminated with harmful chemicals such as pesticides. Keep in mind the fact that just like most seeds and nuts, pumpkin seeds contain anti- nutrients such as phytic acid which makes the nutrients available in them less bio-available upon consumption. Sprouting or soaking your pumpkin seeds is advisable if you plan to consume them regularly.
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