Tiny pumpkin seeds-packed with goodness

Pumpkin definitely doesn’t have many fans, but you’ve got to believe that while the fruit is a concentrated source of many health-benefiting nutrients its seeds too are with calcium, niacin, phosphorous, potassium, minerals, anti-oxidants and amino-acids. Also, pumpkin seeds – whether roasted or raw – make a wholesome snack.

 A lot is said about the nutritional needs of women. The emphasis on women is so much that we tend to forget the ‘men clan’ who also have special dietary needs. Let’s check out the health benefit of these tiny, but highly portable seeds that require no refrigeration.

Boon for men

Pumpkin seeds are packed with minerals essential to male sex drive. One of the common problems they face is the depleting zinc level which causes problems like impotency, prostate enlargement and more. Zinc plays an important role in balancing out the bone density levels. Bone ailments such as osteoporosis are equally troublesome for men above the age of 50 as in women.  Well, also if studies from a Korean university are to be believed, Pumpkin seed oil also helps hair growth in balding males.

Copes with stress, pain

The seeds are loaded with electrolyte potassium which deals with hypertension, promotes healing and is a natural pain desensitiser and alleviates migraines. This is especially for men working under stressful circumstances or those who indulge in heavy physical activities or tend to get injured frequently.

Healthy heart

A half small bowl of seeds fulfils the required daily amount of magnesium. This boosts synthesis of RNA and DNA, pumping of heart, bone and tooth formation, relaxation of blood vessels and proper bowel function. It also maintains blood pressure and prevents sudden cardiac arrest, heart attack, and stroke.

 A good night’s sleep

Pumpkin seeds are packed with tryptophan, an amino acid that our bodies convert into serotonin, which in turn is converted into the “sleep hormone”. Consuming it before going to bed along with a fruit may really give you a good night’s sleep.

Works for diabetics

Pumpkin seed extracts and its oil are known to improve insulin regulation. It also prevents diabetes from affecting the kidneys.

Reduces breast cancer risk  

Phytoestrogens reduces the chances of breast cancer. According to a study it was found that women who consumed phytoestrogen-rich diet, such as soybeans, sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds, had significantly lower rates of breast cancer.

Also, studies suggest it may lead to a significant rise in good “HDL” cholesterol and control blood pressure, hot flashes, headaches, joint pains and other menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women.

Other benefits

• Seed chemicals kill intestinal worms and increases urination thus relieving bladder discomfort.
• Pumpkinseed also contains a chemical that might kill intestinal worms.

Best way to consume pumpkin seeds

Pumpkin seeds should ideally be eaten raw- but of course in limited quantities. This way the healthy fats in the seeds are best used. However, if you desire to buy it, ensure they smell fresh.

Caution

Consuming too many pumpkin seeds can lead to intestinal gas and diarrhea. That is because some of their carbohydrates aren’t fully digestible and when these undigested carbohydrates reach large intestines, they split due to bacteria which leads to gas formation.

On the other hand, pumpkin seeds are also known to trigger migraine.

–windowtonews