Pumpkin seeds are a great source of protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids. Eating just one ounce of pumpkin seeds per day can provide you with an incredible amount of benefits including improved digestion, lowered cholesterol levels, increased immunity, and more. These little seeds are loaded with nutrients that promote good health. Not only are they fat-free and vegan-friendly but they’re also delicious.
Next time you want to eat something healthy for your body, be sure to grab some pumpkin seeds because their benefits will impress you!
Rich in Zinc
Pumpkin seeds are rich in zinc, which is essential for maintaining normal prostate function. It’s also great for supporting healthy blood sugar levels, promoting healthy metabolism, and keeping your immune system strong. Zinc deficiency can cause impotence, infertility, depression, weight loss due to appetite suppression, among several other symptoms that doctors will typically check for if they suspect a patient has zinc deficiency.
The best way to get enough of this crucial nutrient is to eat pumpkin seeds. You can order pumpkin seeds online if you need more than you can find in your local grocery. These seeds come in a form of powder, oil, or paste and can be added to your favorite foods, such as cereals, oatmeal, salads, etc. Whichever form you choose, know that pumpkin seeds are fat-free and vegan-friendly which makes them a perfect source of many vitamins and minerals.
Lower Cholesterol Levels
Pumpkin seeds are high in phytosterols, which have been shown to reduce cholesterol levels by about 12%. One randomized crossover study found that consumption of pumpkin seed reduced total and LDL cholesterol levels. This is good news for those who want to avoid taking statins for their cholesterol.
Also, researchers found that cholesterol levels are typically lower in people who eat pumpkin seeds daily. Plus, they are high in magnesium which can also help to naturally lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of suffering from heart disease. It can help lower cholesterol plaque build-up in the arteries which reduces the risk of suffering from heart disease.
Pumpkin seeds are also great for promoting healthy circulation, making them another wonderful food to eat for those who often suffer from high cholesterol and/or cardiovascular problems.
Good Source of Iron
Pumpkin seeds are one of the best sources of iron. Iron is essential for producing hemoglobin, the red pigment that picks up oxygen in your lungs to then transport it throughout the body. Iron is also crucial for energy production, immune function, and DNA synthesis.
Iron deficiency anemia can cause extreme fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, poor concentration, and other symptoms that could have a major impact on your quality of life.
Guided by the principle that you are what you eat, an easy way to ensure that your body gets enough iron is to include pumpkin seeds in your daily diet. Just be sure not to consume too much of these high-iron foods because this mineral can be harmful if taken excessively.
Great Anti-Inflammatory Food
Pumpkin seeds can help to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. This is good news for those suffering from autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), among several other conditions.
Inflammation in the body is linked to cancer and heart disease development too. Therefore, adding this superfood to your diet could help prevent these conditions. Also, the anti-inflammatory benefits of pumpkin seeds are good for athletes who do intense workouts. This is because inflammation causes pain, which can make it difficult to continue with your exercise routine.
On the other hand, pumpkin seed oil contains compounds called cucurbitacins, which are similar to the drug acarbose. This drug is a prescription medicine used for treating type 2 diabetes by slowing down the digestion of carbohydrates which lowers blood sugar levels. However, taking acarbose comes with side effects, which is why scientists are trying to develop a way to get the same effect of this drug using pumpkin seed oil.
Protect Your Kidneys
Pumpkin seeds have been found to protect the kidneys from oxidative damage and help maintain their function. A recent study found that a diet high in antioxidants can help improve kidney health by preventing oxidative stress and inflammation.
Another animal study revealed that pumpkin seed oil reduced levels of creatinine, a marker of kidney function. Not only can pumpkin seeds protect your kidneys from damage, but they also are effective in lowering the risk of developing kidney stones.
Pumpkin seeds are one of the most easily digestible seeds that you can get your hands on. This is because their shells are very thin, soft, and completely edible. Many people also consider them delicious snacks that they enjoy eating raw. It’s best to eat pumpkin seeds raw as they retain their antioxidants better this way compared to processed.
Boost Immunity with Selenium
Healthy levels of selenium are crucial to maintaining a healthy immune system. Pumpkin seeds are one of the best foods that you can eat to boost your immunity naturally. These little seeds have plenty of this vital nutrient, with just 100 grams containing more than 60% of the recommended daily value. One classic symptom of selenium deficiency is the lack of energy, so if you start feeling constantly tired, look out for this nutrient in your diet.
Due to their high antioxidant content, pumpkin seeds can help boost immunity against free radicals that can cause various diseases. Some studies even found out that these seeds may be useful in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colitis because of their anti-inflammatory properties. This is because free radicals are responsible for damaging cells, which can lead to diseases.
Pumpkin seeds are one of the healthiest foods you can eat. They have a variety of nutrients that provide many benefits, including reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, protecting your kidneys from damage or improving kidney function, boosting immunity with selenium. In addition to being healthy for you, pumpkin seeds taste great as well!
And, as mentioned earlier, pumpkin seeds are a great source of protein and unsaturated fatty acids, which is why they make the perfect snack. Plus, protein helps to maintain muscle mass even during weight loss which is great for those struggling with obesity.