Are you one of those people who throw away the pumpkin seeds when you make a pumpkin recipe? Think differently next time! These seeds with distinct flavors contain many nutrients that are very good for the body. Let’s take a look at some of the top reasons to eat pumpkin seeds.
1) They Help You Sleep Better
They are a good source of tryptophan. This can eventually be converted into melatonin, the famous sleep hormone. Eating these seeds before bed, along with some light carbohydrates, for example, in a small fruit, will help you sleep better.
2) They Improve Your Immune System
Because of their high zinc content, pumpkin seeds are considered one of the most beneficial seeds for your body. A large part of the world’s population suffers from zinc deficiency. This is because this mineral has disappeared from the soil of intensive agricultural fields.
This deficiency is harmful to your immune system. It leads to stunted growth and hair loss. That is why it is a good idea to eat pumpkin seeds from time to time.
3) Weight Loss
Pumpkin seeds are rich in fiber, which provides a greater feeling of satiety, making the person reduce the portions of food and consume fewer calories. This habit will, in turn, promote weight loss in an individual.
Likewise, dietary fiber helps control sugar absorption in the intestines to remain more stable in the blood, and anxiety is reduced. Therefore, they should be included in the diet in conjunction with a healthy diet, as well as physical activity.
4) Reduce Inflammation
Pumpkin seeds are an excellent source of omega 3, which has an anti-inflammatory effect against stress processes or diseases that can cause a state of inflammation in the body. They also protect the body against cardiovascular and brain disorders and improve memory and layout.
5) They Are Real Stress Killers
Chronic fatigue and stress cause your natural magnesium levels to drop. A small serving of pumpkin seeds (30 g) is enough for half the essential mineral’s daily recommended amount. Magnesium also plays a vital role in our heart and blood vessels health and maintains strong bones and joints. The combination of magnesium and vitamin K makes the seeds natural boosters for your bone structure.
6) They Help Control Diabetes
Like walnuts and other similar nuts and seeds, the carbohydrates in pumpkin seeds are nutritious. That means they keep blood sugar levels stable. They also make you feel full and satiated and help fight stress, which is both harmful and very common in our modern, hectic lives. Sit down for a moment to relax before bed. Take a portion of pumpkin seeds and enjoy them together with some almonds.
7) They Help Prevent Premature Aging Of the Skin
The combination of skin-nourishing vitamins A, E, and Omega 7 make pumpkin seeds an essential part of your beauty ritual! Our hair also ages (unfortunately!). To keep your locks in optimal condition and improve hair growth, you can add crunchy pumpkin seeds to your diet more often. Bottom line: pumpkin seeds are a tasty, hearty appetite suppressant with many health benefits. Eat them out of hand or sprinkle them over cold or hot dishes (a plate of buckwheat pasta with pumpkin seeds is a real kick!).
8) Improve Prostate and Thyroid Health
Pumpkin seeds are rich in zinc, a mineral that is important for boosting the immune system and regulating thyroid function. Some studies have shown that daily consumption of these seeds reduces benign prostatic hyperplasia symptoms and improves life quality.
9) Fight Intestinal Parasites
These seeds have been used as a home remedy to combat intestinal parasites, because they have antiparasitic action and can be used in children and adults.