So Much Power In A Little Seed...
I absolutely love pumpkin seeds they are delicious! They are often the overlooked part of a pumpkin and they have so many awesome benefits. They actually help to strengthen your metabolism, heal your body efficiently, boost your heart health, lift your mood, help you sleep, protect your bones, prevent cancer, eliminate kidney stones, alleviate inflammation, boost your immune system, defend against parasites, detoxify the body, and for those who want to gain weight, pumpkin seeds can do that as well!
Pumpkin seeds have a white shell and their inside is green, much like the squash whose seeds have almost the same benefits. They are delicious roasted, with the shell but also wonderful shelled and make a yummy, healthy snack.
Although they are found all over the world, they are considered a seasonal snack, eaten during the fall months when they are harvested. They are becoming so popular though, that many companies are drying them to be enjoyed throughout the year. Even if you look back through history, you will find that they were one of the first 3 agricultural products in ancient North America. Yummy to eat and apparently easy to grow!
There is a lot of nutrition pack into those tiny seeds with high levels of manganese, tryptophan, magnesium, manganese, copper, phosphorous, zinc, iron, protein and vitamins A and B complex. Pumpkin seeds are full of antioxidants, antioxidants remember fight cancer causing free radicals. The are also good for relieving the symptoms of an enlarged prostate, one of the most common places for men to develop cancer. The reason that they are so good is primarily due to its activity as a diuretic.
Pumpkin seeds have long been associated with getting rid of paracites, Children, the ones most susceptible to worms, by eating the little green seeds, provides an important defense system against these parasites in the body. These worms can result in malnutrition, incorrect growth patterns and even death, what they do is unclear but they work and the children enjoy them. They are also good defense against tapeworm.
There have been certain studies that have shown that pumpkin seeds contain anti-inflammatory properties in the body. Because they are full of antioxidants they combat free radicals a which cause inflammation. Inflammation is very often the result that the body is deficient in things which is one of the common uses of this delicious snack. In fact, they have been directly associated with a decrease in inflammation in arthritis and adds vitamins, protein and minerals.
If you have ever had a kidney stone you would never want another one and pumpkin seeds can help. Due to its diuretic properties, and high antioxidants, they stimulate circulation, and help rid the body of uric acid which causes gout or kidney stones. Pumpkin seeds promote the health of the kidneys and helps to detoxify the body from top to bottom.
Having proper function in your body is important for proper metabolism. Protein plays a very important role. Protein is essential because it is full of amino acids which your body needs every day to function correctly. Without these amino acids, your body becomes weak, unhealthy and exhausted. Thirty percent of the pumpkin seed is protein and there are 12 grams of protein in a single cup of pumpkin seeds, which is approximately 25% of our daily requirement of protein. This makes it an excellent snack or a great addition to salads.
Pumpkin seeds contain rich sources of tryptophan and magnesium both of which help with insomnia and anxiety. Both are great for soothing and calming and that stimulates sleep. A handful before bed could mean great sleep! Pumpkin seeds also has high levels of zinc, copper, calcium and other minerals that helps to increase bone density. Studies have shown that if you are consistent eating these babies they will reduce bone weakness and even the symptoms of osteoporosis.
Pumpkin seeds contain an organic compound called phytosterols. This is directly connected to lowering the lousy cholesterol or the LDL. Having a low LDL is important because it reduces the chance of blood clots, atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes because they also contain high copper levels, it helps yo increase your red blood count which will get more oxygen through your body. To improve your cardiovascular system, eat pumpkin seeds but not too many like most nuts they are high in calories. Who would have thought that such a little seed would have so much value?
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Great article!
I too love pumpkin seeds.
I like to use them as a salad topper.
They add good flavor as well as a boat load of nutrition.
Hey if you like pumpkin seeds, do not forget about sunflower seeds as well.
They also provide a a good amount of Vitamin E and magnesium--and from my reading most people are deficient in magnesium--and this is a shame because magnesium is goof for lowering your blood pressure.