Pumpkin seeds may not be popular but you should be snacking on them. For one thing, they’ll prevent overeating since they’re rich in fiber. Not only that, research shows that these seeds contain phytosterols and antioxidants than can improve your health.
To eat pumpkin seeds, simply rinse them to remove the sticky residue, then dry them in an oven for 20 minutes and you’re good to go. And the good thing is you can carry them to work or when traveling.
Here are 10 benefits you’ll experience when you eat pumpkin seeds.
1. Better immune system
The zinc in pumpkin seeds will boost your immune system. Zinc also has other health benefits like better sleep, improved skin health, better male sexual function, insulin regulation and cell growth. There’s a high chance you have zinc deficiency due to drugs, plant-based diets and lack of minerals in the soil.
2. Eliminate magnesium deficiency
You only need to eat half a cup of magnesium to get the recommended daily amount of magnesium. Magnesium has shown many health benefits like improving heart health, lowering cholesterol and reducing risk of stroke.
3. Improve prostate health
Studies show that zinc improves prostate health. Eating pumpkin seeds or pumpkin seed oil will benefit your prostate health.
4. Get more omega 3s
Pumpkin seeds are one of the best sources of plant-based omega 3s (ALA). As you may know, omega 3 fatty acids fight inflammation, lower risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and so on.
5. Reduce risk of diabetes
Pumpkin seeds lower risk diabetes and improves health of diabetics. They do this by regulating insulin levels. These seeds also lower oxidative stress which reduces diabetic problems.
6. Better health for postmenopausal women
Pumpkin seeds contain natural phytoestrogens which lower bad cholesterol, reduce headaches, joint pain and most of the health problems experienced by menopausal women, according to research.
7. Fight inflammation
Pumpkin seeds have anti-inflammatory effects. In one study, researchers found that pumpkin seeds were as effective as indomethacin (a drug used to treat arthritis).
8. Better heart and liver health
Pumpkin seeds contain fiber, fats, and antioxidants – all these contribute to a healthy liver and heart.
9. Sleep better
Pumpkin seeds increase the production of the sleep hormone, melatonin. Eat them a few hours before bedtime to sleep like a baby.
10. Reduced risk of cancer
Research shows that pumpkin seeds can lower risk of breast, prostate, colon, stomach and lung cancer.
