Pumpkin seeds are natural source of beneficial nutrients such as carbohydrates, amino acids and unsaturated fatty acids. They contain most of the B vitamins, along with C, D, E, and K. These seeds contain the minerals calcium, potassium, and phosphorous. Pumpkin seeds have mainly been used to treat prostate and bladder problems, but they have also been known to help with depression and learning disabilities.
HEALTHY SEEDS: PUMPKIN SEEDS
The pumpkin, a hard shell squash, is native to the Americas. Native Americans, Incas, and the Aztecs used pumpkin for food and medicine. After the arrival of the Conquistadores (Spaniards) during the early 1500s, seeds of the pumpkin were taken back to Europe, and soon the squash was grown worldwide both temperate and hot climates.
The seeds of the pumpkin also known as pepitas, were used medicinally in Native American medicine, primarily for the treatment of bladder, kidney, and digestive problems. Having a sweet and nutty taste, the seeds are greenish in color and flat in shape.
Pumpkin seeds are natural source of beneficial nutrients such as carbohydrates, amino acids and unsaturated fatty acids. They contain most of the B vitamins, along with C, D, E, and K. These seeds contain the minerals, calcium, potassium, and phosphorous. Pumpkin seeds have mainly been used to treat prostate and bladder problems, but they have also been known to help with depression and learning disabilities.
Health Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds
• A study showed that oil present in pumpkin seeds can interrupt the activation of prostate cell multiplication by testosterone in turn avoiding the enlargement of the prostate gland. The carotenoids, omega-3 fats and zinc present in the seeds add to this benefit.
• Pumpkin seeds have anti-inflammatory properties, making them beneficial for people suffering from arthritis.
• Pumpkin seeds are also rich in zinc and sodium. If taken on a regular diet, it can improve the bone mineral density and help prevent the problem of osteoporosis.
• Pumpkin seeds have been found to serve as a very good source of a number of minerals, like magnesium, manganese and phosphorus, apart from iron, copper, and protein.
• As a natural source of phyrosterols, pumpkin seeds have been found to be helpful in reducing blood levels of cholesterol, enhancing the immune response and decreasing the risk of certain cancers.
• Pumpkin seeds contain L-tryptophan, a natural compound that is known to be effective against depression.
• Studies have suggested that pumpkin seeds can help prevent the formation of calcium oxalate kidney stone.
• If you are suffering from constipation, or catarrh, a condition in which fluids run from mucous membranes, regular intake of pumpkin seeds would prove beneficial.
• There have been researches suggesting that pumpkin seeds can help treat overweight or obesity and dissolve gall stones as well. They are also good for people suffering from tuberculosis.
• Pumpkin seeds are known to help stimulate the appetite of a person. They also prove to be beneficial for the teeth, gums, nerves, hair and nails.
• In order to cook pumpkin seeds, remove them from pumpkin's inner cavity and then wipe them with a paper towel, to remove the excess pulp that may have stuck to them.
• It is advisable to roast the pumpkin seeds for a short period of time, at a very low temperature. Such a cooking method helps preserve the healthy oils present in them.
• Adding pumpkin seeds to salads or mixing them with grains is a great idea. You can even ground them up and add to salad dressings, casseroles, soups, and baked goods.
Ronthoughts Journal – Nuts and Seeds