Why Adding Pumpkin Seeds To Your Diet Is Beneficial?

Pumpkin seeds are the small packages with huge health benefits. Pumpkin seeds are commonly called as pepitas which is grown as a vegetable crop and belongs to Cucurbitaceae family with the scientific name Cucurbita pepo. This Halloween veggie is loaded with all the nutritional values for a healthy diet. Pumpkin kernels are rich source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, amino acids, fibre and healthy fats. Besides other plant based protein loaded seeds like hemp, chia, flax etc. pumpkin seeds are considered as superfood which is a best option for weight loss. Let’s have a close look on the health benefits of these amazing Halloween seeds. Read on..

Healthy Calories

These delicious pumpkin kernels are high in calories, about 559 calories per 100 g. Their high calorific value is due to the presence of protein and fats. The seeds are especially rich in mono-unsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) that is oleic acid that helps in lowering bad LDL cholesterol and increasing good HDL cholesterol in the blood. According to researchers, monounsaturated fatty acids in diet help to prevent coronary artery disease and stroke risks by favoring healthy blood lipid profile.

Plant based Proteins

Pumpkin kernels are the tiny protein bombs. 1 cup of these seeds contains 11.87 grams of protein. Besides protein, it contains 12.42 gram of fat which are healthy fats that many of us don’t get enough of it and 11.8 gram of dietary fiber which is best for losing weight, regulating blood sugar improve insulin regulation.

Healthy Fats

Pumpkin seeds are good source of omega 3 fatty acids and a rich source of mono-unsaturated fats that protect your heart, prevents inflammation and help in managing your weight. It is considered as a healthy snack. Healthy fats ensure good heart health, help balancing blood sugar and improves digestion.

Anti-microbial properties

Pumpkin kernels eliminate seriously and dangerous microbes from the body, including parasites. Just 1/4 cup a day is beneficial at improving immunity and also eliminating various unhealthy microbes from harming the body. Even for yeast infections like candida, the seeds prevent yeast infection, inflammation and improve skin conditions linked to skin-based yeast infections.

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Alkalizing and Anti-inflammatory in nature

Raw and green pumpkin seeds are green in colour because they have a high amount of natural chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is found in all green foods which alkalizes and naturally cleanses the body. That means these seeds are the best option to detoxify your body naturally. Chlorophyll alkalizes the blood which prevents inflammation.

Rich in Antioxidants

Pumpkin seeds are loaded with antioxidants and numerous forms of vitamin E, as well as the phenolic acids hydroxybenzoic, caffeic, coumaric, ferulic, sinapic, protocatechuic, vanillic and syringic acid. Antioxidant phytonutrients like lignans are also found in pumpkin seeds, including the lignans pinoresinol, medioresinol and lariciresinol which reduces the risk of diseases and cancer in the body and neutralizes free radicals.

Zince for immunity

These Halloween seeds are good source of zinc which helps in carbohydrate metabolism in the body, hormone production, improving immunity and good for healthy skin, hair and nails. Consumption of pumpkin kernels help in developing resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful oxygen-free radicals.

Magnesium for healthy heart

Pumpkin seeds are rich in magnesium which participates in a wide range of important physiological functions, including the creation of ATP (adenosine triphosphate, the energy molecules of your body), the synthesis of DNA and RNA, the pumping ofheart, proper bone health and tooth formation, relaxation of your blood vessels and proper bowel function. Magnesium also benefits blood pressure and help prevent sudden cardiac arrest, heart attack and stroke.

Fights Cancer

Pumpkin kernela has DHEA (Dy-hydro-epi-androstenedione) hormone blocking action at the receptor levels. High exposure of DHEA levels may lead to gonadal tumours. These seeds are rich in antioxidants and seed extract oil which cuts the risk of prostate and ovarian cancer.

Induces sleep

Pumpkin seeds are an excellent source of amino acids like tryptophan and glutamate. Tryptophan is converted into serotonin and niacin. Serotonin is a beneficial and vital neuro-chemical which induces deep sleep.

Improves mood

The amino acid which are present in these seeds especially glutamate and L-tryptophan are called as anti-stressneurochemical in the brain which relieves anxiety, nervous irritability, reduces depression and improves mood naturally.

Comprises other essential nutrients

Pumpkin kernels are also rich in potassium which regulates body fluid, muscle contraction, mineral balancing and maintaining blood pressure. These magical seeds have the goodness of Vitamin B comples, Vitamin E, Vitamin A, folates, riboflavin, thiamin, calcium, copper, iron, manganese, phosphorus, selenium.

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