Pumpkin seeds are edible pumpkin fruit. These flat and white seeds are a ‘Powerhouse of Nutrition’. Pumpkin seeds contain antioxidants including phenols and flavonoids. Phenols help fend off cell-damaging compounds in the body, which may protect against aging and disease. Their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer effects have also been well-documented.
Flavonoids have been linked to a broad spectrum of health-promoting effects, including protection against cancer, artery hardening, and Alzheimer’s disease. Like phenols, flavonoids counter compounds that damage healthy cells and have strong anti-inflammatory effects.
These antioxidant effects may be even greater with roasted pumpkin seeds. Research shows that, after roasting, pumpkin seeds have more phenols and flavonoids.
Pumpkin contains immune-promoting nutrients like vitamins A, E, and C, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, selenium, iron, magnesium, and beta-carotene. Consuming pumpkin and its seeds may help manage immune-related diseases, reduce how often you fall sick, and help you recover faster from infections.
Pumpkin seed Contain good fat
Per 1-ounce serving—about a quarter cup—pumpkin seeds provide more fat than protein or carbohydrates. That fat is mostly monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat.
Both these types of fat have been shown to reduce bad cholesterol levels in the blood, which can lower the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Rich in magnesium
Pumpkin seeds are a top source of magnesium. This mineral is needed for more than 300 reactions in the body, including maintaining nerve and muscle function, supporting a healthy immune system, keeping heartbeat steady, and strengthening bones. Magnesium also helps the body produce energy and manage blood sugar levels.
Pumpkin seeds may help reduce breast cancer risk
Phytoestrogens are natural compounds in some foods, like pumpkin seeds, that are similar to the hormone estrogen.
A German study among postmenopausal women looked at the association of phytoestrogen-rich foods and breast cancer risk. The researchers collected data from more than 8,000 women and concluded that consumption of foods with phytoestrogens, including pumpkin seeds, was associated with significantly reduced breast cancer risk compared with not eating these foods.
However, other research on the relationship between phytoestrogens and breast cancer has been mixed, so more research would be needed to know for certain whether there is a positive effect.
Their extracts may aid health
Human research on the direct health outcomes related to eating pumpkin seeds themselves is very wide, here are some studies on how pumpkin seed products, such as extracts and oils, can benefit health: –
Small, mainly preliminary studies have shown that pumpkin seed supplementation may:
- Reduce enlarged prostate symptoms, such as having to wake up in the middle of the night to urinate, for men aged 50 to 75 years.
- Improve heart health in women who’ve gone through menopause, such as by reducing blood pressure and improving blood flow.
- Manage overactive bladder by reducing symptoms like frequent urination.
Nutrition
Pumpkin seeds can be eaten with or without their shells. One ounce of pumpkin seeds without the shell provides:
- Calories: 163
- Fat: 13.9g
- Carbohydrates: 4.17g
- Fiber: 1.84g
- Protein: 8.45g
- Magnesium: 156mg, 37% of the daily value
- Zinc: 2.17mg, 19.7% of the daily value
- Iron: 2.29mg, 12.7% of the daily value
Zinc is needed for the immune system to work properly and plays a role in cell growth, pregnancy development, wound healing, the breakdown of carbohydrates, and the action of insulin. It’s also needed for the senses of smell, touch and taste.
Iron is a mineral required for many functions. It’s part of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen throughout the body, and helps muscles store and use oxygen. It’s also a part of many other proteins and enzymes.
Tips for Consuming
When they are shelled, they are white. When they are without a shell, they appear green. In either form, pumpkin seeds can be enjoyed as is. But there are plenty of other ways to eat pumpkin seeds and reap their benefits. You can:
- Roast shelled pumpkin seeds.
- Sprinkle pumpkin seeds onto oatmeal or overnight oats, yogurt, avocado toast, or fruit salad.
- Add them to salads or as a garnish for slaw, hummus, cooked vegetables, soups, and stir fries.
- Whip pumpkin seed protein into smoothies, blended soups, or mashed cauliflower to boost the protein content.
- Incorporate pumpkin seed butter into pesto, sauces, smoothies, energy balls, or baked goods.
If you eat shelled pumpkin seeds, make sure to drink plenty of water to help your digestive system process their fiber content. While extremely rare, there have been a couple reports of men experiencing intestinal blockages after consuming large quantities of pumpkin seeds in the shell.
Summary
Pumpkin seeds are nutritious, offering a substantial amount of magnesium, zinc, and iron. They are a non-animal source of protein and can be consumed in a variety of ways. Their extracts and oil may offer some health benefits, too. Consider talking to your healthcare provider for guidance about if or how to use pumpkin seed supplements based on your personal medical history and goals.
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