Surprising Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds

It’s not surprising that pumpkin seeds are called superfoods. These minuscule seeds contain numerous essential minerals like zinc, magnesium, copper, phosphorus, and manganese. They are rich in antioxidants and provide generous quantities of vitamins E and A, and contain essential vitamins including vitamin K and B. They also contain adequate doses of sodium and potassium.

Determine the benefits of pumpkin seeds right here.

 

Antioxidant Activity

Pumpkin seed extracts contain several anti-cancer properties and components, including lignans. These compounds have directly been attributed to scavenging free radicals in test subjects that were given pumpkin seed extract. Antioxidants are powerful substances that help the body get rid of free radicals, the dangerous by-products of cellular metabolism that can lead to a host of diseases, including cancer!

 

Prostate Health

Pumpkin seeds have been linked to men’s health for many years due to the previously mentioned high levels of zinc, an important nutrient for prostate health. Infection and stress have been shown to result in lower zinc levels, especially in the prostate and in prostatitis, zinc levels are only one-tenth of those in a normal prostate. Therefore it has been suggested that pumpkin seeds may play a role in treating an enlarged prostate.

 

Parasites

Pumpkin seeds have long been associated with anti-parasitic activity and have been used traditionally to eliminate tapeworms and other dangerous parasites in the body. For children, who are the most susceptible to worms, pumpkin seeds provide a delicious snack and a very important defensive line against those worms, which can result in malnutrition, incorrect growth patterns, and even death.

 

Inflammation and Arthritis

Certain studies have shown that pumpkin seeds have anti-inflammatory properties in the body, which is one of the common uses of this delicious snack. Inflammation can often be the result of various deficiencies, including that of protein, various vitamins, and minerals. Inflammatory conditions like arthritis can be debilitating, so adding healthy amounts of proteins into your body to keep the tissues healthy and repaired, as well as a good amount anti-inflammatory compounds will prevent that from happening. Pumpkin seeds have been directly associated with a decrease in inflammation and the associated pains of arthritis.

 

Kidney Stones

Pumpkin seeds are related to reducing toxins in the body, due to their diuretic properties, as well as the antioxidant activity. Furthermore, they stimulate circulation and increase the speed and processing of liver and kidney functions. Uric acid and various other toxins are therefore removed from the body, which means they cannot accumulate into dangerous kidney stones or other forms, like gout and arthritis, as mentioned earlier. Pumpkin seeds promote good health of kidneys and help to detoxify the body from top to bottom.

 

Body Metabolism

Our body functions at its highest levels when all of our systems are working efficiently and healthily. Having a stable and adequate amount of protein in your diet is essential, because proteins are made up of amino acids, which can be used in thousands of enzymatic and metabolic processes every day. Without those essential amino acids and proteins, our bodies would cease being functional, and we would become weak, lethargic, unhealthy, slow-witted, and generally exhausted.

 

Good Source of Protein

Pumpkin seeds are a huge source of protein. 30% of pumpkin seed volume is made of protein. There are 12 grams of protein in a single cup of pumpkin seeds, which is approximately 25% of our daily requirement of protein.

 

Anxiety and Insomnia

If you’re feeling wired or stressed after a long day, you can turn to pumpkin seeds to calm you down and help you get a good night’s sleep. Pumpkin seeds are rich sources of both magnesium and tryptophan, both of which are closely associated with sedation and soothing qualities that stimulate sleep. Pumpkin seeds can help your head hit the pillow in a peaceful, lasting way due to those two vital components.

 

Bone Health

Pumpkin seeds are extremely popular due to their effects on osteoporosis. They have high levels of zinc, calcium, copper, and assorted other minerals that are linked to increased bone density. Studies have shown that consistent intake of pumpkin seeds can reduce bone weakness and the symptoms of osteoporosis.

 

Cholesterol Levels

One of the unique organic compounds in pumpkin seeds is phytosterols, which are directly connected to lower LDL cholesterol levels, which prevents blood clots and atherosclerosis, thereby reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

 

Reduce Blood Pressure

Furthermore, the high copper levels in pumpkin seeds increase red blood cell count in the body and improve oxygenated passage of blood through the vessels. This fact, combined with a low sodium content, can increase heart health by reducing blood pressure, so pumpkin seeds should be considered a valuable cardiovascular booster.