Have you been using all the pumpkin seeds to decorate your Halloween, or for making pies? Here is a better reason to save some of them. The pumpkin seeds are considered to be amongst one of the healthiest super foods, which cure a number of ailments. Discover the health and beauty benefits of pumpkin seeds right here.
1. Cures Osteoporosis
Since pumpkin seeds are loaded with abundant calcium, zinc, and magnesium, they are highly useful to cure bone-related ailments like osteoporosis.
2. Reduces Cholesterol
The presence of phytosterols and omega fatty acids in pumpkin seeds reduces the bad cholesterol and promotes the production of good cholesterol in the body.
3. Eases Depression
The healthy fats of pumpkin seeds relax your brain. Moreover, they are also wealthy in amino acids like trytophan, which creates happy and healthy hormones and neurotransmitters such as melatonin and serotonin, which boost the mood and relieve anxiety.
4. Alleviates Bladder Problems
Pumpkin seeds alleviate many of the bladder ailments, which get worst with the age, like frequent urination, overactive bladders, incontinence, etc.
5. Relieves Pain
Pumpkin seeds are anti-inflammatory in nature, thus, they assist in mitigating pain and irritation. It also treats the pain caused due to arthritis, without any side effects.
6. Natural Anti-parasitic
Owing to its anti-parasitic properties, pumpkin seeds have proved to be advantageous in expelling parasites out of the body, which are responsible for digestive problems.
7. Prevents Cancer
The cancers which occur in the body due to pollutants, carcinogens, and oxidative stress can be cured well by the antioxidants present in the pumpkin seeds.
8. Repairs Damaged Tissues
The omega fatty acids and vitamin A in the pumpkin seeds helps repair the damaged tissues and cells of the skin. Moreover, selenium and zinc provides extra protection to your skin from harsh UV rays and environmental pollutants.
9. Maintains Prostate Health
Pumpkin seeds are specifically beneficial for the males, as it keeps their prostate gland hale and hearty. It effectively cures BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia).
10. Treats Insomnia
Our brain produces healthy chemicals like serotonin, which result into the relaxation of both the body and the mind. The presence of L-tryptophan in pumpkin seeds let the body slow down, as it induces better sleep.
11. Healthy Heart and Liver
The fibers and antioxidants in pumpkin seeds are beneficial for the health of liver and heart, particularly when incorporated with flax seeds.
12. Beneficial in Post-menopause
The essential oil in pumpkin seeds is very useful for the treatment of post-menopausal effects. The natural phytoestrogens in these seeds mitigate the troubles, like headaches, hot flashes, and muscle spasms. They also decrease blood pressure and increase good cholesterol.
13. Helpful in Diabetes
Pumpkin seeds, pumpkin seed oil, and pumpkin seed extracts, all regulates the insulin level, which reduces the risk of diabetes.
14. Supports Weight Loss
Raw pumpkin seeds are rich in fiber and protein. Hence, snacking on them will keep you full for longer. This way you can manage your weight.
15. Improves Learning Disorders
The abundance of magnesium makes pumpkin seeds “brain food”. It improves learning disorders and enhances your memory.
16. Rejuvenates Skin
Pumpkin seeds are loaded with numerous vitamins and minerals that enhance your looks. Vitamin E is a strong antioxidant which tones the skin. Vitamin A renews the skin cells and alleviates skin problem.
17. Keeps Skin Moist
Essential fatty acids in pumpkin seeds restore the moisture of skin by maintaining the sebum production. You can either apply pumpkin seeds paste on your skin or include them in your diet to get rid of premature fine lines, pimples, and acne.
18. Good for Hair
Since pumpkin seeds are abundant in omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, sulfur, vitamin A, K and B, they work wonders for your hair and scalp. Daily consumption of pumpkin seeds not only gives you shiny hair, but also makes them thick.
After reading these 18 benefits of pumpkin seeds you must know, there are many ways you can use this nutritious food in the kitchen to increase your daily intake. Fortunately, we’ve got some exciting and delectable ways to enhance your dishes as you once knew them.
We recommend using small or medium seeds because larger sizes can be tough to eat and difficult to hide within your meals. You’ll also encounter different shades, which doesn’t usually make a difference to the flavor but can throw you off in the supermarket. Those that come straight from a pumpkin are white, whereas seeds in a packed tend to be a dark green color since they’re the inner kernel and more difficult to obtain.
One of the most popular cooking methods is roasting. First, empty the seeds into a sieve and wash under cold water to clean them. If you encounter any pulp from the pumpkin, pull this away as it can affect the texture of the overall dish.
Next, boil some water and add the seeds, while boiling for 5 minutes (10 minutes for larger seeds). After this time, drain the seeds on a kitchen towel and blot them to remove any excess moisture. Add some oil and optional seasoning to the seeds and stir together in a pot to ensure all seeds are evenly coated. Spread the seeds on a large tray and roast for around 10 minutes at 180C.
Roasting pumpkin seeds is a delicious way to add flavor to your favorite dishes. But, you don’t have to cook this ingredient to enhance your mealtimes. Seeds are a great addition to salads and vegetables. Thoroughly rinse them under cold running water and sprinkle over a healthy salad for a delicious texture. They also make a healthy snack when combined with dried fruit and a selection of nuts.
