8 Reasons Why You Should Eat Pumpkin Seeds

Are you one of those people who throws pumpkin seeds in the trash when you make a recipe with pumpkin? Think about it next time. These seeds with their distinctive taste come with many nutrients that are good for your body. Let’s take a look at some of the biggest reasons why you should eat pumpkin seeds.

8 reasons to eat pumpkin seeds

1. They treat arthritis

These beautiful seeds reduce inflammation caused by arthritis and help protect your legs. And unlike medication, pumpkin seeds have no side effects. The older the seeds are, the more beneficial they are to your health.

2. They protect the prostate

Eating pumpkin seeds helps keep this vital organ healthy. Thanks to their oils, they play an important role in controlling inflammation of the prostate  (benign prostatic hyperplasia ).

Especially pumpkin seed oil can have almost miraculous effects. The high zinc content of the seeds is responsible for such remarkable results.

3. They help you sleep better

Pumpkin seeds are an excellent source of tryptophan, which is eventually converted to melatonin, the famous sleep hormone. Consuming these seeds before bedtime, along with light carbohydrates such as a small piece of fruit, will help you sleep better.

4. They are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids

These seeds are one of the best plant-based sources of omega-3 you can find,  which are very important for your health. But even if you are trying to consume more omega-3 fatty acids, remember to be careful about how many pumpkin seeds you eat. The ideal is no more than 20 grams per day.

5. They improve your immune system

Thanks to their high zinc content, pumpkin seeds are considered one of the most useful seeds for your body. A large part of the world’s population lacks zinc because the mineral has disappeared from highly cultivated plant fields. This deficiency is harmful to your immune system, causing growth retardation and hair loss.

Therefore, it is advisable to eat pumpkin seeds from time to time.

6. Pumpkin seeds are wonderful for postmenopausal women

This seed oil is a natural phytoestrogen that can help manage postmenopausal symptoms,  such as:

• Low blood pressure
• Hot flushes
• Headache
• Joint pain

Thus, they are very highly recommended for older women.

7. They help control diabetes

Just like with walnuts and other similar nuts and seeds, carbohydrates in pumpkin seeds are complex. This means that they keep your blood sugar level stable while making you feel full and happy.

Pumpkin seeds  help fight stress, which is both harmful and common in our modern, busy lives.

Before going to bed, we recommend that you relax, get yourself a serving of pumpkin seeds, and enjoy them with some almonds.

8. They are a cardiovascular stimulant

One of the unique organic compounds in pumpkin seeds is phytosterols. They prevent blood clots, which reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke. In addition, the high levels of copper in these seeds increase the body’s amount of red blood cells and improve the transport of oxygen in the blood vessels.

How to eat pumpkin seeds?

The best way to eat pumpkin seeds is raw. This is because they lose some of their nutrients through cooking. Some people like to eat them crunchy and straight from the oven while others like to eat them with sauces.

If you are looking for a unique, tasty recipe, try this:

• Take a good amount of pumpkin seeds, preferably white and without any marks, and be sure to get all of the pumpkin from them.
• Boil them for 2 minutes on high heat.
• Put them in the oven with plenty of sweet and sour sauce or teriyaki sauce.

In this recipe , the seeds will absorb the sauce and taste good. They will end up red or black, and you can serve them at gatherings with some ham, melon and olives, for example.

It is a treat that is light on the stomach, aids digestion, and is easy to make.

There are not many disadvantages when it comes to pumpkin seeds, but the most important is their high fat content. If you do not keep an eye on your portions, they can lead to problems in your diet.

Just be careful how much you eat, because since they are so delicious you can become addicted!