The Top 10 Reasons to Eat Pumpkin Seeds

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Everyone loves the taste of pumpkin seeds. They have been around since time immemorial, with pumpkin seeds being found in Mexico that have been dated back to 7,000 B.C. Native American tribes used both pumpkins and their seeds as both a food source and for medicinal purposes. They were also extremely popular in ancient Greece. Besides tasting great, pumpkin seeds are one of the few seeds that actually improve with age as they actually increase their nutritional value as they decompose. Tests that were done on both pumpkin and squash seeds stored for more than 5 months at the Massachusetts Experimental Station showed that they actually increased their protein content at the end of that time. Pumpkin seeds are best eaten raw and organic seeds are always your best choice. If you would rather eat pumpkin seeds roasted, so do yourself so you can control the temperature. Toast the seeds at no more than 170 degrees for about 15 minutes. Here are the top 10 healthy reasons you should eat these tasty seeds.

1. Anti-Inflammatory

Pumpkin seeds have great anti-inflammatory properties. A recent animal study found that pumpkin seeds worked just as well as the anti-inflammatory drug indomethacin when treating arthritis and with no side effects.

2. Immune Booster

Pumpkin seeds are a great source of zinc, which is an important mineral for your body. Zinc helps improve your immune system, your mood, insulin regulation, and your sense of smell and taste.

3. Heart Healthy

Just one quarter cup of pumpkin seeds has almost half of your daily recommended amount of magnesium. Magnesium is another vital mineral that keeps your heart pumping, your bones and teeth to form properly, even proper bowel function. Read more about heart attack symptoms in women.

4. Healthy Prostate

These seeds have long been treasured for their important function in a man’s health. Due to their high zinc contents, pumpkin seed oil may play an important role in treating an enlarged prostate. Studies suggest that pumpkin seeds may be very helpful in supporting the health of a man’s prostate.

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5. Relief from Menopause Symptoms

Pumpkin seed oil is full of a natural phytoestrogens. Some studies suggest that consuming these can lead to an increase of the good cholesterol and a decrease in blood pressure, headaches, and the hot flashes that menopausal women suffer from.

6. Deep Sleep

Tryptophan is an amino acid that your body converts into serotonin, then melatonin, a natural sleeping pill. Eating some pumpkin seeds a few hours before your regular bedtime, along with a bit of carbohydrate, may help your body produce enough melatonin to ensure a good night’s rest. Find out the importance of sleep.

7. Anti-Diabetic

In studies done on animals it’s been suggested that consuming pumpkin seeds might help improve the regulation of insulin and prevent complications from diabetes by decreasing oxidative stress. Read the bitter truth about diabetes.

8. Omega -3 Fats

Like all raw nuts and seeds, pumpkin seeds are one of the best sources of plant based Omega-3 fatty acids.

9. Liver Health

Pumpkin seeds are high in antioxidants, fibers, and rich in healthy fats, which might provide health benefits for your liver and heart function, especially when taken with flax seeds.