Most people tend to dispose of the pumpkin seeds, whether for being unaware of their nutritional profile or simply for thinking it`s a lot of work in cleaning and roasting them. Whatever the reason, this is a huge mistake as these seeds have a lot to offer. Read on to learn more about their nutritional profile and a wide range of health benefits.
5 Phenomenal Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds For Your Body
1. Pumpkin Seeds are Packed with Magnesium
Magnesium is one of the most important minerals, taking part in more than 300 biochemical reactions which are needed for proper function of the body. Unfortunately, most Americans are deficient in magnesium due to the standard Western diet. But, the good news is that as little as half a cup of pumpkin seeds provides up to 92 percent of your daily value of magnesium.
2. Pumpkin Seeds Boost Testosterone
Pumpkin seeds are an excellent source of vitamins B, C, D, and E, all of which have critical role in libido. They are also packed with zinc, which is known to boost testosterone levels in an all-natural way. Therefore, these tiny seeds can be extremely beneficial for male sexual health.
3. Pumpkin Seeds Improve Mood and Reduce Hot Flashes
Being high in tryptophan, which is needed for the production of serotonin in the brain, pumpkin seeds can be quite helpful when it comes to improving mood. Their magnesium content helps balance body temperature, and thus help reduce hot flashes.
4. Pumpkin Seeds Can Help with Insomnia
The aforementioned tryptophan, which takes part in the production of serotonin and melatonin in the brain, has critical role in our sleep/wake cycle. Hence, the consumption of pumpkin seeds on a regular basis can help beat insomnia and fall asleep easier.
5. Pumpkin Seeds Can Fight Cancer
Pumpkin seeds contain cucurbitacins, compounds which have been scientifically shown to combat cancer and kill off various types of cancer cells.
Additional Health Benefits
- Antioxidant Support: Alpha-tocopherol, gamma-tocopherol, delta-tocopherol, alpha-tocomonoenol and gamma-tocomonoenol are all forms of vitamin E ( antioxidant) found in pumpkin seeds.
- Mineral Support: Zinc, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, and copper.
- Diabetes: Pumpkin seed oil has been found to improve insulin regulation in diabetic animals as well as to prevent some negative effects of diabetes on kidney function.
- Antimicrobial Benefits: Pumpkin seeds, pumpkin seed extracts, and pumpkin seed oil possess strong antimicrobial, antiviral, and antifungal properties.
Possible Benefits for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): Studies have found that different nutrients in pumpkin seeds positively affect BPH, including phytosterols, lignans, and zinc.