Many people may not realize the healthy benefits of pumpkin seeds. When you are creating that jack-o-lantern or preparing that holiday pie, you may be tempted to toss the seeds along with the other pumpkin “gunk”. However, with so many health benefits of pumpkin seeds, you owe it to your body to keep them for snacks!
7 Health Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds
Bladder and Kidney Function
Pumpkin seeds contain chemicals that work as a natural diuretic, which can help these organs function better. Bladder discomfort has been relieved by eating the seeds daily as a snack. Additionally, the seeds can help reduce the chances of kidney stones, due to their ability to lower substances found in the urine that cause stones to occur.
Anti-inflammation
The oil from pumpkin seeds has been known to contain anti-inflammatory agents. Some studies have found consuming the seeds to be as effective as taking medication for the treatment of arthritis and osteoporosis. The bonus is that eating the seeds is natural and doesn’t come with the possible side effects of medicines!
Heart Health
Just 1/4 cup of pumpkin seeds meet half of the daily recommended intake of magnesium, which is very helpful to your heart. Magnesium helps your heart and blood vessels work effectively. Another bonus: magnesium also contributes to healthy teeth and bones!
Better Sleep
Pumpkin seeds contain an abundance of the amino acid tryptophan, which is converted by the body to serotonin. The serotonin is then converted into melatonin, the hormone long touted for its ability to help you sleep. Have a snack of pumpkin seeds and a carb such as fruit or whole grains each night to help your body fall into restful sleep.
Diabetes Management
Studies have suggested that eating pumpkin seeds can help your body regulate insulin production. This can, in turn, reduce the chances of complications for diabetic patients. It can also help those diagnosed with pre-diabetes.
Men’s Prostate Health
Because they are rich in zinc, pumpkin seeds are a recommended snack for older men, especially those facing prostatic q complications. The seeds and their oils can help to treat enlarged prostate. The zinc can also benefit older men who are concerned about developing osteoporosis.
Nutrition
Pumpkin seeds are filled with a number of helpful antioxidants, including Vitamin E, manganese, zinc, and Vitamin K. Minerals found in the seeds also include iron, copper, and potassium. This abundance of nutrients alone makes pumpkin seeds a healthy snack.
Proper Consumption of Pumpkin Seeds
The best way to consume pumpkin seeds – in order to maximize their health benefits – is to eat them raw. This keeps their nutrient and minerals intact for you to consume. Choose organic seeds if possible, so you don’t have to worry about pesticide contamination.
If you like them roasted, do it at home so you can prepare them without losing too much of their health value. Roast your own pumpkin seeds for 15-20 minutes at a temperature no higher than 170 degrees F.
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I love pumpkin seeds! It was great learning about all the health benefits! Thanks for the info!
I’ve always failed at making pumpkin seeds at home. Good to know about the health benefits – I’m going to try making them again this fall.
looooooove pumpkin seeds! such a power-packed source of fuel. lately i’ve been loving them on oatmeal and mixed into cookies!
Who knew there were so many benefits to pumpkin seeds? I didn’t know they helped with sleep! They are quite yummy too!
I love pumpkin seeds. can’t wait for the fall to bake some again
I love pumpkin seeds. I had no idea they had so many health benefits, though! Great to know 🙂
I love pumpkin seeds but never knew all the great health benefits to them.
I’m so happy to read about the benefits of pumpkin seeds since I love snacking on them. I crave them often!
My father used to roast pumpkin seeds every Halloween after we got finished carving the pumpkins. Such great memories.
Wow, pumpkin seeds are super healthy! I love them roasted with spices and garlic myself.
Oh I love pumpkin seeds. Now an even better to enjoy them as we head into fall!
I didn’t know pumpkin seeds were so high in magnesium! That’s great to know, thanks.
Wow those are some awesome benefits. My husband is diabetic so it is good to know this, we have a bag I will have to toss them into his lunch! Looks like I could benefit greatly from them!
We love eating pumpkin seeds at my house but never realized just how healthy they are for you.
I love pumpkin seeds1 I actually cannot wait to go pumpkin picking for the insides of the pumpkin 🙂
See, I always knew there was a reason I was obsessed with them… YUMMY! What great information… thanks so much
I love this post. I knew pumpkin seeds were good for me, but I didn’t know how good. They’re a regular super food!
It’s nice to know one of my favorite snacks is so good for me. I knew pumpkin seeds had health benefits, but I didn’t know they were so good for so many different parts of my body.
I did not know this! I am very interested in this though because I have horrible arthritis and would love to lessen the inflammation with pumpkin seeds!
I love pumpkin seeds! Especially baking my own during the fall. I never knew all the great benefits from them. Thanks for sharing!
LOVE pumpkin seeds, looking forward to scooping them out of pumpkins in a few months and making roasted them!
The seeds of the pumpkin are the only part I eat. Good to know they are healthy!
I frequently snack on pumpkin seeds. I didn’t know some of the benefits you shared. Thanks for the informative post.
I love roasted pumpkin seeds, it’s one of my favorite things about Fall. I never knew it could help regulate insulin though!
I usually salt and bake our pumpkin seeds every year. I didn’t realize they had so many benefits, thanks for sharing.
THIS!!
It’s the best part of all the work that goes into all that carving!
I love pumpkin seeds. I always roast them for my daughters and myself. Delicious!
I’m pretty sure I’d eat them no matter if they had health benefits. However, I’m glad to hear they do have them! I like them roasted.
Right? It’s awesome when foods are healthy AND delicious.