5 Surprising Facts About Pumpkin Seeds
Pepitas, another name for pumpkin seeds, are a nutritious powerhouse with a host of health advantages. These are these five astonishing details regarding these little yet powerful seeds:
Packed with Nutrients
- Fact: A tiny serving of pumpkin seeds contains a wide spectrum of vital vitamins and minerals due to their exceptional nutrient density.
- Nutritional Profile: About 150 calories, 7 grammes of protein, 13 grammes of fat (mostly good fats), and 5 grammes of carbs are found in a quarter-cup, or about 30 grammes, of pumpkin seeds.
- Minerals: Magnesium, zinc, and iron concentrations are especially high. Iron is necessary for the synthesis of red blood cells, zinc promotes immunological health, and magnesium is necessary for the function of muscles and nerves.
2. Advantages for Heart Health
- Fact: Because pumpkin seeds are rich in fibre, antioxidants, and heart-healthy lipids, they may help maintain heart health.
- Good Fats: The seeds are a good source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which lower inflammation and enhance heart health.
- Antioxidants: They contain antioxidants that can help lower the risk of chronic diseases and minimise oxidative stress, such as vitamin E and carotenoids.
- Fibre: The high fibre content contributes to heart health maintenance by decreasing LDL (bad cholesterol) levels.
3. Encourage More Restful Sleep
- Fact: The tryptophan in pumpkin seeds, which the body uses to make serotonin and melatonin, the sleep hormone, can help enhance the quality of your sleep.
- Tryptophan: Eating pumpkin seeds, particularly at night, can help you unwind and have better sleep habits.
- Magnesium: Having a high magnesium level also aids in nerve and muscular relaxation, which promotes restful sleep.
4. Encourage Prostate Health
- Fact: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a disorder in which the prostate gland enlarges, has historically been treated with pumpkin seeds to promote prostate health.
- Phytosterols: They contain substances called phytosterols, which have the potential to shrink an enlarged prostate.
- Zinc: The high zinc content of pumpkin seeds is essential for preserving the general health of male reproductive systems, including the prostate.
5. Help Manage Blood Sugar
- Fact: People with diabetes or those trying to stabilise their blood sugar levels may find that pumpkin seeds are an excellent snack option because they can help with blood sugar management.
- Low Glycaemic Index: Because of their low glycaemic index, their blood sugar levels rise more gradually and more slowly.
- Magnesium: The seeds are a great source of magnesium, which is necessary for controlling insulin and blood sugar levels.
How to Eat Pumpkin Seeds if You Want to
- Snacking: As a quick and healthful snack, eat them raw, roasted, or gently salted.
- Baking: To add more crunch and nutrients, add them to granola, bread, or muffins.
- Salads: To add texture and flavour, sprinkle them over yoghurt or salads.
- Smoothies: Add them to smoothies to increase their nutritional value.
- Cooking: Add them to casseroles, stews, and soups as a topping.
In summary
A food that is both incredibly nutritious and adaptable, pumpkin seeds have a multitude of health benefits. These little seeds have a lot to offer—from promoting heart and prostate health to enhancing blood sugar regulation and sleep quality. Include pumpkin seeds in your diet on a regular basis to reap the remarkable and unexpected health advantages of them.
