Pumpkins are perhaps most popular at Halloween when when we make creative jack-o’-lanterns out of them and decorate our porches. Many of us love pumpkin pie and some of us even go pumpkin picking, but how much attention do we pay to pumpkin seeds? Probably not as much as we should.
Seeds are one of the healthiest foods we can eat, yet their health benefits are often overlooked. They are not only a wonderful source of vitamins and minerals but they also contain a great deal of protein, fiber, and antioxidants.
Today, we will focus on pumpkin seeds and discuss three surprising health benefits of these tiny superfoods.
Pumpkin Seeds May Help You Sleep Better
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Pumpkin seeds contain tryptophan, an essential amino acid that your body cannot produce on its own. Your body uses it to make serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate sleep. Serotonin is also then used by the body to make melatonin, which is a sleep-promoting hormone.
These powerful seeds are also very high in magnesium, which helps in two ways. First, magnesium helps relax your muscles. Second, it helps regulate neurotransmitters in your central nervous system, which helps calm your brain. These two things are very beneficial in helping you fall asleep, and stay asleep as well.
They May Help Improve Fertility
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Pumpkin seeds contain a great deal of zinc, which is an essential trace element that helps balance hormones. In males, it plays an important role in the production of sperm cells. In fact, a deficiency in zinc has been linked to low testosterone levels as well as sperm abnormalities.
In women, zinc helps provide fluid for their ovarian follicles, which makes it easier for the eggs to travel through the fallopian tubes. The high content of lignans in pumpkin seeds can also help with fertility in women. Lignans are phytoestrogens that regulate hormones in a woman’s body. This can possibly reduce the time it takes for a woman to get pregnant.
They May Even Help Fight Certain Cancers
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According to WebMD, pumpkin seeds have been shown in laboratory studies to stop the growth of breast and prostate cancer cells. More research is needed on this, however, researchers believe that it may be due to the high antioxidant levels in the seeds. Antioxidants help reduce free radicals, which are unstable atoms in the body that can damage cells. This process is called oxidative stress and can lead to a range of diseases, including cancer. These powerful seeds are also a rich source of polyphenols and other bioactive compounds that may help prevent cancer.
These are just a few of the health benefits pumpkin seeds provide. Another benefit includes their high fiber content. Many people don’t get enough fiber on a daily basis and this can lead to health problems. Fiber is essential for healthy digestion. It also helps lower your cholesterol and control blood sugar levels. These super seeds also contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s provide many benefits including reducing inflammation in the body and helping to keep your heart healthy. Omega-3s have also been shown in certain studies to help mental health issues.
So, the next time you see a pumpkin, think about the amazing seeds they contain. Be sure to add them to your diet so you can start reaping all the health benefits they provide. They are great to use in baked goods and taste delicious in salads. My favorite way to eat them is adding them to my morning oatmeal along with some blueberries. Get creative and have fun experimenting with these incredible seeds!
Disclaimer: The purpose of this article is to simply provide information. It does not intend to replace medical advice from a professional.
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