Pumpkin Seeds: Amazing Benefits, Uses And More - Ayurvedicare

Pumpkin Seeds

What Is Pumpkin Seeds ?

For most North Americans, pumpkins (a type of winter pumpkin) are a symbol of Halloween and Thanksgiving. In fact, it has more uses than just traditional jack-o-lanterns and pie fillings. 

 The rich flesh of pumpkin can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. 1 cup (244g) canned pumpkin, cooked, has 83 calories and 7 grams of fiber about 4 slices (whole grain bread) and 3.4 mg iron (almost 20% of recommended diet Allowance for Women (RDA).

As pumpkin absorbs water, it loses some of its nutrients.Cooking reduces calories. Sugar squash that is smaller and cuter than the big one pumpkins with a deep orange color are perfect for cooking. The seeds are often discarded, but they are a rich source of protein. (28 g)  

 Pumpkin seeds also contain 7 grams of protein. This is about the same amount as peanuts. (3 mg) iron (20-30% of the recommended daily allowance for adults). They are rich in unsaturated fats and 

 Rich in vitamin E and B vitamins. If you also eat the shell, the seeds are rich in dietary fiber.

1. Quick Tips :

Salted pumpkin seeds

Back the seeds :

 Pumpkin seeds are easy to make. remove the seeds, wash and dry them before baking Oiled baking sheet for 1 hour at 250°F (121°C). Commercial varieties, sometimes sold as 'pepitas', are often salted.

2. Health Benefits Of Pumpkin Seeds :

Health Benefits Of Pumpkin Seeds

1. Protects Against Cancer: 

 Like all orange vegetables, pumpkin is rich in beta-carotene, a plant-based form of vitamin A. Studies have shown that this antioxidant can help prevent some types of cancer. 

Pumpkin seeds also appear to have anti-cancer properties and have been incorporated into some supplements that may help fight prostate cancer. 

One study found that eating sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds reduced the risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women compared to women who did not eat these seeds.

Fiber Like all fruits and vegetables, pumpkin is an excellent source of fiber. Studies have shown that the person who ate the most fiber had an 11% lower risk of developing breast cancer than those who ate the least.

Also Read: pineapple: 5 Impressive Health Benefits, Uses And More-Ayurvedicare

2. Lower Blood Pressure:

Lower blood pressure

Pumpkin seeds are high in magnesium and it helps lower and regulate blood pressure.A diet high in magnesium has been associated with a lower risk of death from stroke and heart disease.

Pumpkin is rich in potassium. Potassium is an important nutrient for proper blood pressure control. 

One cup of squash has over 500 mg of sodium, while regular canned squash has about the same amount of sodium, so you may want to cook your own and adjust for the added salt. It is recommended. Or, if sodium is an issue, you might want to look for brands that don't have added salt. 

3. Helps to hair growth:

Pumpkin seeds oil for hair

 Pumpkin seeds contain cucurbitacin, a unique amino acid that supports hair growth. These are also rich in vitamin C and play an important role in hair growth.You can apply pumpkin seed oil to your scalp or consume a handful of pumpkin seeds daily to see results. 

Other micronutrients in pumpkin seeds also improve and strengthen hair texture. Pumpkin seed oil is also great for curls.

Nutrients and minerals such as zinc, selenium, copper, magnesium, iron, calcium, vitamins A, B and C – pumpkin seeds are just as delicious. It helps reduce baldness in men mostly.

4. Helps to prevent diabetes:

Prevent diabetes

Pumpkin seeds are high in Potassium and it helps with bone health and reduces the risk of diabetes. 1/2 cup of canned pumpkin contains about 10% of your daily potassium.

Pumpkin seeds, rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, provide healthy fats that help prevent type 2 diabetes and heart disease.Dietary zinc has been associated with protective effects against type 2 diabetes. increase.

5. Promote Better sleep:

Pumpkin seeds for sleep

Pumpkin seeds are a natural source of tryptophan, an amino acid that promotes better sleep. Pumpkin seeds are high in zinc, copper and selenium and they can also affect sleep duration and quality. 

The zinc in pumpkin seeds is also used by the body to convert tryptophan into serotonin in the brain.Another delicious nap-inducing meal also contains tryptophan.

  Eating pumpkin seeds before bed helps you sleep better.Eating about 1g of pumpkin seeds before bed can improve sleep, as these tiny seeds are a natural source of tryptophan, an amino acid that promotes sleep.

3. Uses Of Pumpkin Seeds :

Uses Of Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds are used to make smoothies. Pumpkins and pumpkin seeds are sold pure or salted, dried or roasted, skinless or shellless.When scooping up Halloween and cooking pumpkins for the winter. 

 Scoop out the seeds, rinse, dry and toast in the oven until golden brown. Soaking them in salted water before grilling enhances the flavor.

Pumpkin seeds are used to prevent cancer, lower blood pressure, promote hair growth, promote sleep, and improve sperm quality.

4. Side Effects Of Pumpkin Seeds :

Pumpkin seeds side effects

1. Choking Hazard: 

 The risk may be small, but it's quite real. The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend giving pumpkin seeds to children under the age of five.

2. Stomach problems: 

 Side effects of pumpkin products are rare but include stomach upset, diarrhea, and nausea. 

 3. Allergic reactions: 

 It can also cause itching, rashes, and allergic reactions in some people.

5. Storing And Eating Tips :

Pumpkin seeds foods

Storing Tips:

• Pumpkins have a tough skin and are best preserved. 

 • Pumpkins can be stored in a cool, dry place for about a month. 

Eating Tips:

 • Make a stew with canned squash, kidney beans, paprika and chili powder. 

 • Sprinkle muffins with pumpkin seeds before baking. 

 • Add canned pumpkin to pancake batter with ginger powder.

Frequently Asked Questions :

Q.1 Why are pumpkin seeds good for females?

Ans.In terms of better bone density, the benefits of pumpkin seeds for women are extensive. Pumpkin seeds are rich in magnesium and calcium, which helps maintain healthy bones. It also helps reduce the risk of osteoporosis in women, a common problem in postmenopausal women.

Q.2 Do pumpkin seeds raise blood sugar?

Ans.Yes, pumpkin seeds are a low glycemic index food that's why it raises blood sugar. Pumpkin seeds have a glycemic index of 12, making them an ideal snack for diabetics. When consumed regularly, it increases satiety and helps diabetics lose weight.

Q.3 Can we eat pumpkin seeds raw?

Ans.Pumpkin seeds can be eaten raw, but they are especially delicious when freshly baked. To fry them, add salt, pepper, and other desired seasonings, along with olive oil or melted butter.