Pumpkin seeds are packed full of valuable nutrients! Eating only a small amount of them can provide you with a substantial quantity of healthy fats, magnesium and zinc. We came up with 5 Health Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds and we hope that this article will encourage you to eat more of these magic seeds!
Pumpkin seeds have been associated with several health benefits. These include improved heart health, prostate health and protection against certain cancers.
What’s more, these seeds can be easily incorporated into your diet. You can eat them with oats, fruits or soups!
Here are the 5 health benefits of pumpkin seeds:
Pumpkin seeds are high in magnesium and other minerals
Raw pumpkin seeds, also known as pepitas, are a good source of magnesium, manganese, iron, zinc, and copper.
Magnesium helps improve mood and sleep, while manganese plays a role in collagen production and promotes skin and bone health. Iron and copper are involved with energy production, and iron also helps transport oxygen to our cells. Zinc supports immunity, skin health, and vision.
Eating just one serving of pumpkin seeds can supply 14 to 42% of the daily target for these essential nutrients.
Improves Quality of Sleep
Amino acid tryptophan present in pumpkin seeds is good for sleep. It is a precursor to serotonin and melatonin.
Both serotonin and melatonin help to induce sleep.
Having a few pumpkin seeds before bed, with a small amount of carbohydrates such as a piece of fruit, may be beneficial in providing your body with the tryptophan needed for melatonin production.
Powerful Antioxidant
Pumpkin seeds have great antioxidant potential due to the presence of Vitamin E and carotenoids.
These antioxidants help in reducing inflammation and also protect our body from damage caused by free radicals.
Thus, they provide us with protection from innumerable diseases.
Good for Weight Loss
Pumpkin seeds are rich in proteins and fibre. They make us feel full for a long time, reduce our food intake and finally reduce the number of calories consumed.
This helps in reduction of weight.
May Improve Sperm Quality
Low zinc levels are associated with reduced sperm quality and an increased risk of infertility in men.
Since pumpkin seeds are a rich source of zinc, they may help improve sperm quality.
Evidence from one study in mice suggests they may also help protect human sperm from damage caused by chemotherapy and autoimmune diseases.
Pumpkin seeds are also high in antioxidants and other nutrients that can contribute to healthy testosterone levels and improve overall health.
Together, all these factors may benefit fertility levels and reproductive function, especially in men.
