The Health Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds

The Health Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds
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Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds have a lightly sweet, nutty flavor, are highly nutritious, and have many health benefits. They contain omega 3 fatty acids, are an excellent source of manganese, magnesium, and phosphorus, and a very good source of iron, copper, vitamin K, and zinc.

Health Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds

BPH

Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), enlargement of the prostate, is a very common condition in men that can block the flow of urine. Overstimulation of prostate cells from testosterone and its conversion product, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), is one of the factors that can contribute to BPH.

The oil extracts found in pumpkin seeds appear to interrupt the multiplication of prostate cells. It is not yet known if snacking on pumpkin seeds is enough to have any real benefits. A supplemental form is most likely necessary. However, consuming pumpkin seeds can still be helpful because of other nutrients they contain, such as omega 3 fatty acids and zinc.

Arthritis

Another benefit from eating pumpkin seeds is that they can help reduce inflammation in conditions like arthritis without unwanted side effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

In animal studies, adding pumpkin seeds to the diet compared favorably with indomethacin (an NSAID drug used to reduce inflammation).

Other

Because pumpkin seeds are high in zinc, they can help in the prevention of osteoporosis.

In many cultures, they are used to treat parasites, including tapeworms.

Because of phytosterols in pumpkin seeds, they can enhance the immune system, lower bad cholesterol levels, and help prevent certain cancers.

To make your own pumpkin seeds:

  • remove pumpkin seeds from the pumpkin
  • with a paper towel, wipe off any excess pulp
  • spread pumpkin seeds on a paper bag
  • dry overnight
  • place on a cookie sheet (single layer)
  • bake for 15-20 minutes at 160-170° F.

To get the health benefits of pumpkin seeds in tea:

  • pour 1 cup of boiling water over 2 teaspoons of pumpkin seeds
  • cover
  • steep for 10 minutes
  • strain.

Photo Credit

Image courtesy of https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pumpkin_seeds.jpg

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