Pumpkins are very healthy, but their seeds contain a lot of quality ingredients that your body needs, such as magnesium, calcium, potassium, iron, zinc and vitamin K.
They are also rich in protein, magnesium, fiber, manganese and phosphorus.
Pumpkin seeds can be consumed raw or baked in the oven, not on a higher temperature than 170C, about 15 minutes.
They can be a great addition to salads, soups and sauces, and here’s why you should eat them more often:
1) They fight against cancer
The study of German scientists found that women who have gone through menopause and daily eat pumpkin seeds, have a 23 percent lower risk of developing breast cancer, and the same conclusion was made by Spanish scientists in another study as well.
They found that pumpkin seeds contain compounds that are successfully fighting the cancer cells of different types and have anti-inflammatory effect.
2) They alleviate menopausal symptoms
Not only they narrow the chances of middle-aged women to develop cancer, but they can also help to improve mood and alleviate menopausal symptoms.
Pumpkin seeds regulate hot flashes, headaches, reduce joint pain and reduce the incidence of sudden changes of mood.
3) Lower cholesterol
If you have high cholesterol, pumpkin seeds are the ideal choice because, as research shows, they can lower bad cholesterol levels by 13 percent and total cholesterol by 10 percent.
They can also reduce the risk of blood clots, cardiovascular diseases, stroke and heart attack and regulate blood pressure.
4) Protect from diabetes
Pumpkin seeds are rich in healthy unsaturated fatty acids, as researchers found, and they are effective in regulating blood sugar levels.
That is why these seeds are recommended for diabetics for daily consumption.
5) They will help weight loss
As they are extremely rich in fiber and protein, these seeds will keep you satiated.
Only 30g of pumpkin seeds contain about 5 grams of protein, but also about 285 calories per cup, so consume them in moderation.
6) Fight depression
Not only they improve physical health, but they also have a beneficial effect on mental health, and reduce the symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress levels.
7) Relieve the symptoms of arthritis
Scientists have found that pumpkin seeds have anti-inflammatory effect that relieves the symptoms of arthritis. Only 30g of seeds a day is enough to relieve the symptoms of arthritis.
8) Prevent osteoporosis
Pumpkin seeds are a great source of zinc, a mineral that is required for building bones. Just 1/4 cup of pumpkin seeds contains more than 17 percent of the recommended daily value of zinc.
source: http://www.goodmorningcenter.com/
