Health Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds
Are pumpkin seeds good for you? What are the health benefits of pumpkin seeds? The answer to the first question is a resounding, yes. That's because pumpkin seeds or squash seeds contain nutrients that your body will benefit.
Here are the nutrition facts for a 100g of roasted squash and pumpkin seeds without salt. This data is obtained from the USDA nutrient database.
- Calories - 446
- Carbohydrates - 53.5g
- Protein - 18.5g
- Fiber - 18g
- Vitamin A - 3mcg
- Calcium - 55mg
- Iron - 3mg
- Magnesium - 262mg
- Phosphorus - 92mg
- Potassium - 919mg
- Sodium - 18mg
- Zinc - 10mg
- Monounsaturated fatty acids - 6g
- Polyunsaturated fatty acids - 8g
Pumpkin seeds also contain vitamin B, vitamin C and amino acids. Dried, unroasted pumpkin seeds contain more nutrients including lutein, gamma tocopherol, vitamin K, choline, folate and selenium.
There are several body organs that can get the benefits of pumpkin seeds. Research on pumpkin seed oil has been shown to reduce damage on the prostate gland. Mild depression or some prevention of depression can be gained by the tryptophan.
The large amount of potassium are known to help with the prevention of kidney stones and improve function of both the kidney and bladder, produces energy and supports osteoporosis and high blood pressure.
And the fiber available in pumpkin seeds provides healthy digestive system as well as maintain a healthy cholesterol level. Studies have also shown that one of the other benefits of pumpkin seeds is it may help improve learning disabilities.
In folk medicine, pumpkin seeds were used to remove parasites from the intestines. The German culture mixed ground pumpkin seeds with pumpkin seed oil, honey and milk to make a concoction. Castor oil is then given several hours later and reportedly the tapeworms are out of the body. The Chinese also have used the pumpkin seed mixture to treat a parasitic disease called schistosomiasis which comes from snails.
Roasted pumpkin seeds are popular in some cultures as an addition to foods. They will provide a nutty flavor to soups and salads and pumpkin seed oil is popular as a salad dressing. The taste is enhanced by olive oil and honey.
Pumpkin seeds are more nutritious when eaten raw. Excessive heat destroys their natural fatty acids. It is very important to keep raw seeds refrigerated to prevent the oil from becoming rancid. When purchased for snacks in their roasted form, some of the nutritional value will be lost in the cooking process.
This simple, basic seed can be consumed at your table or on the road. The benefits of pumpkin seeds are limited only by the amount you choose to consume. They taste good, are healthy for you and are relatively inexpensive. They are a welcome addition to the well-rounded eating program in which we should all partake.
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