The benefits of pumpkin seeds

 

 

 

What are pumpkin seeds?

 

Pumpkin pods or pumpkin seeds are oval, green, edible after roasting. It is considered a major ingredient in Mexican cuisine, as it is a rich source of natural oils, potassium, magnesium, and calcium, which enhances the health of the body including heart and bone health.

 

 

The benefits of pumpkin seeds

 

1. Promote heart health

Pumpkin seeds contain omega-3, omega-6 fatty acids, antioxidants, and dietary fiber. They are of great importance to the health of both the heart and the liver.

Fibers help lower the total amount of cholesterol in the blood.

Omega-3 also helps lower levels of harmful cholesterol and triglycerides, thereby reducing the risk of arteriosclerosis, blood clotting and arrhythmia.

Improved vascular endothelial function.

It works to lower the level of blood pressure.

 

2. Weight loss

Dietary fiber in pumpkin seeds helps you feel full for a longer period, which enhances the health of the digestive system, and helps maintain a healthy weight.

 

3. Treating insomnia

Pumpkin seeds contain carbohydrates and tryptophan acid (Tryptophan), which the body needs in order to eliminate chronic insomnia, as it turns it into the hormone serotonin, which plays an important role as an antidepressant and a feeling of relaxation.

 

4. Promote bone health

Pumpkin seeds contain amounts of calcium and magnesium, which helps bone formation and increase their density. It also works to reduce the possibility of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.

 

5. Skin and eye health

Pumpkin seeds are a good source of squalene, an anti-oxidant compound that plays a vital role in protecting the skin while exposed to UV rays, and in maintaining the health of the retina.

 

6. Sexual health

A laboratory study conducted on mice found that eating pumpkin and zinc seeds helps promote sexual health.

As the increase in zinc is linked to the increase in sperm, thus reducing the risk of infertility in men.

Another study also concluded that it may be an effective treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (benign prostatic hyperplasia).

This is in addition to treating urinary disorders in men and women.

 

7. Healthy pregnancy

Pumpkin seeds are a source of supplying the body with zinc, which helps boost immune system functions and prevent uterine infections. Where the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that more than 80% of women in the world suffer from zinc deficiency, which may lead to a change in the blood circulation levels of multiple hormones associated with labor. So experts recommend that women eat 8 mg of zinc daily.

 

8. Diabetes

One study, which was conducted in experimental rats, demonstrated that a diet containing a mixture of pumpkin seeds and flax might reduce the chances of developing type 2 diabetes. This is because pumpkin seeds contain many nutrients, including magnesium.

 

9. Strengthening the immune system

Pumpkin seeds are a rich source of vitamin E, zinc, and other antioxidants. This helps boost the immune system and maintain healthy blood vessels.

 

10. Pumpkin seeds and hair growth

Pumpkin seeds consist of cucurbitin, and also contain vitamin C, which plays an essential role in promoting hair growth.