Health benefits of pumpkin seeds

by Stepy — October 29, 2020

When you start seeing pumpkins, you know that fall is here.
It is time to start carving pumpkins, find Halloween costumes for the kids, and start looking forward to the holidays.
Did you know that pumpkin seeds are filled with nutrition and health benefits?
Let’s take a look at the health benefits of pumpkins seeds.
Antimicrobial properties:
For a long time, pumpkins seeds have been used for their antimicrobial properties. Pumpkin seeds contain lignans, which have shown antimicrobial and antiviral properties.
Antimicrobial agents are important as they kill microorganisms and germs that cause disease.
Antioxidant rich:
Pumpkin seeds contain a diverse range of antioxidants that help aid in overall health. Vitamin E is one of the most potent lipid soluble antioxidant that pumpkins seeds contain (about 35.10 mg of tocopherol-gamma per 100 g, 237% of RDA). It helps maintain the integrity of mucus membranes and skin by protecting from harmful oxygen-free radicals.
Antioxidants also protect the body from the effects of oxidative stress, which may help strengthen the immune system and ward off diseases. Dr. Andrew Weil explains, “oxidative stress is the total burden placed on organisms by the constant production of free radicals in the normal course of metabolism plus whatever other pressures the environment brings to bear (natural and artificial radiation, toxins in air, food and water; and miscellaneous sources of oxidizing activity, such as tobacco smoke).” The effects of oxidative stress are often linked to chronic illnesses such as heart disease and many types of cancers.
Cancer prevention:
Because of the high antioxidant levels and anti-inflammatory properties of pumpkin seeds, there is a great chance that they are useful in the reduction of the risk of many types of cancers. A preliminary study from the German Cancer Research Center has shown that pumpkins seeds were associated with the reduction of breast cancer risk. We are hoping for large-scale human studies before pumpkin seeds can be considered a food that reduces cancer risk.
Diabetes:
So far, most of the studies done on pumpkin seeds in relation to diabetes have been on animals. A study from Tunisia showed that a mixture of flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds may be helpful in reducing diabetes in rats. More studies need to be conducted to confirm these benefits on humans.
Rich In Minerals:
Pumpkin seeds are an excellent source of key minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper, and manganese. These minerals are a crucial part in a healthy diet.
Note: None of the information in our website is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness or disease. The content on our website is for educational purposes only.
For a healthy squash bar recipe.
REFERENCES:
1. “The Association between Dietary Lignans, Phytoestrogen-rich Foods, and Fiber Intake and Postmenopausal Breast Cancer Risk: A German Case-control Study.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d. Web. 16 Sept. 2013.
2. “Antidiabetic Effect of Flax and Pumpkin Seed Mixture Powder: Effect on Hyperlipidemia and Antioxidant Status in Alloxan Diabetic Rats.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d. Web. 16 Sept. 2013.
3. Weil, Andrew, M.D. “Stumped by Oxidative Stress?” DrWeil.com. WEIL, n.d. Web. 14 Sept. 2013.