Benefits of Pumpkin seeds
Pumpkins, and their seeds, are very famous food among both Native American Indians who treasured them both for their dietary and medicinal properties. The leading commercial producers of pumpkins include the United States, Mexico, India and China.
Pumpkin seeds, also known as pepitas, are flat, dark green seeds. Some are encased in a yellow-white husk, although some varieties of pumpkins produce seeds without shells. Pumpkin seeds have a malleable, chewy texture and a subtly sweet, nutty flavor. While roasted pumpkins seeds are probably best known for their role as a perennial Halloween treat, these seeds are so delicious and nutritious, that they can be enjoyed throughout the whole year.
BENEFITS:
• Pumpkin seeds are a very good sources of the minerals phosphorous, magnesium and manganese other minerals including zinc, iron and copper. In addition, pumpkin seeds are a good source of protein and monounsaturated fats.
• Pumpkin seeds do not increase the level of damaged fats (lipid peroxides) in the linings of the joints, a side-effect that actually contributes to the progression of arthritis.
• Pumpkin seed oil avoids hormones from inflicting damage on the cells of the prostate, which helps to reduce cancer development.
• The seeds contain a significant amount of L-tryptophan, which is beneficial in battling depression (although it is believed the seeds don’t have enough to treat major depression, they can be used as a preventive measure).
• Pumpkin seeds can improve bladder and urethra function. They also help in avoiding the formation of kidney stones, even though the ingredient responsible is unknown.
• They prevent hardening of the arteries and help regulate cholesterol levels.
• A common folk remedy in Germany uses pumpkin seed oil to treat tapeworms.
• When buying pumpkin seed oil it is important to check that the label doesn’t list too much sunflower seed oil. Some manufacturers add a lot of sunflower oil to reduce costs since extracting oil from pumpkin seeds is a tedious and complicated process.