6 Proven Health Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds are small, flat, and oval-shaped seeds of pumpkin also known as pepita in North America. They are of light green color and are a rich source of iron, zinc, antioxidants, magnesium, and fatty acids all of which play a vital role in keeping your heart strong and healthy. They can be eaten in raw and roasted form. These seeds can be easily incorporated into your daily diet.

Here are some of the amazing health benefits of eating pumping seeds.

1. May Help Regulate Blood Pressure

Pumpkin seeds are good sources of magnesium that helps regulate blood pressure. Healthy magnesium levels are needed for more than 600 chemical reactions in your body including controlling blood pressure, blood sugar levels, as well as heart and bone health.

2. It Promotes Good Sleep

Being rich in magnesium, zinc, and tryptophan, pumpkin seeds help promote good sleep. Tryptophan is naturally found in these seeds which is an essential amino acid that helps regulate your sleep. studies have shown that to get the desired amount of tryptophan you would need to consume 200 grams of pumpkin daily.

3. May Improve Sperm Quality

Zinc deficiency is directly associated with reduced sperm count and infertility in most men these days. So pumpkin seeds are a rich source of zinc and consuming them regularly can improve both your sperm count and quality.

4. They are High in Fiber

Pumpkin seeds are packed with dietary fiber. A diet high in fiber content not only promotes digestive health but also provides many other health benefits including a reduced risk of heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.

5. They are High in Antioxidants

Pumpkin seeds are good sources of antioxidants like carotenoids and vitamin E which can help fight off free radicals that can damage your body cells and reduce the damage caused by oxidation. Antioxidants can also reduce your body’s inflammation. Consuming pumpkin seeds regularly can ward off many chronic diseases.

6. They Help Control Blood Sugar Levels

Pumpkin seeds are low in carbs but rich sources of plant proteins that help protect against type-2 diabetes by improving insulin levels in your body.

How to Eat Pumpkin Seeds

You can eat pumpkin seeds in many ways including;

• You can use it as a salad toppings.
• You can sprinkle them on oatmeal or overnight oats.
• You can stir it into your soups, desserts, and grain dishes.
• You can eat them as a snack in raw, roasted, salted, and unslated form.
• You can also add them to your smoothies, greek yogurt, and cereals.