10 Amazing Health Benefits Of Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds are the edible seeds that come from a pumpkin or certain types of squash. They are usually flat and oval-shaped, with a white outer covering. Once you remove the covering, the seeds are light green in color. This article will tell you about the good things that pumpkin seeds can do for your health.

Even though they are small, pumpkin seeds are really powerful. They are packed with lots of important nutrients that are good for you. You don’t need to eat a lot of them to get the benefits. Just a small amount of pumpkin seeds can have a big impact.

These seeds are full of healthy fats, magnesium, and vitamins and minerals like manganese, vitamin K, and zinc.

Now, let’s see all the ways that pumpkin seeds can make you healthier.

10 Health Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds

Here are the seven health benefits of pumpkin you don’t know about.

1. Rich in antioxidants

One good thing about pumpkin seeds is that they have lots of antioxidants. Antioxidants are substances that help protect your body from harmful things called free radicals. Pumpkin seeds have antioxidants like phenolic acids and flavonoids, which also have a little bit of carotenoids and vitamin E in them.

These antioxidants do a great job of keeping your body safe from free radicals and inflammation. When you have less inflammation and fewer free radicals, you’re less likely to get sick or have health problems. So, eating pumpkin seeds can help keep your body healthy and disease-free.

2. Reduced risk of certain cancers

Studies have found that eating pumpkin seeds can help prevent cancer in people.

In one study done in 2012, researchers observed that women who ate pumpkin seeds often had a lower risk of getting breast cancer, especially after menopause.

Another study showed that pumpkin seed extract can slow down the growth of prostate cancer cells in men.

Additionally, a test-tube study discovered that pumpkin seed extract has the ability to slow down the growth and spread of prostate cancer cells.

So, eating pumpkin seeds regularly may help reduce the risk of certain types of cancer and slow down the growth of cancer cells.

3. Enhances prostate and bladder health

Several studies have proven that eating pumpkin seeds helps to reduce the symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), a condition that enlarges the prostate gland causing problems with urination.

Although pumpkin is not potent as the prescription medication, it has fewer side effects. Also, a 2021 study has shown that consuming pumpkin seed oil can help improve the quality of life of people with BPH.

An older study stated that consuming 10 g of pumpkin seeds oil helps to improve urinary infection.

4. Excellent source of magnesium

Pumpkin seeds are one of the most excellent natural sources of magnesium, which is lacking in most western foods.

Magnesium helps in sponsoring over 500 chemical reactions in the body. So you must take magnesium in good amounts.

Some of the functions of magnesium in the body include:

• Blood sugar level regulation
• Regulates blood pressure
• Controls cholesterol level
• Reduces risk of heart disease
• Promotes the growth of strong and healthy bones.

5. Lowers blood sugar levels

One of the health benefits of blood sugar is that it helps to lower blood sugar levels. A study carried out on healthy adults that consume meals containing about 65g of pumpkinseeds have lower blood sugar levels than those that do not.

Additionally, the high magnesium content helps diabetic patients to be healthier and have fewer crises. Also, an observational study has shown that people who take in high quantities of magnesium over q 28-year period had a 15% reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes than those that do not.

6. Good source of fiber

Pumpkin seeds are high in dietary fiber, which helps to control obesity, diabetes, and heart diseases.  A single 1-oz of shelled seeds contains 1.7 g of fiber.

Additionally, a high-fiber diet enhances good digestive health and is good for weight regulation.

7. Improve male fertility 

Another major health of pumpkin seeds is that it helps to improve seminal quality, which boosts men’s fertility. Pumpkin seeds are rich in zinc which enhances reproductive quality in men.

Also, pumpkin seeds are rich in antioxidants and other nutrients that improve the testosterone levels and overall health.

To add to that, according to a study conducted in 2019, pumpkin seed extract may be beneficial for individuals with benign prostatic hyperplasia, a condition characterized by prostate enlargement that can lead to urinary difficulties in men.

8. Strengthens immunity 

Pumpkin seeds are an excellent source of vitamin E and other antioxidants, which can help boost the immune system and maintain healthy blood vessels.

Vitamin E is known to strengthen the immune system, and pumpkin seeds are one of the best sources of this essential nutrient. Thus, consuming pumpkin seeds regularly can be a great way to support your immune system and overall health.

9. Helps with weight loss

Another amazing health benefit of pumpkin seeds are that they can help with weight loss.

You see, pumpkin seeds are an excellent source of fiber, which is a key nutrient that can aid in weight loss. Fiber helps to keep you full for longer periods of time, which can help reduce overall calorie intake.

Furthermore, fiber can help regulate digestion and promote a healthy gut microbiome, which can also contribute to weight loss.

What’s more? Pumpkin seeds are also a remarkable source of protein, which can help build muscle mass and increase metabolism, leading to more calories burned throughout the day.

10. Promotes better sleep

Pumpkin seeds are a natural source of tryptophan, an amino acid that is associated with improvements in sleep.

Tryptophan is converted to melatonin in the body, which is a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles.

Consuming pumpkin seeds may help increase the levels of tryptophan in the body, which can promote better sleep quality and duration.

Conclusion

The health benefits of pumpkin seeds prove that the seeds are helpful to the overall body, including the sexual health of men. For pumpkin to produce these positive functions in your body, you must take it in good amounts but not in excess, as it can become harmful. Moderation is the word!

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