Pumpkin is a popular vegetable which is used in dishes after its peels and seeds are removed. But from now onward, before throwing away those shiny seeds, remember their amazing health benefits.
Protects heart
Pumpkin is loaded with anti oxidants, magnesium, zinc and fatty acids which makes the heart healthier. The pumpkin seed oil can regulate the blood sugar and cholesterol levels. It can even increase the production of nitric oxide which helps expand the blood vessels. Hence, the rate of blood flow would increase and reduce the chance of plaque formation in the arteries.
Regulates diabetes
Pumpkin and its seeds lower the blood sugar levels. So, diabetic patients should include these in their regular diet. Besides, pumpkin is a storehouse of magnesium as well. Studies have proved that consuming food containing magnesium reduces the chances of diabetes by 33%.
Aids digestion
The rich fiber-content in pumpkin eases digestive process and lowers the chances of heart ailments, type 2 diabetes and obesity.
Helps you sleep better
Having a few pumpkin seeds before going to bed would help you relax and fall asleep pretty easily. The pumpkin seeds contain an amino acid called tryptophan which induces sleep. Consuming at least 1 gram of tryptophan daily would improve your sleep. The zinc in pumpkin seeds gets transformed into tryptophan, then serotonin and finally into melatonin, the hormone which helps you fall asleep.
Excellent for men’s health
The zinc contained in the pumpkin seeds helps produce healthy sperms in men. Besides, it protects the sperms from the radiations of chemo therapy and auto immune diseases as well. The anti-oxidants and other nutrients in the pumpkin seeds improve the functioning of the testosterone hormones. Including pumpkin seeds in the diet improves the reproductive functions in men.
Controls BPH
Prostatic Hyper Plasia (BPH) or an enlarged prostate gland is a condition that is often seen in older men. The nutrients in the pumpkin seeds help reduce the symptoms of BPH. Moreover, many studies have revealed pumpkin seeds’ amazing medicinal powers to cure the conditions that affect the urinary bladder. A rich source of magnesium, pumpkin seeds control the blood pressure levels and reduces the chances of heart attacks and other cardiac ailments. It is excellent for the bones and regulates the blood sugar levels as well.
Fights cancer
Including pumpkin seeds in your regular diet reduces the risk of cancer in stomach, breast, lungs, prostate or in the tissues of anus. Studies reveal that women, after menopause, can reduce the chances of breast cancer by regularly consuming pumpkin seeds. The supplements which contain pumpkin seeds can slow down the growth of the prostate cancer cells.
Anti-oxidants like carotenoids and vitamin E present in the pumpkin seeds can reduce inflammation and safeguard the human body from many kinds of diseases. Around 28 grams of pumpkin seeds contain about 151 calories. Besides, they are storehouses of fibers, carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamin K, phosphorous, manganese, iron, zinc, copper, anti oxidants, poly unsaturated fatty acids, potassium, vitamin B 12 (riboflavin) and folate. All these nutrients make pumpkin seeds and its oil, a vital food item that needs to be included in our daily diet.
