Health Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seed is one of the most nutritious and flavourful seeds, it has a delicately sweet and chewy texture. Pumpkin seeds are covered with a yellow-white husk, although some varieties of pumpkins produce seeds without shells. Also known as pepitas, nutty and salty with a crisp-chewy texture, pumpkin seeds make a nutritious and flavourful snack. Boiled, baked, or even raw, pumpkin seeds are packed full of vitamins, minerals and amino acids. Just one serving (about 1/4 cup) gives you almost half the recommended daily amounts of manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, copper, vitamin K, and zinc. Pumpkin seeds are a good source of protein and monounsaturated fats. Pumpkin seeds are also very good source of beta carotene, Omega 3, minerals magnesium and manganese, zinc and copper. In addition, pumpkin seeds are a good source of vitamin K.
Here are ten:
Prostate Protection
They promote overall prostate health and alleviate the difficult urination associated with an enlarged prostate.
Improved Bladder Function
In some studies, pumpkin seed extracts improved bladder function in animals.
Depression Treatment
They contain L-tryptophan, a compound naturally effective against depression.
Prevention of Osteoporosis
Because they are high in zinc, pumpkin seeds are a natural protector against osteoporosis. Low intake of zinc is linked to higher rates of osteoporosis.
Natural Anti-Inflammatory
Pumpkin seeds effectively reduce inflammation without the side effects of anti-inflammatory drugs.
Prevention of Kidney Stones
They prevent calcium oxalate kidney stone formation, according to studies.
Treatment of Parasites
They are used in many cultures as a natural treatment for tapeworms and other parasites. Studies also show them to be effective against acute schistosomiasis, a parasite contracted from snails.
Great Source of Magnesium
1/2 cup of pumpkin seeds contains 92% of your daily value of magnesium, a mineral in which most Americans are deficient.
Lower Cholesterol
Pumpkin seeds contain phytosterols, compounds that have been shown to reduce levels of LDL cholesterol.
Cancer Prevention
The same phytosterols that lower cholesterol also protect against many cancers.
For more, read http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=82
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