Pumpkin Seeds- Benefits and Usage

While pumpkins are best acknowledged for pie and Halloween in the west and sweet and sour Kaddu (Pumpkin) ki sabji (cooked Vegetable) with poori (small, round, flat bread, deep-fried) for breakfast in Indian subcontinent, its seeds are usually considered as waste and generally thrown away in unawareness.

Pumpkins seeds—also known as pepitas in Mexico—are flat, dark green seeds. Some are enclosed in a yellow-white husk (often called the "shell"), although some varieties of pumpkins produce seeds without shells. Pumpkin seeds have a soft, chewy texture and a subtly sweet, nutty flavor.

Pumpkin seeds offer well-established nutritional benefits to us. Full of high-grade essential fatty acids and trace elements. Seeds are a very good source of bone-building phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, other elements like immune-supportive zinc and copper and energy-producing iron along with muscle-building protein (tryptophan-essential amino acid) makes it an excellent food supplement. It is estimated that

around ¼ of a cup of Pumpkin seeds (30 gms approx) provides the Daily Value (DV%) percentage for each of the nutrients.

Nutrients	DV%
Manganese	73.5%
Tryptophan	53.1%
Magnesium	47.7%
Phosphorus	39.7%
Copper	21.5%
Protein	19.5%
Zinc	16.8%
Iron	15.7%
Calories (180)	10%

Pumpkin seeds and Pumpkin seed oil are used as a Demulcent (A substance that relieves irritation of the mucous membranes in the mouth by forming a protective film.), Deworming agent, Diuretic (Causing increased passing of urine) and a hormonal agent

Seeds and seed oil are often used to treat the early stages of enlargement of the prostate gland, or BPH. Recommended by the German Department of Health, the seeds are often effective at relieving BPH symptoms such as difficulty in urination. The seeds also have an estrogenic activity, so regular intake may prove helpful in relieving menopausal symptoms. The seeds make an effective treatment for worms, notably tape worm, and can be safely used by children and adults, including during pregnancy. Large quantities need to be taken; seek professional advice.

Other important benefits of Pumpkin seeds

Lowers Cholesterol: Pumpkin seeds contain phytosterols, compounds that that have been shown to reduce levels of LDL cholesterol.

Anti- Depressant and against insomnia: Contain L-tryptophan, which helps with good sleep and lowering depression. Tryptophan is converted into serotonin and niacin. Serotonin is also very helpful in helping us to have a good night’s sleep.

Protect against Osteoporosis: are high in zinc, making them a natural protector against osteoporosis. Low intake of zinc is linked to higher rates of osteoporosis. In a study of almost 400 men (age from 45-92) published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition they found a correlation between low dietary intake of zinc, low blood levels of the trace mineral and osteoporosis at the hip and spine.

Diabetes: tests conducted on diabetic animals shown improvement in insulin levels and reduce oxidative stress.

Good for Skin: Are a good source vitamin E; they contain about 35.10 mg of tocopherol per 100 g. The anti-oxidants vitamins A and C, as well as zinc and alpha-hydroxy-acids help to reduce the signs of aging.

Cancer-Related Benefits: Because oxidative stress is known to play a part in the growth of some cancers, and pumpkin seeds are exceptional in their composition of antioxidant nutrients, it's not surprising to find some preliminary evidence of decreased cancer risk in association with pumpkin seed intake.

Alkalizing:  Are the most alkaline-forming seed.

Excellent source of Vitamin B: Pumpkin Seeds an excellent source of vitamin B group (thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine) and folates).

Good for Muscles Growth: Contain good quality protein. 100 g seeds provide 30 g.

Prevent Kidney Stones:  According to studies, pumpkin seeds prevent calcium oxalate kidney stone formation.

Anti-inflammatory:  Reduce inflammation for arthritis without the side effects of anti-inflammatory drugs.

Deworming: Are used in many cultures as a natural treatment for tapeworms and other parasites.

How to Enjoy Pumpkin seeds

For daily use just add pumpkin seeds to healthy sautéed vegetables.

Seeds can be sprinkle on top of the mixed green salads or you can grind them with fresh garlic, parsley and cilantro leaves. Mix with olive oil and lemon juice for a tasty salad dressing or just make a fresh chutney Indian style with coriander and mint leaves. You can add pumpkin seed paste to your favorite soup.

Add chopped pumpkin seeds to your favorite hot or cold cereal, oatmeal raisin cookie or granola recipe to enhance its nutritional value.

Dosage and Administration of Pumpkin Seeds: 60-120g. Pumpkin seed decoction as mentioned above is taken; or unhusked pumpkin seeds are ground into powder, mixed with water and taken. But always buy organic seed from the market for full benefits and no side effects.

 

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