Health Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds – The pumpkin is a kind of cucumber plants that grow vines or in the prop with a twig. Pumpkin widely used by the people as a food or ingredient in making porridge, or steamed. However, the pumpkin has so many benefits for health, not only in the flesh but also on pumpkin seeds.
The health benefits of pumpkin seeds cannot be separated from the content of omega-3, minerals, and fiber they contain. Because healthful, so not uncommon pumpkin seeds in the process of becoming ‘KWACI‘ that good and tasty. Besides as a snack, pumpkin seeds are also useful as a health food. Here are three health benefits of pumpkin seeds.
Excellent Health Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds
1. Maintain healthy skin
Pumpkin seeds contain much vitamin E, and this is very important for healthy skin. People who consume a lot of pumpkin seeds, the skin beauty will remain intact.
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2. Maintaining bone health
The health benefits of pumpkin seeds to maintain bone health. As we have said, that pumpkin seeds contain many minerals, and one of the minerals is phosphorus.
Phosphorus is an important substance that is needed by bone. The function of phosphorus is kept bones strong and solid, so that your spine away from the risk of osteoporosis.
See more: 15 health benefits of pumpkin
3. Smooth ureteral tract function
Many people who problems when urinating, the urinary tract that is not smoothly. If you experience this health problem, then you need to try the pumpkin seeds.
Pumpkin seeds are known to contain fatty acids and sterols that can assist in the coordination of the functions of the ureter.
This fact is getting stronger with because there are several studies conducted by experts. So if you often have the urinary tract disorder. You should try the efficacy of this pumpkin seeds.
See also: walnuts health benefits
4. Source of antioxidants
Pumpkin seeds contain carotenoids and vitamin C, both of which act as powerful antioxidants in pumpkin seeds. The benefits of antioxidants are preventing oxidation in the body, reducing the effects of inflammation, and all of this will be a shield against various chronic diseases.
5. As a heart protector
One of the health benefits of pumpkin seeds is that they provide protection against the heart. The high antioxidant content provides protection against various types of heart disorders.
Magnesium in pumpkin seeds is useful in lowering blood pressure, is also useful for reducing cholesterol (LDL) and blood triglycerides, in turn this can prevent heart disease.
The high content in pumpkin seeds is also beneficial in lowering cholesterol so that it gives a plus to heart health.
6. Protects from Cancers
Pumpkin seeds are also beneficial in preventing certain cancers such as stomach cancer, colorectal cancer and breast cancer. This is due to the high presence of antioxidants in pumpkin seeds.
The content of carotenoid compounds in pumpkin seeds also functions as antioxidants that can prevent cancer.
7. Immunity Booster
Consuming pumpkin seeds is good for boosting immunity because these seeds are rich in zinc and vitamin E.
The benefits of vitamin E are to increase immunity and protect the body from several diseases. Vitamin E also functions as a powerful antioxidant that is useful for warding off free radicals that damage cells.
Another benefit is to protect the body from inflammation, pathogens, allergies, so it can prevent infection and increase immunity evenly. Uniquely, pumpkin seeds are anti-microbial, anti-fungal and anti-virus.
8. Eating pumpkin seeds is good for Quality of Sleep
Pumpkin seeds contain the amino acid tryptophan which is good for sleep. You could say it is a precursor to serotonin and melatonin. Both have great benefits in inducing sleep.
9. Good for Pregnancy
The benefits of pumpkin seeds for health are also felt by pregnant women. This is because pumpkin seeds contain zinc in large quantities and this is good for pregnancy in the process of growing the baby.
10. Good for Strong Bones
Furthermore, among the benefits of pumpkin seeds for health is to nourish bones and strengthen your bones. The magnesium in pumpkin seeds is a great substance in giving strength to the bones. Regular consumption of pumpkin seeds in moderation can strengthen bones and prevent you from the risk of fractures.
Pumpkin Seeds Benefits for Skin
Pumpkin seeds are not only useful for things like the above, but also have some great benefits for skin beauty. This is because pumpkin seeds contain vitamins important for the skin such as vitamins E and A, both of which act as antioxidants. In addition, pumpkin seeds also contain minerals such as zinc and selenium and contain essential fatty acids.
Some of the benefits of pumpkin seeds for skin health, including:
11. As an antioxidant
Consuming pumpkin seeds can improve skin tone, also acts as a powerful antioxidant that has a great effect on skin beauty.
12. Regenerate skin cells
The content of vitamin A in pumpkin seeds stimulates the production of new skin cells so that the skin always looks fresh and glowing. In addition, it also fixes problems that exist on the skin such as scars and others.
13. Protects from Pollutants
With the presence of zinc and selenium, pumpkin seeds contain a lot of collagen and this provides extra protection to the skin from environmental pollution as well as protects the skin from exposure to ultraviolet rays.
14. Maintain sebum stability
The content of essential fatty acids in pumpkin seeds is good for moisturizing the skin, nourishing and keeping the skin healthy and well hydrated.
If you want to fight all the problems that occur with your skin, then don’t forget to add pumpkin seeds to your daily diet. The benefits of pumpkin seeds for health are very important for the skin, because it can prevent premature wrinkles, prevent premature aging, prevent acne, remove fine lines on the skin surface.
If you want to feel the benefits directly, you can smear pumpkin seed paste on the surface of your skin.
Pumpkin Seeds Benefits Sperm
One of the problems that interfere with sperm is inflammation of the prostate gland. Pumpkin seeds contain anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidants that can treat prostate-related problems. This ensures better sperm mobility thereby improving reproductive health.
Here are some benefits of pumpkin seeds for better sperm quality.
15. Benefits of pumpkin seeds for a better prostate
The prostate is a gland that produces semen, and this tends to weaken with age and oxidation occurs in the body.
Do you have anything in the kitchen that can improve the health of your prostate? Let’s check together!
Based on research, pumpkin seeds can improve sperm quality because of their great benefits for prostate health. Eating pumpkin seeds regularly can help BPT- Benign prostate hyperplasia (problems that occur when urinating due to obstruction or enlarged prostate).
16. Benefits of pumpkin seeds for male fertility
Fertility problems are often caused by a lack of the mineral zinc in the body. If you are experiencing infertility then you can try by eating pumpkin seeds regularly.
Zinc is a mineral known for its ability to increase male fertility, and pumpkin seeds are a great source of zinc.
17. Increases testosterone
If you want to have a baby quickly, then you have to snack on pumpkin seeds every day. Why? This is the reason!
Pumpkin seeds contain phytosterols whose benefit is to increase testosterone levels, and this is responsible for sperm quality.
Pumpkin seeds also contain omega 3 fatty acids whose benefits are to produce more semen.
Also check out: 9 Wonderful Ashwagandha Benefits for Men
18. Pumpkin seeds are rich in nutrients
One of the benefits of pumpkin seeds sperm is due to being rich in nutrients. Pumpkin seeds are packed with nutrients like protein, zinc, magnesium, selenium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, iron and all these nutrients affect men’s health.
19. Pumpkin seeds are good for sleep quality
If you are sleep deprived or your sleep is not quality, then your sperm can be disturbed. Research says that a person who lacks sleep can affect testosterone levels, meaning this can interfere with and lower your sperm levels. But by consuming pumpkin seeds, with their tryptophan content, it can help improve the quality of your sleep.
How to Use Pumpkin Seeds to Improve Sperm
If you have problems with the quality of your sperm, then pumpkin seeds with their essential nutrients and amino acids can be your help. You can include it in your daily diet.
Consuming pumpkin seeds can be directly or by consuming pumpkin seed oil. It is a food rich in vitamins, minerals and as a source of essential fatty acids which are needed by the body to maintain its functions.
In addition to consuming directly, you can combine it with other foods. Check below for some ways to enjoy pumpkin seeds.
1. Sprinkle over salad
If you often eat salad, then you can include pumpkin seeds in your salad. You can use it in a variety of salads, vegetable salads or chicken salads. Adding pumpkin seeds in a salad will add texture and fiber and nutritional value to your salad.
2. Eat as a Plain Snack
If you like snacks, then one of the things you should try is pumpkin seeds. Roasted pumpkin seeds are delicious, savory and they are a fat-free, low-calorie food that some people include in their weight loss diet. High fiber content can make you full quickly and can maintain your feeling of fullness. This is a great snack to stave off hunger pangs between your hours.
3. Bake Using Pumpkin Seeds
If you make several cakes, you can also bake pumpkin seeds as a topping on your cake. This is a delicious way to consume pumpkin seeds. Especially for baking cakes, you can include pumpkin seeds when baking your cake.
See too: Chia Seeds Good for Heart Health and Immunity
4. Create a Trail Mix Using Pumpkin Seeds
Trail Mix is a delicious and nutrient-rich food. It is a mixture of several types of foods and grains that make your days rich in nutrients. For the use of pumpkin seeds, you can use raw pumpkin seeds or roasted pumpkin seeds.
To add deliciousness and enrich nutrition, make sure you add some other types of food such as almonds, coconut flakes, pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries. It will really be a nutrient-dense delicacy.
5. Seed and Oat Cookies
You are making oat cookies, these are also the best choice for pairing with pumpkin seeds. Usually oats cookies are made to replace pure wheat which is often boring. You can use oats, cranberries, pumpkin seeds, and honey.
With just these four ingredients you can prepare a nutrient-rich breakfast. If you prefer, you can also use other seeds and nuts, but pumpkin seeds are the best alternative.
Here are some fun ways to eat pumpkin seeds. However, for those of you who are not concerned with aesthetics and taste, you can eat raw seeds or roasted pumpkin seeds as a simple snack every day and you will of course also get a number of health benefits from pumpkin seeds.
How Much Pumpkin Seeds to Eat Daily?
Pumpkin seeds are a healthy food with great health benefits for the well-being of the body. This is a fun ingredient that you can add to your daily diet for the immense health benefits of pumpkin seeds.
So how many pumpkin seeds can you eat each day? According to the American Heart Association, we are advised to eat 30 grams of pumpkin seeds every day.
But what if you are under certain conditions, how many pumpkin seeds can you eat every day with your health condition.
- People with enlarged prostate gland: They are advised not to consume more than 10 grams of pumpkin seeds daily.
- People with insomnia: He can eat pumpkin seeds like everyone else, but some experts say that eating 1 gram of pumpkin seeds before bed can improve the quality of your sleep.
If you experience bloating and excess gas, can you eat pumpkin seeds? Related to this, you can eat properly. Excess fiber in the diet can also increase gas and bloating. You can consult a doctor if you experience certain health problems.
Also read: Pumpkin Is a Fruit, Why Not a Vegetable?
How To Prepare Pumpkin Seeds?
To prepare pumpkin seeds for various purposes, you can prepare them very easily. With just a few steps you can do it, follow these steps:
- Slice the pumpkin from above, use a spoon to remove the pumpkin seeds
- Remove the flesh from the seeds, wash the pumpkin seeds in running water
- Dry with a towel and it’s ready to bake
- When roasting the seeds, mix them with olive oil, salt and pepper
- Take a baking sheet, spread the seeds on a baking sheet that has been seasoned. Bake at 150 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes.
- If the seeds are brown, take them out and let them cool
Side Effects Of Pumpkin Seeds
Consuming pumpkin seeds also has certain side effects, especially for those with certain conditions. Read on to find out what are the side effects of eating pumpkin seeds.
1. Stomach Ache
One of the side effects of consuming pumpkin seeds is an upset stomach. This is for those who consume too many pumpkin seeds and exceed the levels that are tolerated by the stomach. Pumpkin seeds contain rich fatty oils. If you eat too much, then you will feel stomach pain and cramping or pain.
2. Not Good For People On Diuretic Drugs
Edema is commonly seen in those with renal impairment or cardiovascular problems. Pumpkin seeds contain mild diuretic properties and in turn it interacts with diuretic medications. This will certainly increase the frequency of your urination. In fact, it can affect the body’s mineral balance.
3. Not Safe For Infants
Pumpkin seeds are not suitable for consumption by children, especially babies, because pumpkin seeds contain high levels of iron and protein and should be very good for babies. However, pumpkin seeds also contain fatty acids and fiber so they are not good and are not recommended for babies because these can trigger stomach cramps, vomiting, pain, and can even cause diarrhea.
Also see: 6 Home Remedies for Coughs and Colds in Infants
4. Allergy To Pumpkin Seeds
Consuming pumpkin seeds is known to have a number of allergies that occur even though they are not like other allergies. However there is little effect on the skin. So, if you belong to an allergy-prone group, you should not eat pumpkin seeds. Among the forms of allergy can be:
- Eczema, scaly and dry skin
- Itching and hives.
- Rhinoconjunctivitis with characteristic nasal congestion and sneezing.
- Allergic asthma
- Blocked breathing
- Headache
- Swollen and red mouth
- Throat irritation.
- Hard to breathe
- Coughing
If you experience problems like this as a result of eating pumpkin seeds, then see a doctor and talk about your condition.
These are just a few of the side effects of eating pumpkin seeds, and there are many other types of side effects that may occur. So, if you know there are any bad effects after eating pumpkin seeds, then you should immediately consult a doctor.
Sources:
https://pharmeasy.in/blog/health-benefits-of-pumpkin-seeds/
https://www.elephantjournal.com/2014/06/11-benefits-of-pumpkin-seeds-for-skin-hair-health-vineetha-reddy/
https://manmatters.com/blog/pumpkin-seeds-benefits-for-sperm/
https://www.wellcurve.in/blog/how-to-eat-pumpkin-seeds/
https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/strange-side-effects-of-pumpkin-seeds/
