Pumpkin seeds are highly nutritious seeds of pumpkins and they are enriched with antioxidants capable of preventing cancers of prostate of breast . The seeds have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancerous , anti-glycemic properties.
Pumpkin seeds to prevent prostate cancer
Pumpkin seeds are edible seeds of cucurbitae pepo. Several other species of cucurbitae also are cultivated for extracting seeds.
The seeds contain 30-40% protein,56%unsaturated fat,fiber 6.6grams and very important minerals such as magnesium, zinc, iron , phosphorus.
Health benefits of pumpkin seeds
- Improves health of heart and blood vessels
Pumpkin seeds help the expansion of blood vessels generating nitric oxide. This may help to reduce hypertension and vascular occlusion.
- Reduces bad cholesterols
Pumpkins contain phytosterols which helps to reduce bad cholesterol.
- Helps to reduce the occurrence of prostate hypertrophy and prostate cancer
Pumpkin seeds contain squalene antioxidants which prevent prostate cancer and hypertrophy. They also help to reduce the increased frequency of urination.
- Reduces blood sugar level and helps to manage type2 diabetes.
- Antioxidant properties
Pumpkin seeds are rich source of antioxidants vitamin E , carotenoids, squalene and phenolic compounds. Antioxidants have great role in human body in preventing and addressing free radical induced damage or oxidative stress. It has crucial role in preventing organ diseases and cancers. Antioxidants also help to prevent premature ageing resulting from various causes including environmental toxins, UV rays of sunlight, stress, sleep deprivation and metabolic errors.
- A great source of unsaturated healthy fats
Pumpkin seeds contain oleic acid and linoleic acid which have anti-cholesterol properties.
- Anti-cancer properties
The antioxidants particularly squalene helps to prevent breast cancers promoting apoptosis or cell death of cancer cells.
- Helps to improve sleep
Pumpkin seeds are rich in tryptophan aminoacids which have crucial role in the production of neurotransmitters. It also contains zinc, copper, selenium which help sound sleep.
- Improves mental health
The tryptophan amino acids of pumpkin seeds help neurotransmitter production. Also, magnesium in pumpkin seeds help to reduce stress and anxiety.
How to eat pumpkin seeds?
Pumpkin seeds in raw state contain phytic acid which may prevent absorption of minerals in human body. In order to reduce the phytic acid content either soak or roast pumpkin seeds before consumption.
Frequently asked questions?
- Is it safe to eat pumpkin seeds for all age groups?
Yes. It is. However, it is recommended to eat after roasting or soaking.
- Can people having higher B.P consume pumpkin seeds as a snack?
Definitely they can. Pumpkin seeds have a unique potential to reduce B.P
Generating vasodilator substance nitric oxide.
- Are pumpkin seeds good for skin health?
Yes they are. They are rich in various antioxidants including vitamin E which can improve the skin glow and health.