Are you looking for an easy way to add some health benefits to your diet? Pumpkin seeds are filled with nutrients and powerful antioxidants. The best part is, they can easily be incorporated into your everyday eating routine.
If you want to understand the power of pumpkin seeds, try finding ways to mix them into your normal routine. Many people love to eat them by the handfuls as a snack. They are delicious roasted, salted, raw or toasted. Toss them into your salad, throw them into your cereal or blend them into your morning smoothies. They are great mixed into greek yogurts, sprinkled over soup or added to fall holiday baking.
Here are a few reasons why adding pumpkin seeds to the menu this fall could be beneficial to your health:
#1 – Studies Show Pumpkin Seed Help you Get a Deep Sleep
If you are tossing and turning at night, try snacking on a few pumpkin seeds before bedtime. They provide a natural source of tryptophan, an amino acid that promotes sleep. Research shows that 1 gram of tryptophan daily improves sleep.
Pumpkin seeds also contain both magnesium and zinc. Zinc has been shown to increase levels of serotonin in the body which helps control your sleep cycle. People found with low magnesium levels have shown problems with sleep. Increasing your intake can promote healthy sleep patterns and result in you feeling well-rested and ready to face the day.
#2 – Pumpkin Seeds Pack A Lot of Fiber
One single serving, about 1 oz, of pumpkin seed provides 1.1 grams of fiber. Nutritionists urge that high fiber diets are important for good digestive health, reduce the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Fiber helps to control blood sugar levels and lowers cholesterol levels. Obesity is also a factor when thinking about fiber. We have heard over and over to eat our fiber. This is a fun, simple way to sneak in some extra flavor while we do it!
#3 – Helps Lower Blood Sugar Levels in Type 2 Diabetes
The high magnesium found in pumpkin seeds is thought to be the reason they can be beneficial in lowering blood sugar. If you have type 2 diabetes, it is extremely important to monitor and reduced blood sugar levels. Failure to do so is extremely damaging to your health and vital organs.
Pumpkin and pumpkin seeds contain a type of polyphenols or antioxidants that may reduce blood sugar. In many Asian countries, pumpkin is used as a form of daily treatment for pre-diabetic or diagnosed diabetic patients.
Magnesium is something many people in the US lack in their daily nutrition. Pumpkin is one of the highest, natural resources of magnesium you can consume. It can help to boost energy levels and reduce inflammation as well.
#4 – They are Nutritious and Delicious
Pumpkin seeds are loaded with antioxidants, fiber, protein, omega-6 fats, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, zinc, and even potassium. They are low in carbs, providing only 5g per serving. One 28 gram serving of pumpkin seeds is only 150 calories, making them a healthy option for calorie counting as well.
Pumpkin seeds provide many health benefits from fighting off cancer to improving bladder control. They can be used in many different forms, including seed oil that is available to purchase.
The pumpkin flavor is one of the most popular options, especially during the autumn months. It’s a great way to feel festive and good about your food intake. Look for any way you can to add a little pumpkin to your fall menu!
Image by Vural Yavaş from Pixabay