The health benefits of pumpkin seeds are many. They are a common staple food that is loaded with nutrients. For example, eating these every day can help you delay aging and reduce body fat. Keeping in mind their health benefits, it’s a good idea to eat a handful every day!
The top 10 health benefits of pumpkin seeds
1. Protect the prostate
Pumpkin seeds contain monounsaturated fatty acids. Research has shown that eating 50 grams of these a day can help prevent prostate disease.
2. Reduce body fat and prevent strokes
Monounsaturated fatty acids can also prevent coronary artery disease and stroke caused by high levels of blood lipids.
3. Inhibit tumors
They can eliminate mutations caused by nitrosamine, a type of carcinogenic substance, and have been scientifically proven to have an inhibitory effect on liver cancer and prostate cancer.
4. Improve heart health
Pumpkin seeds contain magnesium, zinc, fatty acids, and antioxidants, all of which play an important role in heart health. Alpha-linolenic acid in the seeds can help prevent cardiovascular disease. As an added benefit, pumpkin seed oil is good for women after menopause, as it helps lower blood pressure and increases good cholesterol (HDL).
5. Reduce inflammation
They are full of powerful antioxidants that protect cells from free radicals and fight inflammation. Eating foods containing high levels of antioxidants can help improve your overall health and prevent a wide variety of diseases, especially cardiovascular diseases.
Pumpkin seeds are full of powerful antioxidants that protect cells from free radicals and fight inflammation. (Image via Pixabay)
6. Control blood sugar levels
Due to the high content of magnesium, pumpkin seeds help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of diabetes.
7. Improve sleep quality
Pumpkin seeds contain a high level of tryptophan, an amino acid that plays an important role in improving sleep. High levels of magnesium in these also help you sleep better.
Pumpkin seeds contain a high level of tryptophan, an amino acid that plays an important role in improving sleep. (Image: Tom Shockey via Flickr)
8. Prevention of kidney stones
Due to unhealthy eating habits, kidney stones have become commonplace. The problem is more prominent with people who smoke and drink alcohol. If you eat pumpkin seeds regularly, they will help prevent kidney stones from forming.
9. Promote children’s growth
Pumpkin seeds are rich in zinc, which can promote the synthesis of growth factors in the human body. This makes them a great everyday snack for children to help support their growing bodies.
10. Anti-aging
Pumpkin seeds contain antioxidants, so eating some every day can help you delay aging.
It is recommended to eat at least 20 grams of pumpkin seeds per sitting, but try not to overdo it as eating too many may affect your digestion. With all these health benefits, why not eat some every day?
Translated by Olivia Li and edited by Derekk Padula
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