Pumpkin seeds, despite their small size, is considered as a food rich in beneficial properties and as a healthy breaker, to replace the classic snacks.
Pumpkin seeds are beneficial for the heart, they help us to ensure a good night's sleep and good general health. They can be eaten raw or toasted in the oven at not too high a temperature for 15 minutes. They are also excellent hot and can be seasoned with a pinch of Gemma salt.
Here are their top 10 beneficial properties.
1) Good rest
Pumpkin seeds have a high content of tryptophan, an amino acid precursor of serotonin, which helps to ensure that we enjoy our days in good humour, but also to help us enjoy a good rest at night, so as to recover the energies necessary to face the commitments of the coming day.
2) Heart and relaxation
Among the nutritional components present in pumpkin seeds there is magnesium, an element that helps to give our body a feeling of relaxation. Magnesium is in fact considered as a calming and relaxing substance, as well as being considered beneficial for good cardiac activity.
3) Balance
Pumpkin seeds have a good content of highly digestible proteins that help to maintain regular blood sugar levels if they are consumed as a snack during the day. Maintaining stable sugar levels can be crucial when trying to lose weight. That's why pumpkin seeds are often recommended for those who follow a weight loss diet.
4) Omega3
Pumpkin seeds contain omega3 essential fatty acids, which makes them a valuable vegetable source of these elements. Pumpkin seeds are helpful in the treatment of patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy, as suggested by a scientific study published in 2009.
5) Zinc
The zinc content makes them a suitable food for the male population, as this mineral is believed to be able to perform a protective action against the prostate. The intake of foods containing zinc is also recommended for pregnant women and those who wish to keep their cholesterol levels in check.
6) Iron
Taking pumpkin seeds as a snack will help to counteract energy declines throughout the day. Toasted pumpkin seeds can replace classic snacks in a healthy way.
7) Anti-inflammatory properties
Pumpkin seeds are considered as a real natural anti-inflammatory, with an almost medicinal power. Their intake can therefore help to mitigate the inflammatory states of our body. In some cases they can help fight irritation and swelling without the typical side effects of medicines.
8) Phytosterols
They are in third place in the ranking of seeds and dried fruit with the highest phytosterol content. In fact, half-sunflowers and pistachio seeds are surpassed, but they are still an incredible source. This feature makes them able to lower blood cholesterol levels.
9) Intestinal well-being
Pumpkin seeds contain a part of those vegetable fibers to be included in our diet so that our body can function on a regular basis. Their assumption is therefore indicated to those who present problems from this point of view and who wish to find their own balance.
10) pH regulation
Pumpkin seeds contribute to alkalizing the body's pH. The excessive acidity caused by the intake of some foods such as meat, sugars and sweets, 00 flour, etc. ... has been linked to the onset of painful and inflammatory states. Other alkalizing foods are vegetables, with reference to those that can be eaten raw.
