10 Health Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds

Filed under Halloween, Health Benefits, Nuts, Seeds, & Legumes, Pumpkins | Comments (3)

pumpkin seedsThis Halloween, don't forget to save those pumpkin seeds after you scoop them out. Pumpkin seeds are not only delicious but also provide many health benefits. Here are ten:

Prostate Protection
They promote overall prostate health and alleviate the difficult urination associated with an enlarged prostate.

Improved Bladder Function
In some studies, pumpkin seed extracts improved bladder function in animals.

Depression Treatment
They contain L-tryptophan, a compound naturally effective against depression.

Prevention of Osteoporosis
Because they are high in zinc, pumpkin seeds are a natural protector against osteoporosis. Low intake of zinc is linked to higher rates of osteoporosis.

Natural Anti-Inflammatory
Pumpkin seeds effectively reduce inflammation without the side effects of anti-inflammatory drugs.

Prevention of Kidney Stones
They prevent calcium oxalate kidney stone formation, according to studies.

Treatment of Parasites
They are used in many cultures as a natural treatment for tapeworms and other parasites. Studies also show them to be effective against acute schistosomiasis, a parasite contracted from snails.

Great Source of Magnesium
1/2 cup of pumpkin seeds contains 92% of your daily value of magnesium, a mineral in which most Americans are deficient.

Lower Cholesterol
Pumpkin seeds contain phytosterols, compounds that that have been shown to reduce levels of LDL cholesterol.

Cancer Prevention
The same phytosterols that lower cholesterol also protect against many cancers.



Posted by Tracy on October 14, 2007 5:55 PM | DIGG | del.icio.us | furl

While you're browsing our articles, take a moment to enter your email below to receive free Eat This! updates via email. (We value your privacy and will never sell or give away your e-mail. You can unsubscribe at any time.)




comments.gif

I also prefer natural healthy food.. so generally like to buy my fresh food items from NutriSystem, AlmondPlaza, Peapod stores at couponalbum.com..

Does the shell or Husk of the pumpkins seed have any calories?
I have read that the shell or husk is indigestible and that only the kernels have calories?
But then when I go to online calorie counters it appears that the shell or husk does have calories.
Please let me know if this is true.
Thanks,
Laura

Thanks for the info!

Post a comment




Remember Me?





Featured Video