The Secret Health Benefits Lurking in Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds are a popular snack and beneficial health food that has numerous benefits. Consuming these tiny seeds can provide many health benefits, including helping maintain healthy cholesterol levels, boosting heart health, and providing a unique source of vitamins and minerals.

First and foremost, pumpkin seeds are a cholesterol-free food. They are a great plant-based protein option that contain healthy fats and essential fatty acids. The presence of these fats help to maintain healthy cholesterol levels, which keeps your heart healthy. Furthermore, pumpkin seeds contain dietary fiber that helps to trap bad cholesterol and regulate your digestive health.

In addition to heart health, pumpkin seeds provide an array of beneficial vitamins and minerals. Consuming them can help you meet the recommended daily intake of Vitamin K, Iron, and Zinc. Vitamin K is important for maintaining strong bones and promoting blood clotting, while iron produces hemoglobin needed for red blood cells, delivering oxygen to your body. Finally, zinc is essential for immune system health and cognitive development.

Pumpkin seeds are high in plant compounds, known as phytosterols, that may help lower your risk for some types of cancer. An animal study suggests the phytosterols in pumpkin seeds inhibited colon cancer growth. Similarly, evidence suggests pumpkin seed proteins help inhibit the growth of prostate cancer cells.

They are also high in antioxidants, which may help protect against chronic diseases. Regularly consuming pumpkin seeds may help protect against damage to cells in your body caused by free radicals and oxidative stress.

Furthermore, they may also help reduce inflammation which is associated with many chronic diseases. One study found pumpkin seed oil lowered inflammation due to arthritis, while another observed reduced inflammation in mice with allergic airway inflammation.

Finally, pumpkin seeds are an excellent source of magnesium. Magnesium helps your nervous system function properly, supports healthy bones and teeth, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and assists with muscle growth and control. Getting your daily recommended dosage of magnesium is crucial for overall health, and pumpkin seeds can help with this.

In conclusion, there are many health benefits of consuming pumpkin seeds. Not only are they cholesterol-free, but they also provide a unique source of vitamins and minerals, phytosterols, antioxidants, and magnesium. Regularly consuming pumpkin seeds can help maintain healthy cholesterol levels, boost heart health, and reduce inflammation and risk for some cancers.