Health Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds
Phytosterols and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, present in pumpkin seeds, can lower LDL cholesterol levels. These compounds can also prevent blood clots and atherosclerosis, thereby reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Induce Sleep
If you’re feeling tired or stressed after a long day, you can turn to pumpkin seeds to calm yourself down and get a good night’s sleep. Pumpkin seeds are rich sources of magnesium and tryptophan, both of which have sedative and soothing qualities that stimulate sleep.
Hair Growth
Studies reveal that pumpkin seed oil is beneficial for hair growth in men. Low levels of androgen are believed to cause hair loss problems in males. The oil increases androgen levels in men. Thus, a handful of pumpkin seeds every day can prove to be beneficial for hair growth.
Anticancer Properties
Pumpkin seeds may help treat various types of cancer including stomach, prostate, lung, and colon cancer. The lignans in pumpkin seed extracts have anti-cancer and antioxidant properties. These seeds are also known to reduce the risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women. A population-based case-control study in German postmenopausal women, conducted by Dr. Ravi P Sahu, researchers at the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Ohio, USA, evaluated the correlation between phytoestrogen-rich foods and dietary lignans with breast cancer risk. The results provided sufficient evidence for the reduced postmenopausal breast cancer risk associated with increased consumption of pumpkin seeds.
Reduce Inflammation
Studies show that pumpkin seeds have anti-inflammatory properties, which is one of the common reasons why people eat this delicious snack. Arthritis pain can be debilitating, so adding good amounts of protein and anti-inflammatory compounds to your diet can help. This will also keep the tissues healthy.
Good Source of Protein
Pumpkin seeds are a rich source of protein as 30% of pumpkin seed volume is made of it. Having a stable and adequate amount of protein in your diet is essential because proteins are made up of amino acids, which aid in boosting the metabolism.
Prevent Kidney Stones
Pumpkin seeds help reduce toxins in the body, due to their diuretic and antioxidant properties. They stimulate circulation and increase the liver and kidney functions. Uric acid and various other toxins are therefore removed from the body, which means they cannot accumulate into dangerous kidney stones.
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