Pumpkin seeds are some of the most health beneficial sees you can come across. They are abundant in nutrients such as magnesium, manganese, copper, protein and zinc, which boost your health on many different levels.
Read on and find out what happens to your body when you introduce pumpkin seeds into your diet.
- Reduced Cholesterol
Pumpkin seed oil is high in phytoestrogens, which increase high-density lipoproteins or HDL – the ‘good’ cholesterol and reduce hypertension. It’s important to know that high LDL (low-density lipoprotein or ‘bad’ cholesterol) and high blood pressure are the root causes of heart disease and increased risk of stroke.
- Diabetes
Pumpkin seeds can reduce glucose levels and keep blood sugar in check owing to their quick-acting anti-diabetic properties.
- Weight Loss
These seeds are rich in fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals. They contain phosphorus, which increases the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats thus promoting healthy weight loss.
- Arthritis Relief
Pumpkin seeds are abundant in anti-inflammatory antioxidants, which have proved more effective than the widely used indomethacin (a non-steroidal drug) in reducing arthritic inflammation. Plus, it’s packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for reducing stiffness and improving mobility.
- Osteoporosis
Older adults are often mineral deficient, which results in age-related loss of bone density. Pumpkin seeds are naturally rich in zinc and phosphorus thus keeping your bones strong.
- Mood
Pumpkin seeds are beneficial for improving mood and reducing depression owing to their abundance of phytochemicals. The thing is tryptophan converts to serotonin and triggers hormone reactions in the brain.
- Menopause Symptoms
Pumpkin seeds reduce menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, headaches, night sweats, and mood swings due to their hormone-modulating effect.
- Prostate Health
As already mentioned, pumpkin seeds are abundant in antioxidants, which prevent prostate growth. The thing is the prostate contains the highest amount of concentrated zinc in the male body and pumpkin seeds are packed with zinc, providing the prostate with what it depends on for proper function.
- Testosterone Support
Hormone levels are subject to change during different stages of life, especially during menopause in women and andropause in men. For one thing, pumpkin seeds increase testosterone levels in both sexes as they get older.
- Cancer Prevention
Last, but not least, pumpkin seeds are also beneficial for cancer prevention and treatment owing to the phytochemicals they contain. Research has found that pumpkin seed extract prevents the growth of prostate, colorectal, and breast cancer cells.
Source : www.dailyhealthpost.com
