Pumpkin seeds are a rich source of antioxidants that optimize our immune system, allowing our response to the different threats in the environment to be adequate.
In other words, the inclusion of pumpkin seeds, pipes or squash seeds in our diet considerably improves our health and provides us with multiple benefits that go from reinforcing the immune system to suppressing some types of cancers when combined with chemotherapy treatment.
Index
What are pumpkin seeds?
Pumpkin seeds, pumpkin seeds or pumpkin seeds is just that, a set of seeds that we can find inside the pumpkin, squash or pumpkin . These are included in the group of nuts, like pistachios, walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds , among others.
Its nutritional contribution allows it to be considered as a high quality food that also contributes to the health of those who consume it . It is a rich source of proteins and antioxidants that improve the body’s defense system and the cellular regeneration of our body. It does not generate any adverse effect in children, adults, the elderly and pregnant women, unless there is a specific allergic reaction to the seed.
What are the properties of pumpkin seeds?
As we have commented at the beginning of the publication, pumpkin seeds have a significant number of properties that act in favor of the health of the people who consume them. Some of these properties are detailed below.
Cardiovascular properties
Thanks to the contribution of omega 3, 6 and 9 that pumpkin seeds provide us, we can cover some essential aspects of our cardiovascular health. This injection of omegas fatty acids improves our heart system by reducing cholesterol levels in the blood, which in turn could trigger chronic diseases.
Likewise, they are essential for the maintenance of cell membranes, the absorption and transport of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K), while optimizing the production of hormones of great importance such as prostaglandins , which act on some functions. of the body such as blood pressure, blood clotting, allergic inflammatory response and the activity of the digestive system.
It is true that these benefits of omega acid can also be found in a wide variety of oily fish; However, knowing that in pumpkin seeds we find another source of this substance represents a relief and an important contribution to our health.
Antiparasitic function
Cucurbitin, an unusual amino acid compound present in pumpkin seeds, is an excellent ally in the purification processes of the intestine . It acts as an antiparasitic agent and contributes to the anti-inflammatory processes of the intestine.
With which, we can reaffirm that the inclusion of pumpkin seeds in our diet can facilitate the digestive functions of our body and help us prevent pathologies such as colitis, colon inflammation, which can be annoying and painful to the point of reaching the chronic state.
Digestive properties
Directly and indirectly, pumpkin seeds play a stellar role in the digestive functions of the body. Improving the absorption of nutrients from food and contribute to the suppression of some harmful agents such as cholesterol, motivating their expulsion from our body naturally.
This function has its activating compounds, which are phytosterols and phytostanols, a type of substance that we acquire through the seeds to prevent the absorption of cholesterol in the intestinal tract, leaving no other option for them other than its evacuation through the feces.
Multivitamin and mineral compounds
The set of fat-soluble vitamins A and E, as well as water-soluble vitamins such as thiamine, riboflavin and niacin in addition to an important group of minerals such as zinc, iron, potassium, magnesium, selenium and copper that we obtain when consuming pumpkin seeds make this natural food a rich source of health and well-being.
Seen separately, the action of each of these vitamins and minerals, we note that with each serving of pumpkin seeds that we consume, we provide our body with a protective shield against diseases of common and chronic origin at the same time that we enjoy a rich and delicious snack. which can reduce our anxiety levels.
Pumpkin seeds benefits
The benefits gained from eating pumpkin seeds on a regular basis are hard to ignore, these; they represent for our organism a rich source of health and well-being, besides being pleasant to the palate to have a delicious flavor.
The benefits that we can find in squash seed are described below:
Improves brain functions and facilitates rest
An amino acid called tryptophan is found in pumpkin seeds, which acts as a regulator of brain functions, facilitating the production of hormones that optimize some body functions, including sleep cycles.
Therefore, the adequate consumption of squash seeds represents for our brain an important injection of amino acids that notably improve the ordinal functions of our brain.
Improves and restores the body’s cellular tissues
Free radical damage can be suppressed with the inclusion of foods rich in antioxidants that prevent cellular aging and inhibit free radical damage. The pumpkin, together with its seeds, constitutes a rich source of antioxidants capable of improving and preventing the damage caused by these harmful agents.
Consequently, we can obtain regulate and optimize the functions of the organism through the inclusion of these elements to our diet.
Reduces inflammation and relieves pain caused by arthritis
Basically, its antioxidant action acts on the body’s anti- inflammatory processes , alleviating the sensation of pain and inflammation felt by patients suffering from arthritis.
Improves sperm quality and combats erectile dysfunction
Specifically, pumpkin seeds act on the entire male reproductive system, improving its functions, particularly sperm production.
This point offers an outlet for those who report having fertility problems.
Combat and improve prostate problems
It is possibly the reason why pumpkin seeds are so in demand by men of all ages.
Pumpkin seeds can help relieve symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) , a condition in which the prostate gland becomes enlarged, causing problems with urination.
Recent studies confirm the positive action of pumpkin seeds on the male reproductive system.
In a one-year study of more than 1,400 men with BPH, consuming pumpkin seeds reduced symptoms and improved quality of life.
Additional research suggests that taking pumpkin seeds or their products as supplements may help treat the symptoms of an overactive bladder.
A study in 45 men and women with overactive bladders found that 10 grams of pumpkin seed extract improved urinary function daily.
Multiple benefits of pumpkin seeds
Pumpkin seeds represent a natural option for the body that can optimize the organic functions of our body, improving it considerably and offering us a better quality of life.
The benefits that we have described are only a part of the many that this natural element can provide us.
How should pumpkin seeds be eaten or prepared?
The preparation process is quite simple. You just have to clean them a little after extracting them from the pumpkin itself and once dry place them on a baking sheet and of course bake them at 180 degrees for at least 5 minutes. Everything will depend on how toasted you prefer them. Some people prefer to pass them through a non-stick pan but in that particular it is a matter of taste.
But remember…
Before discarding them, first think that in them you can find an excellent ally for your health and well-being.
Kathie Sand always saw the world of beauty as the terrain on which to build her professional career, a goal that was clear to her when she was only 15 years old. Her great concern to expand knowledge led her to settle in Paris where she studied hand in hand with the best beauty professionals and with the most advanced techniques for skin care.