Pumpkin seeds contain active ingredients that are extremely beneficial to health. Furthermore, if prepared correctly, it can be very tasty.
Pumpkin seeds are rich in zinc and magnesium. These are natural fats present in fruits and vegetables, important for heart and brain health. In addition to both organs, seeds can be digested to improve intestinal function, because they are rich in fiber.
Routine use, therefore, has a positive impact on sleep and increased immunity. These are just some of the benefits provided and, given their qualities, they can be used in different ways in various meals, both sweet and savory.
Their contribution, above all, in the recovery from bacterial, fungal and viral infections can greatly enhance the body’s healing process.
List of pumpkin seed benefits
The benefits mentioned above are just some of the most common in living beings. There are, therefore, many other parts of the body that are impacted due to its daily intake. Of the riches present, we list the following:
1- Source of protein
Proteins are abundant, so much so that 100 grams of pumpkin seeds equals at least 18 grams of protein that you can. for example, grind it and add it to juice, or mix it with another food.
Magnesium, above all, is one of its compositions and acts directly on the functioning of the muscles. Contractions and feelings of relaxation come from this mineral and also influence the blood glucose level.
Another substance is potassium, the main agent against hypertension. For hypertensive patients, it is an almost miraculous way of keeping blood pressure in balance. Furthermore, doctors say this is an important factor in fighting kidney stones.
2 – Immune system
As stated above, the zinc present in pumpkin seeds helps increase immunity, which is very important for the body’s defense system. Therefore, just 100 grams of seed is the equivalent, above all, of 10 mg of zinc. Recommended for daily use is just 8 mg.
3 – Prostate
For men, the oil extracted from the seeds can be ingested to contribute to prostate health. Many suffer from the constant enlargement of this organ, this phenomenon is called hyperplasia and occurs in the majority of men, this is one of the main causes of prostate cancer.
4 – Good mood and well-being
Who here wouldn’t want to wake up in a good mood, ready to carry out, above all, all the tasks of the day. So, for those who want to maintain that good mood, pumpkin seeds are highly recommended, because they act strongly against depression, filling the chemicals necessary for mental health.
5 – Pumpkin seeds are rich in Antioxidants
As they are rich sources of vitamin E, they are capable of providing antioxidant effects. This is important to know, because this benefit is not often found in foods. Therefore, adhering to the use of seeds can be very useful in the detoxification process.
6 – Helps you lose weight
For dieters, this is a natural way to achieve the ideal weight. Fiber helps the intestines function and, consequently, there is a reduction in body fat. But, don’t forget to align its use with a good diet and physical exercise.
How to prepare and consume pumpkin seeds
Therefore, after collecting the pumpkins, there are three ways to prepare them for consumption. The first is by drying them in the sun, because this procedure will allow the seeds to be used whole in food. To make them tastier, just add salt to taste and a little ginger.
For those who don’t want to wait for the sun to weather, pumpkin seeds can finally be roasted at 75ºC and stored for consumption.
Another way is oil extraction. This method is more laborious and it is advisable to look in the market to buy. Its intake must be cold, heating damages the nutrients, therefore, one or two spoons, on top of a ready-made meal, is more than enough.
As mentioned a few times above, crushing the seeds so that they turn into a powder is another way of using it. This procedure should be done, above all, with dried pumpkin seeds.
After all, did you like this article? Therefore, also read: Healthy breakfasts – What to eat, what to avoid and recipes.
Sources: ecycle, Tua Saúde, Ecycle, Vital Âtiman, jasminealimentos
Featured Image: bomjardimnoticia
