Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are often considered the "tail light" of oilseeds. This error is mainly due to the belief that the pumpkin, from which the seeds are abstracted, is a food with high nutritional values and very caloric, therefore to be avoided. Not only is this absolutely false (pumpkin contains only 17 calories per 100 g of product), but the seeds are an excellent source of beneficial elements for the body.
Pumpkin Seeds: Properties and Benefits
Pumpkin seeds have been, in fact, recognized over time several beneficial qualities : let's see which ones.
- They keep the heart healthy. Pumpkin seeds are rich in plant sterols (phytosterols), magnesium, linolenic acid and Omega 3: all elements that lower the level of bad cholesterol in the blood and improve the health of the heart and the entire cardiovascular system.
- Promote rest and fight depressive symptoms. The action of L-tryptophan, an amino acid similar to serotonin, helps to rest well at night and improve mood. This is why it is especially useful in cases of depression.
- They are excellent natural dewormers and anti-inflammatories. Cucurbitin, an amino acid found in the pumpkin family, helps eliminate worms and intestinal parasites, while linolenic acid helps to counteract inflammation and swelling in a completely natural way.
- They fight acidity and help proper digestion. The great alkalizing properties of pumpkin counteract the stomach acid that is often created during the digestion of foods such as meat, sugars and refined flours. In addition, the seeds contain many B vitamins that allow the correct assimilation of carbohydrates and proteins and their transformation into energy.
- They keep the sugar level stable and avoid energy drops. Vitamin K, contained in pumpkin seeds, ensures that the level of sugar in the blood remains constant. In addition, the seeds contain a lot of iron and can be consumed as a snack, avoiding energy drops during the day.
- They keep the prostate healthy and fight urinary infections. The phytosterols, zinc and Omega 3 present in these seeds, help to keep the prostate healthy and to avoid the onset of tumors and benign prostatic hypertension. In fact, they inhibit the production of dihydrotestosterone, which causes the proliferation of prostate cells. And this without the normal side effects, such as erectile dysfunction. Pumpkin seeds are also particularly useful for fighting inflammation and urinary tract infections of men and women.
- Hair loss. The presence of zinc and fatty acids also helps prevent and treat hair loss, making them stronger and healthier.
Pumpkin Seeds: How to Eat Them
After preparing them by roasting them in the oven for about 15 minutes in the oven at a low temperature (less than 100 degrees) so as not to lose their nutritional properties, roasted pumpkin seeds can be eaten either alone, without their peel, but they can also be used as an ingredient to prepare bread, biscuits or other bakery products, or enrich with these seeds also the dough of bread and pizza.
Pumpkin seeds should be consumed daily: a teaspoon can be used as a snack, but also added to a fresh salad or yogurt.