Pumpkin seeds are small, but they pack a punch with their nutritional benefits. Eating just a couple of them can give you a good quantity of healthy fats, magnesium, selenium, and zinc. Due to this, there are plenty of health benefits of pumpkin seeds. Regular consumption of pumpkin seeds can help in improving the health of your heart and prostate, and can also protect you against cancer.
Pumpkin seeds can be white, yellow, or green. These seeds are consumed toasted and can be easily incorporated into your diet. You can snack on them or add them as toppings to your salads or smoothies bowls. A quarter cup of raw pumpkin seeds has 150 calories, 15 grams of healthy fat, carbs, and 8-10 grams of protein. With so many nutrition benefits of pumpkin seeds, you should make them a part of your diet to reap their benefits.
Top reasons to eat pumpkin seeds:
- High in antioxidants and minerals: Pumpkin seeds are packed with minerals and antioxidants like carotenoids and vitamin E. Pumpkin seeds are a great source of magnesium, copper, manganese, zinc, and iron. These minerals help improve mood regulation and sleep, the production of collagen, and promote skin health and bone health. Along with reducing inflammation, these antioxidants help keep premature aging and chronic diseases at bay.
- Helps in controlling blood sugar: Not only are pumpkin seeds have fewer carbs and a great way of getting plant protein, but eating them can also help in protection against type-2 diabetes. It helps in reducing complications of diabetes such as better regulation of insulin and protecting your organs.
- Improves immune system: The presence of zinc and iron in pumpkin seeds helps in improving your immune system. It is important for immune function, skin health, and vision. Pumpkin seeds have antifungal and antiviral properties which further help in protecting your immune system.