Pumpkin Seeds
Small in size but big in benefits
Cucurbita
Pumpkin seeds contain many essential nutrients, and it is not necessary to consume a large dose to obtain them. Furthermore, they are delicious and easy to include in your everyday life! They are normally consumed without the shell and are very soft.
Pumpkin seeds are full of antioxidants
Pumpkin seeds are high in antioxidants such as carotenoids and vitamin C. Antioxidants can help reduce inflammation and protect cells from free radicals, which are the cause of several serious diseases.
Pumpkin seeds have a lot of magnesium
Magnesium is an essential mineral for our health. However, many people have a magnesium-deficient diet. Magnesium contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism, to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue, to the normal functioning of muscles (including the heart), among many other benefits.
Unsaturated fatty acids may improve heart health
In addition to being an excellent source of antioxidants, magnesium and zinc, pumpkin seeds also provide us with unsaturated fatty acids such as Omega-3 and Omega-6. All of these nutrients contribute to normal cardiovascular health.
Pumpkin seeds are a good source of beneficial proteins
Among other benefits, the proteins present in pumpkin seeds promote the formation of nitric oxide in our body. Nitric oxide is known to have a positive impact on the relaxation and elasticity of blood vessels, causing blood to circulate normally and helping to prevent the formation of clots. It also has a positive impact on reducing blood pressure.
Pumpkin seeds can help with good digestion
They are rich in fiber and can therefore have a very positive impact on digestion, with fiber also being important for other body functions and for preventing diseases such as type 2 diabetes, obesity and heart disease. Fiber is essential in our diet and can contribute to:
- Have regular intestinal transit
- Reduce the tendency to suffer from constipation
- Increase satiety and thus help control or reduce weight
- A beneficial effect on diabetes control
- Help control cholesterol
- Promote good cardiovascular health
- A preventive effect on the development of colon cancer
Pumpkin seeds are rich in zinc
Pumpkin seeds have a content of around 8mg of zinc per 100g, making them a food very rich in this nutrient. Adequate zinc consumption (around 15mg per day) can contribute to:
- Normal fertility and reproduction
- A normal metabolism of fatty acids, vitamin A and macronutrients (such as carbohydrates and proteins)
- Protecting cells against unwanted oxidation
- Maintaining normal vision, hair, nails, and skin and bones
Pumpkin seeds can contribute to better quality sleep
Pumpkin seeds are a natural source of tryptophan, an amino acid essential for healthy sleep. This micronutrient is essential in the production of melatonin, a neurotransmitter essential for sleep induction.