Pumpkin seeds! My friends this little superfood is exactly what you have been missing.
These little seeds are greatly under-estimated. You may be thinking, what are the benefits of pumpkin seeds anyways? Well, I am going to tell you!
Funny enough my love for pumpkin seeds started with my natural skincare formulas way back in 2012.
Pumpkin seed oil quickly became one of my favourite ingredients in my lotion recipes. I have no idea why it took me so long to add them into my diet.
After learning all of the benefits pumpkin seeds can provide us, my mind was blown. They quickly made into my weekly food rotation.
Such an unassuming little food, but it packs quite the nutritional punch. Best thing, a little goes a long way and you do not need a lot of them to reap the benefits.
Read on and find out some top reasons for adding these little gems to your weekly menu plan!
THE BENEFITS
PUMPKIN SEEDS ARE FULL OF ANTIOXIDANTS
The high levels of antioxidants in pumpkin seeds are one of the things that make them such a superfood.
Antioxidants are anti-inflammatory and help the body to fight harmful free radicals, protecting us against many diseases.
Studies have shown that anti-oxidants minimize cell damage and may be beneficial to heart health, protecting against cancer, Alzheimer’s among others.
GREAT VEGAN PROTEIN SOURCE
Getting enough protein is such an important aspect of a healthy diet.
Protein assists in building and repairing basically every tissue in your body including bones, muscles, blood, and skin. Not to mention aids in hormone production, immune health, and providing us energy.
We, especially us ladies, often do not get enough in our daily diets. Throw in being vegetarian or vegan and it becomes even more likely that our daily amounts could be become low. Pumpkin seeds to the rescue!
Just one ounce of these magical little seeds contains 7 grams of protein.
You can even buy it in powder form to easily add to smoothies and so much more.
For a quick comparison, one whole egg contains 6 grams.
Pretty good, right?
SOURCE OF IRON
Iron is another one that many of us are low in (myself included). It’s seriously a constant struggle in my life lol.
Iron is essential for blood cell formation in the body. Not getting enough of it can make us feel really terrible causing fatigue, headaches, anxiety, and irregular heartbeats to name just a few things.
Without enough iron our body does not get enough oxygen, causing the unpleasant side effects. Enter pumpkin seeds, one ounce contains 23% of our needed daily intake.
HEALTHY FATS! YES, YOU NEED THEM
When looking at the nutritional value of pumpkin seeds one thing you may think is, whoa, way too much fat for me. Never to be considered again.
Don’t do this! Our bodies need healthy fats, both saturated and unsaturated, daily. Yes both, and that is a topic for an entirely different post lol.
Pumpkin seeds are a wonderful source of essential fatty acids. Healthy fats are needed for heart health, lowering bad cholesterol levels, proper cellular function, and more.
HIGH ZINC & MAGNESIUM CONTENT
Zinc and Magnesium are not as main stream as say, Vitamin C or D, but they are both so essential for many body functions. So we mustn’t forget about them.
Our body utilizes zinc in a number of different ways including aiding in digestion, metabolic activity, healthy skin, and keeping up a hearty immune system.
Our bodies do not make or store zinc, meaning we need a daily supply from our diet.
Magnesium is another one that a lot of us are lacking in our daily diets. And is needed for blood pressure, bone health, and regulating blood sugar, to name a few.
One ounce of pumpkin seeds contains 15% of our daily Zinc and 37% of our daily magnesium needs.
Not too shabby!
Pumpkin Seeds Final Thoughts
If you are not already running out to your local store to stock up, I am not sure what you are waiting for! Just kidding 😉
Need more convincing? Okay, so they are also high in fiber, may help lower blood sugar, promote better sleep, and may enhance sperm quality in men. Oh, and, did I mention they promote beautiful skin and hair? How about now? Are you out the door yet?
Some Best Ways To Eat Pumpkin Seeds
Finally, the ease in which you can add these to your diet is also a big plus. Some of my favourite ways include:
- sprinkling whole seeds on top of salads or into soups
- add a scoop of pumpkin seed powder into smoothies (1.5 tbsp = 10g protein)
- add to oatmeal in any form (seeds, powder, butter)
- as a butter on toast (2tbsp. = 10g of protein)
- alone as a snack or in trail mix
- in baking. Throw some into your favourite muffin, bread, or homemade granola.
Et voila, easy peasy 😉 As an extra bonus, they are not too pricey even when you treat yourself and spring for organic.
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Til next time pixie dolls.
Yours in health and magick,
Krystle xo
Disclaimer – This post was written for educational and informative purposes only and is not intended to treat, cure, diagnose, or prevent disease. I am not a doctor! Always consult your primary care physician or naturopathic doctor before making any significant changes to your health routine.
