Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin Seeds ranks 5th on the list of foods high in iron. These gritty seeds, which appear around Halloween, are not to be taken lightly. According to the USDA, a 1-ounce portion of raw pumpkin seeds without shells has 2.7 mg of iron, making it a rich source of iron in a variety of cuisines. Use the seeds as a crunchy topping for yogurt, cereal, or salads, or add them to homemade trail mix or bread or muffin recipes. You may eat them on their own for a quick and nutritious snack, since 1 ounce has 7 grams of protein.

The benefits of eating pumpkin seeds that not everyone knows include:

Good for heart

• Pumpkin seeds contain high levels of magnesium, which is a very important micronutrient that participates in many physiological processes in the body. In addition, it has been shown to benefit blood pressure, helping to prevent sudden cardiac arrest and coronary syndrome.

Strengthen the body's resistance

• Pumpkin seeds contain zinc, which is considered a very important micronutrient in immune activity, helping the body to fight pathogens such as viruses, bacteria... Not only that, but also nutrients. This is also good for sleep.

Prevention of type 2 diabetes

• Studies show that eating pumpkin seeds regularly improves insulin resistance and prevents diabetes complications. Eating pumpkin seeds helps people with diabetes better control blood sugar.

Reduce the risk of prostate cancer

• Pumpkin seeds are considered an important natural food for men's health. Because of the high zinc content in pumpkin, it is an important factor for prostate health. In addition, pumpkin also contains many antioxidants that help prevent prostate cancer.

Good for menopausal women

• Pumpkin seeds are rich in natural phytoestrogens and studies show that it can significantly increase blood HDL-cholesterol, which helps prevent plaque. Along with lowering blood pressure, relieves hot flashes, headaches, joint pain and other perimenopausal symptoms for postmenopausal and perimenopausal women.

Good for postpartum women

• Pumpkin seeds contain many nutrients that women need after giving birth, in addition, women after giving birth, eating pumpkin seeds also help stimulate milk production. To increase milk for women after giving birth, it is necessary to pound raw pumpkin seeds from 15-20g each time, twice a day.

Reduce the risk of depression

• Tryptophan in pumpkin seeds works against depression, in the body it is converted into niacin and steroids to help fight negative emotions and avoid depression. In addition, tryptophan also helps the body have a better sleep, eating 1 to a few hours before going to bed helps you sleep better.

Pumpkin seeds have anti-inflammatory effects

• The oil in pumpkin seeds has been found to have anti-inflammatory effects. One animal study even found it to be as effective as the anti-inflammatory drug indomethacin used to treat arthritis. So eating pumpkin seeds can reduce joint pain.

Provides the necessary amount of omega-3 for the body

• Raw nuts and seeds, in which pumpkin seeds are also one of the best sources of plant-based omega-3s such as alpha-linolenic acid... are abundant.