Pumpkin Seed

What is Pumpkin Seed?

Pumpkins are native to North and Central America. Native Americans used pumpkin flesh/seeds for food, seeds to treat intestinal infections and various kidney problems and flowers to soothe minor injuries.

Pumpkin seed is one of the most nutritious and flavourful seeds, it has a delicately sweet and chewy texture. Pumpkin seeds are covered with a yellow-white husk, although some varieties of pumpkins produce seeds without shells.

Pumpkin seeds are also very good source of beta carotene, Omega 3, minerals magnesium and manganese, zinc and copper. In addition, pumpkin seeds are a good source of vitamin K. There are a lot of other health benefits that are claimed by those who use pumpkin seeds. These include:

• Help stimulate appetite.
• Beneficial for the teeth, gums, nerves, hair and nails.
• Relieve nervous exhaustion, because it contains L-tryptophan, a compound that is effective against depression.
• Relieve constipation, and catarrh, the condition of fluids running from mucous membranes.
• Helps to reduce overweight or obesity and dissolves gall stones.
• Help prevent the formation of kidney stones.
• Contains zinc that can be helpful in prostate problem. They promote overall prostate health and alleviate the difficult urination associated with an enlarged prostate. 
• Pumpkin seed contain phytosterols, compound found in a plant that is believed to reduce cholesterol level and prevent some cancers.
• Helps prevent osteoporosis because of its calcium content.
  

Using pumpkin seeds in cooking is popular in many cultures. Adding roasted pumpkin seeds to soups and salads provides a nutty flavour; and pumpkin seed oil can be used as a salad dressing when combined with products like honey and olive oil.

Side Effects and Warnings of Pumpkin Seed

Pumpkin seeds have been known to cause upset stomach in some people, but they do not interact with other medications as far as anyone knows. Though it is a relatively safe seed, you should always seek medical advice before using this or any other supplements.

Bookmark this:

Bookmark this page