Pumpkin Seeds Benefits for Health, Hair and Skin

Pumpkin is a common vegetable used for preparing various kinds of recipes. Interestingly, many people associate pumpkin to Halloween and Thanksgiving. The pulpy orangish-yellow vegetable is not only tasty to eat, but is packed with various kinds of nutritional benefits. Along with the vegetable, the seeds are also great nutrient sources. The seeds are known as pepitas. There are innumerable benefits of pumpkin seeds and this is the reason that they are being used extensively all over the world in various forms. Health-conscious people are including pumpkin seeds in their diets in various ways to reap the benefits of the same.

Mentioned Below Find Some of The Health Benefits Which Pumpkin Seeds Offer:

1. Helps in Controlling Blood Sugar

As per reports released from a recent medical study, it has been found that pumpkin seeds have great impact on controlling diabetes. Insulin regulation is improved with this natural ingredient and hence diabetic complications can be minimized with regular consumption of pumpkin seeds. Pumpkin seeds contain phytochemical compounds preventing diabetic nephropathy and decrease oxidative stress. Diabetic people can eat 2 tablespoons of roasted pumpkin seeds every day.

2. Helps in Improving Prostate and Bladder Health

Bladder functions are supported excellently with pumpkin seeds. Symptoms related to overactive bladder are also combated with this natural ingredient. Along with bladder problem, problem of enlarged prostate can also be tackled successfully with pumpkin seeds. Phytosterols are compounds found in pumpkin seeds, which help in shrinking enlarged prostate. These seeds are also high source of zinc and help in bettering prostate health by reducing nighttime urination frequency and improving urine flow.

3. Helps in Lowering Levels of Bad Cholesterol in Body

Pumpkin seeds can keep levels of LDL (low-density-lipoproteins), also known as bad cholesterol, low in the body. In a study result, it was proved that eating pumpkin seeds on regular basis helps in keeping bad cholesterol levels down successfully and increases levels of good cholesterol or HDL. With low LDL levels in the body, it is possible to prevent atherosclerosis and blood clots. These seeds abound in mono-saturated fatty acids like oleic acid. 2-4 tablespoons of dry roasted pumpkin seeds should be eaten everyday without addition of extra salt.

4. Helps in Reducing Arthritis Inflammation

Pumpkin seeds have excellent anti-inflammatory properties and pumpkin seed oil has been used in treating arthritis, particularly rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Along with reducing inflammation, pumpkin seeds also help in alleviating arthritic and joint pain successfully. This is because the ingredient contains pain-suppressing properties. If you suffer from arthritis and joint pain, it is recommended to apply pumpkin seed oil to the affected area. You can also consume pumpkin seeds directly.

5. Helps in Combating Anxiety and Stress Successfully

Pumpkin seeds contain an amino acid by the name of tryptophan. This amino acid plays a pivotal role in alleviating anxiety successfully. Tryptophan is used by the brain for creating serotonin, which is a ‘feel good’ neurotransmitter. With lesser amounts of tryptophan in the body, problems like anxiety, stress, mood irregularities and depression might occur. Also the nervous system in the body gets a boost with pumpkin seeds consumption as it contains omega-3 fatty acids and B vitamins for calming nervous system and reducing anxiety.

6. Improves Bone Health Greatly

Magnesium is an important mineral required in the human body for proper body functions. Pumpkin seeds abound in magnesium, which help in preventing osteoporosis and improves overall bone health. There is integral relation between high bone mineral density and high magnesium intake. Along with magnesium, pumpkin seeds also abound in zinc and phosphorus, which reduce chances of bone fractures and osteoporosis. Improve bone health successfully by consuming pumpkin seeds daily.

7. Excellent for Skin and Hair Health

Pumpkin seeds benefits for skin are not unknown. This is because these seeds are rich in antioxidants and contain abundant amounts of vitamin E. both these ingredients are great for overall health and well being. These help in providing protection from free radical damage in the body and thus skin and hair health is improved significantly with regular consumption of pumpkin seeds. Pumpkin seeds benefits for hair are also many as you can flaunt healthy, shiny, long and beautiful tresses with this natural ingredient.

8. Pumpkin Seeds are Excellent for Eye Health

For eye health, various kinds of components are required and these include vitamin E, vitamin A, lutein, beta-carotene and zeaxanthin. Interestingly, pumpkin seeds are rich sources of all these components and even more. This is the reason pumpkin seeds are needed for supporting eye functionality and eye health successfully. Macular degeneration can be reduced by almost 25% with pumpkin seeds consumption as it contains zinc. Vitamin A and zinc protect the eyes and they are both present in pumpkin seeds.

9. Helps in Getting Good Sleep

It might sound strange and funny, but good sleep can cure many problems. If you suffer from troubled sleep, try eating pumpkin seeds before going to bed. Pumpkin seeds are natural sources of tryptophan and this can help in promoting sleep. It is recommended to consume minimum 200 grams of pumpkin seeds daily so that you get the right amount of tryptophan to get good sleep. The tryptophan helps in increasing serotonin levels in the body, which helps in relaxation and regulating sleep cycle.

10. Helps in Supporting Heart and Cardiovascular Health

Pumpkin seeds play a crucial role in supporting heart and cardiovascular health. This is because this natural ingredient abounds in phytoestrogens, which protects from risk of cancer as well as boosts good cholesterol levels in the body. Pumpkin seeds are also great source of magnesium in the body and this is an important ingredient in supporting cardiovascular and heart health.

There are different ways in which pumpkin seeds can be used in the diet. The seeds can be roasted and consumed directly. Dips can be created by making a paste from the seeds. They can also be added in soups and salads and add tasty crunch. The best thing about this natural ingredient is that there is no side effect from the same and s safe to use.

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