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Pumpkin Seeds Health Benefits {Nutrition}

Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin Seeds Health Benefits {Nutrition}

When you’re carving your pumpkin this year, don’t toss those pumpkin seeds in the trash! Pumpkin seeds, also known as pepitas, have an incredibly complex nutrient profile. If you don’t want to deal with the mess, pepitas can usually be found at any grocery store in the bulk spice and nut isle. Buying SPROUTED pumpkin seeds can unleash the health benefits even more! You can find a big bag of these at Costco.

I love to roast mine in coconut oil, cinnamon, honey, and sea salt! Toss in the oven for 20 min @ 300 and you have the perfect snack!

Pumpkin Seed Health Benefits

The nutrition that these seeds have is awesome, as they are considered high sources for..

  • Zinc
  • Magnesium
  • Phosphorus
  • Manganese 
  • Vitamin E
  • Iron {But plant based! Remember, plant sources of iron are non-heme and they aren’t always the most bioavailable to increase iron stores in the body, especially with a deficiency}

The vitamin E content is what gives the seeds a punch of antioxidants. In our body, we naturally make free radicals, but with a balance of good quality antioxidants in our diet, we protect ourselves from any damage that free radicals can cause.

Going back to magnesium, pumpkin seeds are one of the best sources for magnesium. Magnesium is the cofactor to over 300 enzyme reactions + is a nutrient that is used quickly during any type of stress. We are often depleted from this nutrient due to higher demand and lower intake. Putting pumpkin seeds in your diet can give your body a natural source of magnesium.

They also have plenty of fatty acids! The fatty acid content actually is about 50% of the pumpkin seed. The nutrient content + the fatty acid content is why these seeds are a part of seed cycling for hormone balance

One hormone that gets benefit from pumpkin seeds is our melatonin. These seeds contain tryptophan, which helps serotonin production, which is a precursor to melatonin. Better sleep? Yes, please!

Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin Seeds + Gut Health

Not only are pumpkin seeds full of fiber, consuming pumpkin seeds are actually an age-old remedy for parasite infections. There was a study done in China that showed how it increased expulsion of tapeworms. 

Another study in the International Journal of Molecular Science also examines how these seeds can be used to decrease parasite eggs and has anti-parasitic properties.

Don’t forget that you can add them to your smoothie grinded up to add these to your diet without worrying too much about flavor!

Are you a pumpkin seed lover? What’s your favorite way to eat them? We’d love to hear it! Share it on Facebook + Instagram + tag us @nuvitruwellness. XO!

Avatar for Lahana Vigliano
Lahana Vigliano
lahana@nuvitruwellness.com

Lahana Vigliano is a Certified Clinical Nutritionist and CEO of Nuvitru Wellness. She has her Bachelor's Degree in Nutrition Science and Masters Degree in Nutrition Science and Functional Medicine. She is currently pursuing her doctorate degree in Clinical Nutrition. Lahana and her team help support women who struggle with weight loss, hormonal imbalances, digestive issues, chronic fatigue, and many other lingering issues that leaves women not feeling their best. She uses food as medicine, as well as herbs and supplements when needed, to support her clients. She looks at the whole body holistically making sure women are understanding how nutrition, sleep, stress, and their environment impact their health. Connect with her on Facebook + Instagram (@nuvitruwellness).