Why You Should Snack on Pumpkin Seeds

When people say that “great things come in small packages,” they might be talking about pumpkin seeds. Also known as pepitas, these little kernels are true “superfoods.”

Pumpkin seeds are rich in minerals and antioxidants that help reduce inflammation in the body. Antioxidants protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, thereby preventing inflammation. They are also essential for overall health, bolstering the immune system and enhancing skin health.

Zinc is a mineral found in particularly high concentrations in pumpkin seeds. It is crucial for skin health, strengthening hair and nail roots, wound healing, and the formation of connective tissues such as collagen. Every cell in the body requires zinc to function properly. The skin, the body’s largest organ, needs a constant supply of zinc to maintain optimal performance. Zinc deficiency can lead to a wide array of negative bodily effects, while the high zinc content in pumpkin seeds helps strengthen the immune system.

The fat found in pumpkin seeds is unsaturated, healthy, and rich in essential fatty acids, Omega 3, which help balance the body’s systems.

Pumpkin seeds also contain a complete, high-quality protein that is biologically available to the body, including the essential amino acid lysine, which is important for development, proper growth, and enhancing memory.

The dietary fiber in pumpkin seeds makes them beneficial for proper and optimal digestion. They also improve the functional performance of the urinary tract in people suffering from an overactive bladder. For children (and not only them) who suffer from intestinal worms, pumpkin seeds offer a beneficial solution, addressing the issue without harmful chemicals or drugs. Pumpkin seeds contain substances that prevent worms from adhering to the intestinal wall, facilitating their removal from the body—especially for individuals who repeatedly turn to medications without resolving the problem.

The best way to reap the many benefits of pumpkin seeds is to consume them in their raw form. Roasting oxidizes the fats in the seeds, destroys them through heat, and may even turn them into harmful substances. Therefore, it is recommended to consume pumpkin seeds as additions to salads, in smoothies, or in any other way in their natural form.

It is recommended to consume two tablespoons of pumpkin seeds daily on an empty stomach. For cleansing the stomach and intestines, consider grinding them or using natural pumpkin seed butter. Consistency is key to successful results.