It’s hard to ignore pumpkins in the peak of fall madness, but it’s much more than a Halloween prop. This tasty superfood boasts a stash of seeds inside that make for a delicious and nutritious treat.
Pumpkin seeds, though relatively high in calories, are packed with fiber, protein, antioxidants and other health-benefiting vitamins, minerals and essential amino-acids.
Here are five health benefits you get by eating seeds, the most nutritious part of the pumpkin:
- Loaded with Magnesium: A ¼ cup of raw pumpkin seeds contains almost half of the daily-recommended dose of magnesium, which helps regulate blood pressure and bowel function.
- Great Source of Plant-Based Omega 3s: Omega 3 fatty acids have been shown to lower levels of blood triglycerides and may protect against heart disease.
- Support Heart and Liver Health: Rich in healthy fats, antioxidants and fiber, pumpkin seeds provide heart and liver health benefits, especially when mixed with other grains like flax seeds.
- Sleep Better: Pumpkin seeds are packed with tryptophan, an amino acid that your body turns into serotonin, which then turns into the “sleep hormone” melatonin. Eat some before bed for a better night’s sleep.
- Get Your Fill of Protein: 100g of pumpkin seeds contain more protein than a 3-ounce serving of skinless chicken breast.
Dig into Pumpkins. Roast Some Seeds.
Don’t let your pumpkin guts go to waste.
Try our quick and easy
recipe to sample this classic fall treat.
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