Pumpkin Seeds: Tiny Nutrient Powerhouse
Pumpkin seeds - what an absolutely incredible food that does not get the attention that it deserves. This wonderful little seed of health and goodness seems to only pop-up once a year but believe it or not they are available all year long.
What is so special about the pumpkin seed?
Packed in a tiny, easy to carry package, pumpkin seeds are full of vital and valuable nutrients. These seeds contain in, one serving (about 1 ounce): 8.6 g of protein, 14 g of healthy fats, 1.7 g of fiber, and a significant daily portion of magnesium, manganese, copper, phosphorus, zinc, and iron.
Pumpkin seeds are also high in antioxidants. They are linked to improved health including reduced risk of heart disease, reduced risk of certain types of cancer, and improved prostate and bladder health. The high value of magnesium is very valuable and hard to find from other sources. Magnesium is needed to regulate blood pressure, reducing risk of heart disease, maintaining healthy bones, and regulating blood sugar. The high fiber content is beneficial for good digestive health.
Here are some fun ones, since pumpkin seeds are so high in zinc they may be helpful for sperm quality and thus aid in fertility. These tiny seeds also can be beneficial for sleep since they contain tryptophan. The key to all your sleep woe’s might be in a handful of pumpkin seeds before bed (you’ve tried a thousand other things maybe this is it).
One of the greatest things about these little tiny nutrient powerhouses is just how easy they are to add to your diet. Throw them on a salad, take a handful before walking out the door, add them to a homemade trail mix or granola, the options are endless.
Pumpkin seeds are full of healthy nutrients and healthy life outcomes. Adding a handful of pumpkin seeds to your diet will make sure you are giving your body valuable nutrients it needs to function at its best.
Also, yes pumpkin seeds and pepitas are the same thing.
References
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-benefits-of-pumpkin-seeds#TOC_TITLE_HDR_13
https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-pumpkin-seeds
