So who knew there was so much magic in Pumpkin Seeds?!!
I have been loosing a lot of hair due to the climate changing and the amount of times I shower my hair (almost everyday!) I know this isn't good for you, but I am very OCD about my hair and the tinniest bit of dust irritates me.
I was doing some research online and thought I would share my findings! It turns out Pumpkin seeds have a lot of health benefits which could help with weight loss, hair, skin, nails etc. In fact, they are known as infinity foods, because you can eat as much as you want of them without feeling guilty - hooray!
I am very excited to see if this will work for me, but in the meantime here's what I found:
1. They’re high in the sleep-enhancing amino acid tryptophan that converts to serotonin in your body and helps ensure a good night’s sleep;
2. They’re also high in the heart-healing mineral magnesium, which is also Nature’s natural relaxant;
3. They’re high levels of easily-digestible protein helps stabilize blood sugar when eaten as a snack throughout the day. Stable blood sugar means weight loss if you’re trying to lose.
4. High in Omega 3s, pumpkin seed oil has been shown in studies to reduce the incidence of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH)—a condition in which the prostate gland becomes enlarged.
5. Pumpkin seeds are also high in the prostate-protecting mineral zinc, making these seeds the ultimate snack for men’s health.
6. They’re a good source of blood-building and energy-boosting iron.
7. In animal studies, when pumpkin seeds were added to the diet, the anti-inflammatory results were comparable to the effectiveness of the drug indomethacin—without the side-effects.
8. Their phytosterol compounds are believed to lower cholesterol levels. Of nuts and seeds, pumpkin seeds have the second highest amount of sterols (next to sunflower seeds and pistachios which tied for first).
9. Pumpkin seeds are an excellent source of fiber which helps keep you regular.
10. They are alkalizing to the body’s pH. Many snack foods are acid-forming in the body. Acidity has been linked to pain, illness, and even cancer.
To preserve the health benefits of the oils found in pumpkin seeds, eat them raw or roast them on a baking sheet on low heat in the oven (about 170 degrees F or 75 degrees Celsius) for 15-20 minutes. Toss with a sprinkling of sea salt and enjoy. If you haven’t tried them warm, you’re in for a real treat! Add raw pumpkin seeds to salads, dips, or ground in pesto.
