benefits and harms for women, men, useful properties and contraindications, daily rate

1. Increase immunity.

Low immunity is the main culprit for common diseases. Regular consumption of pumpkin seeds will help correct this problem: they are rich in zinc, which is able to reduce oxidative damage and the formation of inflammatory cytokines that prevent the strengthening of immunity.

2. Prevent the development of diabetes.

Diabetes is one of the most common diseases today. However, it can be prevented by adding certain foods to the diet, making dietary and lifestyle changes.

3. Normalize the work of the cardiovascular system.

Pumpkin seeds also have a positive effect on the work of the heart and blood vessels, since they contain magnesium, which is necessary for the full functioning of our most important internal organ – the heart. A diet high in magnesium significantly reduces the risk of coronary heart disease in men.

4. Normalize digestion.

Fiber-rich foods play an important role in the daily diet. These include pumpkin seeds – 30 grams of seeds contains 5,2 grams of valuable fiber.

5. Prevent depression, promote healthy sleep.

The modern rhythm of life does not leave a minute of free time, so the fear of not being able to do something, constant stressful situations have become constant companions of a person.

6. Help in the treatment of arthritis.

Arthritis is a disease characterized by inflammation and pain in the joints that progresses with age and causes more discomfort. Scientists have shown that pumpkin seeds can relieve pain and help treat this ailment.

7. Improve eyesight.

The systematic use of pumpkin seeds is the key to good vision. They contain a lot of vitamin A (almost twice the required daily allowance), which is known to have a beneficial effect on vision, especially in dim light. In addition, vitamin A also improves skin health.

8. Reduce the level of “bad” cholesterol (LDL).

Pumpkin seeds are one of the richest sources of phytosterols that can lower LDL cholesterol levels in the blood. One hundred grams of seeds contains 260 mg of phytosterols. The more their concentration in the body, the less cholesterol is absorbed, which reduces the risk of coronary heart disease.

9. They have an antiparasitic effect.

Another advantage of pumpkin seeds is that they create a protective barrier against pathogens that cause numerous infections that, over time, can pose a threat to human life. One of the scientific journals in Peru describes the intestinal antiparasitic properties of pumpkin seeds, so there is no doubt about the correctness of this statement.

10. Prevents the appearance of stones in the bladder.

Pumpkin seeds actively counteract the formation of stones in the bladder. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reports a study in boys aged 2–7 years.

11. Increase energy levels.

Pumpkin seeds are the perfect snack in terms of health and nutrition. They are a kind of “energy bomb” filled with iron and proteins, which allows you to get a powerful and long-lasting charge of energy. Pumpkin seeds are the best alternative to sugary nutritional bars, which are a favorite pre-workout food for people. However, avoid consuming seeds in excess of the norm: their calorie content can lead to weight gain!

12. Strengthen bones.

Age-related changes in the body negatively affect the strength of bone tissue. Increasing its density is another area of ​​application for pumpkin seeds.

13. Reduce high blood pressure.

One of the most common heart-related diseases is hypertension (high blood pressure). The high sodium, potassium and magnesium content of pumpkin seeds makes them an ideal supplement for those suffering from similar ailments.

14. Help in the prevention and treatment of breast cancer.

According to scientific experiments, phytoestrogens obtained from pumpkin seeds show significant activity in the fight against breast cancer cells. Thus, a handful of seeds a day helps to prevent and treat a pre-existing disease.

15. Relieve urinary incontinence.

Due to a decrease in the level of estrogen in the female body during menopause, the pelvic floor muscles weaken, they lose their tone, which leads to urinary incontinence.

16. Improve brain function.

Neurodegenerative diseases are not uncommon among the elderly. However, the prevention of their appearance directly depends on the lifestyle and dietary habits.

17. Normalize the body’s pH balance.

With a low level of acid-base balance of the body (pH balance), the risk of chronic diseases (osteoporosis, cancer, arthritis, diabetes, etc.) increases significantly. This is why it is very important to have alkaline-forming foods such as pumpkin seeds in your daily diet.

18. Replenish iron deficiency and prevent anemia.

Pumpkin seeds are high in iron, which can help reduce the risk of anemia. According to the BioFactors study, the introduction of such iron-containing foods into the diet increases the amount of iron in the body of children, adolescents, and pregnant women.

19. Maintain a healthy weight.

Everyone is familiar with the feeling of hunger that suddenly arises literally from nowhere, as a result of which everything that comes to hand is eaten. And these, as a rule, are not the most useful foods that affect body weight over time.

20. Reduce the risk of premature death.

Regular consumption of pumpkin seeds will help reduce the risk of death due to the amazing effects of the magnesium they contain. Studies conducted by scientists in Cambridge have shown that people with a diet high in magnesium-containing foods have a 40% lower risk of death from all causes (including cardiovascular disease). Magnesium also halves the likelihood of death from cancer.

21. Helps fight insomnia.

Normal functioning of the body is impossible without adequate sleep. The appearance of insomnia causes a decrease in the secretion of serotonin (“the hormone of happiness”) in the human body. Serotonin is synthesized from the amino acid tryptophan, which is found in pumpkin seed oil. By indulging yourself with a serving of this product every day, you will notice that your sleep has improved, anxiety, depression and anxiety have disappeared.

22. Eases menopausal symptoms.

During menopause, women often experience headaches, migraines, joint pains and other ailments. Pumpkin seeds are rich in phytoestrogens, which not only relieve these symptoms, but also raise the level of “good” cholesterol in the blood. Add a teaspoon of pumpkin seed oil to salads and other dishes every day and the result will not be long in coming.

23. Eliminate gynecological diseases.

Pumpkin seeds can eliminate polyps in the vagina and uterus.

24. Useful during pregnancy.

Pumpkin seeds help to eliminate the manifestations of toxicosis in the early stages of pregnancy. However, dose their amount, as they have a diuretic effect and stimulate bowel cleansing. Pumpkin seeds can help relieve swelling, which is common in pregnant women during the last trimester. And during lactation, seeds increase the amount of milk. Please consult your healthcare professional before consuming pumpkin seeds during pregnancy.

25. Moisturize the skin.

Away from artificially created lotions and creams, it’s time to return to natural natural cosmetics. You can easily make a wonderful moisturizing face mask using pumpkin seeds and a few other natural ingredients.

26. Eliminate acne and their consequences.

The disease, which affects both adolescents and adults, brings a lot of trouble. Pumpkin seeds can help fight acne: they are rich in zinc, a mineral that has strong anti-inflammatory properties, reduces redness, and smoothes scars and scars during the post-acne period.

27. Help in wound healing.

Eating a handful of pumpkin seeds every day (in any form – fried, raw, sprouted) can speed up the process of wound healing and skin regeneration. This is helped by the high content of nutrients, zinc and vitamin A.

28. Prevent premature aging.

Aging of the body is an irreversible process. Excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation, magnetic waves, poor ecology, combined with many other factors, cause oxidative processes in the body, which leads to skin aging, the appearance of wrinkles and pigmentation. To preserve the beauty and youth of the skin, people resort to a variety of methods, up to the cardinal ones (plastic surgery).

29. Prevents skin cancer.

When hot summer days come, we strive to be in the sun more often in order to give the body a beautiful bronze tan. However, due to the large amount of sun exposure, there is a risk of developing skin cancer.

30. Promotes rapid hair growth.

If you are concerned about hair loss and slow hair growth, start eating pumpkin seeds regularly (a handful a day). Their high iron and L-lysine content will reduce excessive hair loss, accelerate hair growth, and provide strength and shine.

31. Get rid of dandruff.

Zinc, found abundantly in pumpkin seeds, is the active ingredient in many dandruff-fighting remedies. It prevents and removes flaking, irritation and itching caused by seborrheic dermatitis and has a healing effect on the scalp due to its antifungal properties.

32. Supports healthy hair.

Even if you are not experiencing cosmetic problems such as hair loss or dandruff, you are still unlikely to give up on maintaining the overall health of your hair.

33. Improves prostate health.

The same handful of pumpkin seeds consumed daily has a positive effect on prostate health. Research confirms that high zinc content contributes to this, which also reduces the likelihood of prostate cancer.

34. Have a positive effect on sexual health.

The pharmaceutical business offers the broadest selection of libido-boosting drugs, but none beats pumpkin seeds, which are the best natural remedies.

1. Allergic reactions.

Symptoms of pumpkin seed allergy are rare. However, if you notice swelling, rash, itching, nasal congestion, difficulty in breathing while consuming the seeds, stop taking them immediately and see your doctor. Be especially careful if allergic reactions (especially to seeds and nuts) have bothered you in the past.

2. Indigestion of the stomach.

Indigestion may occur if pumpkin seeds are not chewed thoroughly enough. One of the best ways to avoid it is to supplement your seeds with plenty of water. The fluid will help the fiber and other constituents in the seeds pass the gastrointestinal tract with ease, improving intestinal motility and preventing indigestion.

3. Diarrhea.

Don’t overdo it with the amount of seeds you eat, as their high fiber content can lead to diarrhea.

4. Migraine.

There have been reports of pumpkin seeds as a trigger product for migraine headaches, although there is no scientifically substantiated evidence of this. However, if you are prone to frequent migraines, be sure to consult your doctor before starting to consume pumpkin seeds.

5. Food poisoning.

When taking low-quality, rotten seeds, the formation of free radicals in the body increases, which leads to its poisoning. Be extremely careful and attentive when purchasing a product.

6. Do not give to children and pets.

Increased risk of suffocation for children and pets. Both children and animals first of all drag unfamiliar and new products into their mouths. Do not take risks and do not give seeds to children and pets, since it is for them that the danger of suffocation increases significantly.

7. Lack of data on the effect on pregnant and lactating women.

There is no scientific evidence confirming or refuting the negative effect of pumpkin seeds on a woman’s body during pregnancy and during breastfeeding. And yet you should not take risks, it is more advisable to refrain from using this product for this time, or to use it after consultation with your doctor.

8. Hypoglycemia.

People with hypoglycemia should be careful about taking seeds.

9. Possible weight gain.

Pumpkin seeds are high in calories: one hundred grams of the product contains 559 calories and 49 grams of fat. Uncontrolled eating of seeds can easily lead to weight gain and obesity, which, in turn, is the cause of many diseases – hypertension, diabetes, etc.

10. Danger for hypotensive patients.

Pumpkin seeds are effective in lowering blood pressure levels, therefore, those suffering from hypotension or hypertensive reaction to antihypertensive drugs should discuss the use of this product with a doctor.

• The nutritional value
• Vitamins
• Macronutrients
• Trace Elements

Sources of Research

1. Pumpkin seeds as an ingredient in a variety of dishes.

Pumpkin seeds can be consumed as a stand-alone meal as a snack when you need to urgently replenish energy reserves. Start carrying them around and chewing when you are hungry. Adding seeds to salads is a great way to add nutritional value. Decorate your salad with a pinch of seeds.

The most requested breakfast – oatmeal – is even healthier and more beneficial to the body when you add pumpkin seeds to it. This product is very popular in baked goods (bread, cookies, cakes, etc.), as well as in the preparation of first courses and desserts. In addition, you can add pumpkin seed oil to your meals (in salads, side dishes), which can be purchased at pharmacies.

2. Preparing the seeds for consumption.

You can use not purchased seeds, but harvest pumpkin seeds from a vegetable grown with your own hands. In this case, several stages of preparation are necessary in order for the seeds to become suitable for consumption:

3. In what form to use pumpkin seeds.

If your goal is to get the most of the nutrients from pumpkin seeds, eating them raw after peeling is the best option. But fried pumpkin seeds are also a delicious healthy treat. For added flavor and aroma, you can add oregano, garlic, cinnamon or chili powder to them.

4. Application in traditional medicine.

In folk medicine, pumpkin seeds are most often used to remove helminths (worms). In this case, an active substance called cucurbitin comes into play. It is most contained in the film, which separates the seed itself from its shell. Therefore, if you want to get rid of parasites, then you need to use seeds with this film. Cleansing the body will be gentle, but effective.

Pumpkin seeds are gaining popularity among lucrative farming crops. The pumpkin seed business idea is suitable for large and small croplands. In any case, profitability remains high.