Pumpkin seeds for type 2 diabetes: benefits and harms

Pumpkin seeds for type 2 diabetes serve not only as an excellent flavor supplement, but also as a source of important nutrients. They strengthen and heal the patient’s body, help to avoid many health complications associated with this disease.

Glycemic index of pumpkin seeds

In type 2 diabetes, patients have to selectively approach food products. First, the diet should be low in calories. Type 2 diabetes in most cases is accompanied by obesity, which significantly worsens the patient’s condition and significantly reduces his chances of recovery.

In addition, when choosing food, patients with type 2 diabetes are guided by such an indicator as GI (glycemic index). The lower this indicator, the less the product affects blood sugar levels, that is, it is safer for the patient. Therefore, in the menu of patients with type 2 diabetes, there should be mainly products with low and medium GI.

Is it possible to eat pumpkin seeds with type 2 diabetes

Diet plays an important role in the life and health of a diabetic. In the initial phases of type 2 diabetes mellitus, the correct selection of food products alone can bring your condition back to normal. The basic principle of the diabetic diet is the maximum reduction in the amount of carbohydrates in the daily menu. It is this substance that, as a result of a series of chemical reactions in the body, turns into glucose, puts a load on the pancreas and causes jumps in blood sugar.

As can be seen from the table, the glycemic index of pumpkin seeds is only 25 units. This means that pumpkin seeds contain complex carbohydrates that are digested for a long time and do not give sharp and sudden drops in glucose levels. In addition, they contain a significant amount of fiber, which additionally slows down the process of assimilation of sugars. Although in limited quantities, pumpkin seeds can be eaten with diabetes, although they are high in fat and calories.

Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds for Diabetes

A set of biologically active substances contained in pumpkin seeds significantly alleviates the condition of patients with type 2 diabetes.

Chemical composition:

• vitamins (B1, B4, B5, B9, E, PP);
• trace elements (K, Mg, P, Fe, Mn, Cu, Se, Zn);
• essential amino acids (arginine, valine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, others);
• omega-3 and -6 acids;
• phytosterols;
• flavonoids.

As you know, type 2 diabetes is terrible, mainly due to its complications. First of all, the cardiovascular system suffers. By eating pumpkin seeds, you can avoid this. Magnesium helps the cardiovascular system to function normally, helps to relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure, prevents stroke and heart attack, and protects against the development of atherosclerosis.

Zinc has healing properties, maintains hormonal balance, and also strengthens the immune system. This is very important for patients with type 2 diabetes, who become very vulnerable to infections, viruses. In addition, the disease can cause serious complications in the functioning of the kidneys, heart, visual organs, as well as the condition of the skin, teeth and gums. By increasing the body’s defenses, all this can be avoided in type 2 diabetes.

Phosphorus in pumpkin seeds contains no less than in any of the varieties of fish. This element contributes to the work of the kidneys, with its help the assimilation of most vitamins occurs, it participates in most of the chemical reactions that occur in the body. Strengthens teeth, bones, affects muscle and mental activity.

Manganese creates effective protection for the body, strengthening the immune system. Increases the rate of insulin and fat metabolism, controls the work of the entire gastrointestinal tract. It prevents the development of tumor processes, and also acts as an antioxidant, slowing down the aging of the body. improves the absorption of iron, B-group vitamins, especially B1.

Sprouted Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds with type 2 diabetes increase their biological activity during germination. As a result of this process, substances acquire a more easily digestible form:

• proteins are quickly converted into amino acids;
• fats into fatty acids;
• carbohydrates into simple sugars.

As a result of sprouting, the concentration of vitamins (10 times), micro- and macroelements increases. Frequent consumption of these seeds is of great importance for a person suffering from type 2 diabetes:

• the deficiency of elements important for life is replenished;
• the state of the internal systems of the body improves (genitourinary, digestive, nervous, biliary, cardiovascular, immune);
• normalization of all types of metabolism;
• improvement of hematopoiesis, insulin synthesis;
• body cleansing;
• prevention of inflammatory, oncological, allergic diseases.

All these properties make it possible to use germinated seeds also for the treatment of diseases of the genitourinary system, both male and female, as well as liver pathologies, disorders in the digestive tract, heart disease, blood vessels, anemia, acne.

The introduction of germinated pumpkin seeds into the diet is necessary for people suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity, as well as those who regularly devote time to sports, experience emotional stress, stress.

Sprouted seeds are useful for gestational diabetes, strengthen the body, maintain normal blood sugar, and are also useful for all pregnant and lactating women. They heal the child’s body, develop intelligence, memory, help overcome stress associated with the educational process, have a positive effect on growth and puberty.

Rules of admission

For adults, the recommended daily dose of pumpkin seeds is 100 g, for children – 2 times less. It is advisable to divide the indicated amount into several doses, for example, eat a little before breakfast, lunch and dinner, half an hour to an hour before meals.

Pumpkin seeds for diabetes 2 are best consumed in a slightly dried form, without salt, raw. On sale you can often find fried salted seeds. Such a product will not be useful even for healthy people, not to mention patients with type 2 diabetes. It is desirable to purchase seeds in a shell that protects them from bacteria, pollution and fat oxidation, which begins under the influence of light and oxygen.

The use of germinated seeds

Seeds after germination are stored no more than 2 days in the refrigerator. Therefore, it is advisable to use them immediately. The daily portion should be 50-100 g. This extremely useful product should preferably be consumed in the morning, before breakfast or instead of it.

Sprouted seeds are good to use with many products:

• muesli;
• honey;
• nuts;
• fruit;
• vegetables.

Crushed seeds are good to add to salads, cereals, soups, dairy products, pastries.

Recipes for diabetics with pumpkin seeds

Pumpkin seeds go well with many products, enriching their taste and nutritional composition. By adding seeds to food, you can get a lasting therapeutic effect and forget about health problems for a long time.

Recipe 1

The easiest way to make something with pumpkin seeds is to make a smoothie. Cooking options can be very different. Here you can show all your imagination, while taking into account the compatibility of products and their benefits or harms for diabetics. Here is some of them:

• powdered pumpkin seeds (3-4 tsp) + honey (sugar substitute) + drinking water or milk (200 ml);
• strawberries (glass) + seeds (2 tsp) + black salt (a pinch);
• seeds + oatmeal (soak) + milk + sweetener;
• tomatoes + seeds + cottage cheese + spices.

Seeds can be added to almost any cocktail, making it more satisfying and healthier. Combine the ingredients of each of the recipes in a blender bowl, beat and the drink is ready.

Recipe 2

Pumpkin seeds are good to add to various salads. They can be added whole, chopped a little or even ground into powder – in this form they will resemble seasoning.

Ingredients:

• peas (green) – 0,4 kg;
• mint (fresh) – 50 g;
• dates – 5 pcs.;
• lemon – 1 pcs .;
• salad (Roman) – 1 bunch;
• seeds – 3 tbsp. l.

First you need to prepare mint sauce. Put dates, lemon zest, mint leaves in a blender bowl, add the juice of half a citrus. Beat everything until liquid sour cream, adding a little water. Tear lettuce and arrange on plates. Mix peas with seeds and season with sauce, put on green leaves. 

Recipe 3

Another version of the salad using pumpkin seeds.

Ingredients:

• beets (boiled) – 0,6 kg;
• seeds – 50 g;
• sour cream – 150 g;
• horseradish – 2 tbsp. l.;
• koritza (molotai) – 1 tsp;
• salt.

Cut beets into cubes, mix with seeds. Prepare a sauce of sour cream, cinnamon, salt and horseradish. Fill the salad.

Recipe 4

You can cook buckwheat porridge with pumpkin seeds.

Ingredients:

• groats (buckwheat) – 0,3 kg;
• seeds – 4-5 tbsp. l.;
• vegetable oil);
• salt.

Pour the cereal with hot water (1: 2), salt. Bring to a boil and cook covered for ¼ hour. Add seeds and cover with a lid so that the products “make friends”. Serving to the table, fill with oil.

Recipe 5

You can cook raw food porridge with pumpkin seeds.

Ingredients:

• pumpkin seeds – 2 tbsp. l.;
• flax seed – 2 tbsp. l.;
• sunflower seeds – 1 tbsp. l.;
• banana – 1 pcs .;
• dates – 3 pcs.;
• raisins;
• water;
• coconut shaving.

Grind all the seeds in a coffee grinder, mix them together and leave for half an hour. Add a banana to the ground mass and mash it with a fork. Add raisins with dates, mix everything. To make the dish look more appetizing, sprinkle coconut flakes on top.

Limitations and contraindications

Despite the benefits of pumpkin seeds in type 2 diabetes, there are a number of limitations. They are not recommended to be eaten by people who have ulcerative lesions of the gastrointestinal tract (stomach, 12 duodenal ulcer), as well as gastritis, colitis. The high calorie content of seeds makes them an undesirable product in the diet of overweight people.

Conclusion

Pumpkin seeds for diabetes will be useful if used in small quantities. They will saturate the body with nutrients, have a therapeutic effect, rejuvenate and give health and vitality.