How Eating Pumpkin Seeds Can Heal These 5 Health Issues

Credit:Rouzes

Pumpkin seeds are not only delicious, but also nutritious. They are rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, minerals, and fiber, which can help prevent and treat various health problems. In this article, we will explore how eating pumpkin seeds can heal these five health issues:

1. Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to become weak and brittle, increasing the risk of fractures. One of the main factors that contribute to osteoporosis is low magnesium intake. Magnesium is important for bone formation and mineralization, as well as regulating calcium and vitamin D levels in the body.

Pumpkin seeds are a great source of magnesium, providing 40% of the daily value (DV) per 1-ounce (28-gram) serving1. Eating pumpkin seeds regularly can help increase your magnesium intake and improve your bone health.

2. Insomnia

Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It can cause difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early. Insomnia can impair your physical and mental health, as well as your quality of life.

One of the natural remedies for insomnia is eating pumpkin seeds before bed. Pumpkin seeds contain tryptophan, an amino acid that the body converts into serotonin and melatonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation and mood regulation, while melatonin is a hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle.

A 1-ounce (28-gram) serving of pumpkin seeds contains 0.16 grams of tryptophan2, which can help increase your serotonin and melatonin levels and improve your sleep quality. According to research, consuming 1 gram or more of tryptophan before bed can enhance sleep duration and efficiency3.

3. Prostate Enlargement

Prostate enlargement, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a condition that affects many older men. It occurs when the prostate gland grows larger than normal and presses on the urethra, causing urinary problems such as frequent urination, weak stream, difficulty starting or stopping, and incomplete emptying.

Pumpkin seeds may help prevent and treat prostate enlargement by reducing inflammation and inhibiting the growth of prostate cells. Pumpkin seeds are rich in zinc, which is essential for prostate function and fertility. A 1-ounce (28-gram) serving of pumpkin seeds provides 20% of the DV for zinc1. Zinc deficiency has been linked to an increased risk of BPH4.

Pumpkin seeds also contain phytosterols, plant compounds that can lower cholesterol levels and modulate hormone production. Phytosterols may help reduce the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that stimulates prostate growth.

Additionally, pumpkin seed oil has been shown to have beneficial effects on prostate health. A 2019 study found that pumpkin seed extract could improve urinary symptoms and quality of life in men with BPH.

4. Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects how the body processes glucose, a type of sugar that provides energy for cells. Diabetes can cause high blood sugar levels, which can damage various organs and tissues over time. Diabetes can also increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, nerve damage, and vision loss.

Pumpkin seeds may help prevent and manage diabetes by improving blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity. Pumpkin seeds are high in fiber, which can slow down the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates and prevent spikes in blood sugar levels. A 1-ounce (28-gram) serving of pumpkin seeds contains 1.8 grams of fiber1, which is 6% of the DV.

Pumpkin seeds also contain antioxidants such as vitamin E and carotenoids, which can protect the cells from oxidative stress and inflammation caused by high blood sugar levels. Oxidative stress and inflammation are major factors that contribute to diabetes complications.

Moreover, pumpkin seed oil has been found to have anti-diabetic properties in animal studies. A 2017 study showed that pumpkin seed oil could lower blood sugar levels, increase insulin secretion, and reduce oxidative stress in diabetic rats.

5. Heart Disease

Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for about 17.9 million deaths per year. Heart disease refers to a group of conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels, such as coronary artery disease, heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and arrhythmia.

Pumpkin seeds may help prevent and treat heart disease by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels, two major risk factors for heart disease. Pumpkin seeds are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), especially omega-6 linoleic acid and omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid. PUFAs can help reduce inflammation, improve blood flow, and prevent blood clots.

Pumpkin seeds also contain phytosterols, which can lower the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines and reduce the levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, also known as “bad” cholesterol. High LDL cholesterol can cause plaque buildup in the arteries, which can narrow or block them and lead to heart attack or stroke.

Furthermore, pumpkin seeds are a good source of antioxidants such as vitamin E and carotenoids, which can protect the blood vessels from oxidative damage and prevent atherosclerosis, the hardening and narrowing of the arteries.

Pumpkin seeds are not only tasty, but also healthy. They are packed with nutrients that can benefit various aspects of your health, such as your bones, sleep, prostate, blood sugar, and heart. You can enjoy pumpkin seeds as a snack, or add them to your salads, soups, granola, breads, or desserts. Eating pumpkin seeds regularly can help you heal these five health issues and improve your overall well-being.