Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are well known for its high content of carbohydrates, amino acids and unsaturated fatty acids. They contain vitamins B, C, D, E and K. They also provide minerals such as calcium, potassium, niacin and phosphorus. Pumpkin seeds have been used primarily to treat prostate and bladder problems, but also help in cases of depression and learning disabilities.
You could say that the first to use the pumpkin seeds were the tribes of America, the name given was Cucurbita. Discovered their great benefits to treat kidney problems and to eliminate intestinal parasites.
Due to their frequent use in folk medicine, scientists began their research, using the oil extracted from these seeds. According to studies, they concluded that oil of pumpkin seeds help prevent and treat disorders of the prostate, which helps reduce the development of cancer. Another study revealed that the seeds contain a considerable amount of L-tryptophan, which helps with depression (although it is believed that the seeds are not sufficient to treat major depression, can be used to prevent it). Other studies have shown that pumpkin seeds can improve bladder and urethral function. And he believes he can help stop the formation of kidney stones, even though the ingredient responsible is unknown. Pumpkin seeds have also been used to treat learning disorders. Other studies have shown that they can help prevent hardening of the arteries and regulate cholesterol levels.
Properties of Pumpkin Seed Oil
Traditionally used as an aphrodisiac, the pumpkin seed oil has gained recognition over the years thanks to its many benefits to the human body.
First, speaking of the properties of pumpkin seed oil, we should mention its compounds. These seeds contain nutrients such as vitamins, carotenoids, antioxidants, phytosterols, proteins and fatty acids. All these elements give the pumpkin oil a lot of benefits, including making it the natural choice for excellence to treat certain diseases.
For example, to treat prostate cancer this oil can make a huge contribution to the patient because it inhibits the formation of cancer cells. Considering the large number of people who suffer from prostate cancer, it is necessary to be aware of the benefits of this oil is for the disease.
Moreover, the pumpkin seed oil has positive effects on the skin. The moisturizes and softens, and therefore this product can be used to prevent marks on the skin and combat problems such as dandruff.
The oil extracted from these seeds can also be used for its anti-inflammatory properties, as well as a natural remedy for various vision problems like age-related macular degeneration.
You might also find a page about chia seeds useful, read more about chia seeds benefits.
Why are Pumpkin Seeds Good For You?
New research into the latent potency of pumpkin seeds reveal that the next time you have some of the fruit (or vegetable), spare a thought about the seeds instead of dumping them. Besides being some of the tastiest and most nutrient dense seeds around, they have been demonstrating unparalleled health benefits, prompting further investigation. Following are some of the reasons pumpkin seeds are indeed good to consume:
Prostate
Pumpkin seeds influence healthy prostate function- in today’s world, a common disease affecting numerous men over their 50’s is a disease known as BPH, or benign prostatic hypertrophy. What occurs in this illness is the enlargement of the prostate gland, as a result of overstimulation, due to the endogenous male hormone Testosterone, or its potent metabolite, DHT ( di-hydro testosterone). Compounds in pumpkin seed and pumpkin seed oil extracts, apparently are able to inhibit hypertrophy (growth of cells) and hyperplasia (increase in number of cells), although the way it accomplishes this is not fully understood. It has been postulated that it is mainly the carotenoid content in pumpkin seeds that prevent the growth, however the presence of omega-3 fatty acids also are under investigation for their supporting role. Another possible agent that may curtail growth of prostate cells is zinc, however contrasting studies have shown instances where it helped, or worsened the state of the patient. Currently, it is being investigated if the effect of zinc is dose related.
Bones
Bone health - in addition to zinc’s possible prostate defending ability, is its use in preventing bone loss, or enhancing absorption of calcium, making consumption of pumpkin seeds a good option for men looking to maintain bone mass density. Although osteoporosis is a disease mainly associated with post-menopausal women, approximately 12% of diagnosed cases are men. Clearly defined studies showed a clear correlation between low blood levels of zinc, and higher incidence of bone fractures of the hip and the spine
Arthritis
Role in arthritis - pumpkin seeds use in arthritis may be justified, following results demonstrating its comparable potency to one of the most commonly prescribed NSAID( non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs), indomethacin. It was most clearly defined in patients suffering from Osteo-arthritis, where favourable results were obtained in terms of anti-inflammatory potency.
Cholesterol
Cholesterol lowering ability- pumpkin seeds are rich in compounds known as phytosterols, which are compound found in plants that have a chemical structure closely resembling human cholesterol, and which when present in sufficient amounts, can help to decrease blood cholesterol levels, boost the immune system, and possible prevent certain types of cancer. In fact, the effects of these phytosterols are so pronounced, that they have time and time again, been added to notoriously unhealthy foods, such as pseudo-butter products, which then enable them to be marketed as cholesterol lowering foods. In fact, pumpkin seeds currently rank as the second highest natural source of phytosterols, along with supple omega-3’s and cardio-protective fibre, making it one of the most potent cholesterol lowering cocktails naturally endowed from the heavens.
Bladder
Improved bladder function-this may be due to its related effect on the prostate glands, indirectly relaxing the smooth muscle of the urinary system, leading to promoted diuresis, and kidney filter rate
Depression
Prevention/ treatment of depression - since pumpkin seeds contain large amount of the naturally occurring amino acid l-tryptophan, it has been researched to show ameliorative effects in such a population. L- tryptophan is commonly required as a precursor to formation of the “feel good” hormone, serotonin
Anti-parasitic
Anti-parasitic- although the exact compound in the pumpkin seeds that exert this effect is unclear, they have been used culturally for centuries throughout the world, with resounding success. They have been shown effective against the troublesome Shistosomiasis infections, commonly contracted via snails.
Magnesium
Great source of magnesium - as little as a half cup serving size of pumpkin seeds can supply as much as 95% of daily magnesium requirement, a mineral which many persons are deficient of. Magnesium is easily obtained from seafood, but many people opt out of it, compromising bone health again.
Kidney Stones
Prevention of kidney stones - pumpkin seeds may prevent formation of calcium oxalate stones in the kidney, probably by a mechanism related to improved bladder function.
Pumpkin Seeds Summary
Don’t throw them away! Pumpkin seeds are good for you!