As October ends and November begins, many families will have an abundance of leftover pumpkins. Most people simply discard the guts- seeds and all. But before you purge that pumpkin of its inards, there are a few things you should consider.
Pumpkin seeds and their oil are not only good tasting, but are good for you. Among other things they contain iron, copper, zinc, magnesium, manganese, vitamin K, protein, phospohrus and tryptophan. The health benefits from these little guys are pretty amazing, too.
For men, pumpkin seed oil can help with protection of the prostate. Now, one of the things that contributes to BPH (benign prostatic hypertrophy) which relates to the enlargement of the prostate gland is prostate cell overstimulation by DHT (dihydrotestosterone) and testosterone. Parts of the oils in pumpkin seeds may be able to suspend what begins this prostate cell multiplication.
For bone health across the board, an increase in zinc consumption may ward off osteoporosis as studies have shown a relation between low levels of zinc in one’s diet and osteoporosis in certain areas of the body.
If you are taking medication for depression, listen up. Pumpkin seeds contain a compound called L-tryptophan which, in high doses, naturally works to fight against depression. Why not include pumpkin seeds more frequently into your diet to work as a preventative?*
Next time you’re thinking of popping an anti-inflammatory drug for aching joints, think about reaching for pumpkin seeds instead. They have been shown to reduce inflammatory symptoms of arthritis without the harmful side effects that can come with drugs.*
Parasites such as roundworms and tapeworms have traditionally been treated with the use of pumpkin seeds. They remove parasites and intestinal worms by immobilizing them. However, a few seeds will not do the trick. An adult must consume up to 25 ounces for it to be effective and, after a few hours of drinking the seeds mixed with juice, it is recommended that a laxative be used to clear out the bowels.
If high cholesterol is a concern of yours, then take notice of what’s packed into pumpkin seed oil: healthy fatty acids, lutein, alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, as well as the antioxidant selenium and zinc. When taken in sufficient amounts, the phytosterols that are found in these seeds are thought to reduce blood levels of cholesterol. Pumpkin seed oil helps prevent side effects of medication prescribed for high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
If you suffer from kidney stones then what will interest you is the amino acids, omega fatty acids, and steroidal compounds contained in pumpkin seeds as these may actually lower the risk of certain kidney stone types.
Regarding pumpkins and cancer prevention, Noor Aziah Abdul Aziz remarked on an interesting study of pumpkin flour and its effects on cancer cells. The phytosterols contained in these seeds have also been linked to a reduced risk of certain types of cancer.
A quick and delicious way to enjoy fresh pumpkin seeds straight from the pumpkin is to remove the seeds from the pulp, put them in a bowl, add a tablespoon of olive oil and about a 1/2 teaspoon of ground sea salt (grinds easily in a coffee mill). Mix together and spread on a cookie sheet, baking them in your oven at 350 degrees until they are lightly browned. You can eat the husk and all, and they make a great alternative crunchy snack to potato chips or pretzels.
*As always, do not stop taking medication prescribed by your doctor or make changes to your diet for this condition without consulting your doctor first.
