You might have missed it, but October 3rd was National Pumpkin Seed Day! But no need to worry, you can still celebrate!
Pumpkin seeds often get overlooked, they are in a lot of trail mixes, but do they really do anything for you? Surprisingly, they have many health benefits that most people don’t know about!
Here are just a few health benefits that will make you want to celebrate national pumpkin seeds day everyday!
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Zinc- Immune Support
Pumpkin seeds are actually full of Zinc! But what in the world does zinc do for you? Well, zinc helps your body build up it’s immune system, promotes cell growth, sleep, improves mood, and even sense of taste and smell?! Improves skin and eye health. Often people are easily zinc deficient due to depleted soils, diets, and low levels of zinc in foods. Zinc deficiency can cause fatigue, depression, skin problems, and a weakened immune system. Basically zinc does pretty much everything, so Eat. Your. Pumpkin. Seeds!
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Plant Based Omega 3 fats
Pumpkin seeds and other raw nuts are huge sources of plant based Omega 3s or Alpha-linolenic acid, that our bodies convert into usable fats and oils. Omega-3s do wonders for skin, eye, and hair health, as well as improving brain function, reducing depression, and lower risk for heart disease.
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Anti-diabetic benefits
Studies have shown that pumpkin seeds may improve insulin regulation and prevent diabetic symptoms. Because of their levels of Zinc, Omegas and other valuable attributes, it can regulate blood sugar and help repair insulin levels. Pumpkin seeds are also rich in magnesium which is shown to increase insulin levels and prevent type 2 diabetes.
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Heart and Liver health
Another of pumpkin seeds healthy attributes is their levels of good fats, and fibers. Fiber and healthy fat are extremely good for your heart and liver, fiber cleans out your gut and allows arteries to flow freely, by absorbing cholesterol in your intestines by binding itself to other products in your digestive tract to encourage expulsion of all of it. Good fats play a huge role in reducing cholesterol and balancing blood sugar levels, they’re anti-inflammatory, and can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Pumpkin seeds mixed with flax seeds have proven to increase fats and fiber levels for optimum effect.
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Restful Sleep
Guess what? Pumpkin seeds also help you sleep better! Who doesn’t want that? Pumpkin seeds have an amazing amino acid called tryptophan that our bodies turn into serotonin, which is then converted to melatonin, AKA the sleep hormone. This hormone makes your body relax and promotes better sleep throughout the night and make you wake up feeling rested and energized. Eating just a few pumpkin seeds a few hours before bed can provide enough tryptophan to make you sleep soundly.