Pumpkin Seeds
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one of my good friends tina, sent me this link when i sent her a pic of my pumpkin hub got for us
thought id share
If you throw away the seeds when you carve a pumpkin you're throwing out the most nutritious part. Not to mention that once you've tried freshly-roasted pumpkin seeds you'll never throw them out again. But they don’t just taste great, these seeds support superb health too.
Here’s how:
1. They’re high in the sleep-enhancing amino acid tryptophan that converts to serotonin in your body and helps ensure a good night’s sleep;
2. They’re also high in the heart-healing mineral magnesium, which is Nature’s natural relaxant;
3. Their high levels of easily-digestible protein helps stabilize blood sugar when eaten as a snack throughout the day. Stable blood sugar means weight loss if you’re trying to lose.
4. High in Omega 3s, pumpkin seed oil has been shown in studies to reduce the incidence of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH)—a condition in which the prostate gland becomes enlarged.
5. Pumpkin seeds are also high in the prostate-protecting mineral zinc, making these seeds the ultimate snack for men’s health.
6. They're a good source of blood-building and energy-boosting iron.
7. In animal studies, when pumpkin seeds were added to the diet, the anti-inflammatory results were comparable to the effectiveness of the drug indomethacin—without the side-effects.
8. Their phytosterol compounds are believed to lower cholesterol levels. Of nuts and seeds, pumpkin seeds have the second highest amount of sterols (next to sunflower seeds and pistachios which tied for first).
9. Pumpkin seeds are an excellent source of fiber which helps keep you regular.
10. They are alkalizing to the body's pH unlike most snack foods that are acid-forming in the body. Acidity has been linked to pain, illness, and even cancer.
To preserve the health benefits of the oils found in pumpkin seeds, be sure to roast them on a baking sheet on low heat in the oven (about 170 degrees F or 75 degrees Celsius) for 15-20 minutes.
Toss with a sprinkling of sea salt and enjoy.
If you haven't tried them warm, you're in for a real treat! You can also enjoy hulled pumpkin seeds on a salad, in place of pine nuts in pesto, ground on oatmeal or warm cereal, or atop your favorite pasta dish. They're extremely versatile.
~Dr. Michelle Schoffro Cook