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Nutritional Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds

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pumpkin seedsI love pumpkin seeds!  I usually buy them from my local grocery store.

I always buy raw pumpkin seeds because they are higher in nutritional benefits than roasted pumpkin seeds.

You can eat pumpkin seeds in many ways.  I prefer pumpkin seeds as a snack only after soaking and dehydrating.

What are Pumpkin Seeds?

Pumpkin seeds are seeds that are inside the pumpkin.  Pumpkin seeds have an ovoid-shaped shell that is thin enough to crack open with your teeth.

Pumpkins belong to the melon, gourd, and squash family.  All pumpkin and squash seeds are edible.

Nutritional Benefits
  • Good source of B vitamins
  • High in zinc (good for prostate and building the immune system)
  • Phytonutrients
  • Essential fatty acids and beneficial protein
  • Oils that support normal sexual function
  • Help protect against heart disease
  • Traditionally used for prostate disorders
  • Supply safe and natural source of tryptophan (least abundant amino acid in people’s diet).
  • Helps remove intestinal parasites
  • Best eaten raw for maximum nutritional benefits
How to Prepare Pumpkin Seeds

Soak raw pumpkin seeds in water for 4-6 hours or longer.  Soaking raw seeds helps remove enzyme inhibitors.  The removal of enzyme inhibitors makes the seeds easier to digest.

I enjoy flavoring the seeds with a little tamari and then dehydrating them at 105 degrees farenheit until crunchy/crispy.  The pumpkin seeds make the best snacks.  Substitute in place of processed croutons and you can also make a tasty pumpkin seed pâté.

References:

Eating for Beauty
Mercola.com

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Comments

  1. Hi Evelyn:

    You have a great post on your blog a pumpkin seeds. I knew these are in nuts family but now your post tells me exact nutrition it can provide. It can also add added zip to many health snacks.

    Thanks for an informative post.

    Make it a Super Profitable week for yourself

    Fran A

    • You know, one thing I love about pumpkin seeds, aside from the health benefits, is that the kids seem to really enjoy getting them and preparing them as a treat right around Halloween.

  3. Thanks for the great post. I have never read anything about pumpkin seeds, which I sometimes eat.
    I want to add a point here. All seeds have high protein content (as all seeds contain DNA for future generation which is protenaceous chemical) and I think pumpkin seeds are also no exception to this and have high protein content.

  5. Would have never thought to use pumpkin seeds as a snack..this is a new one that i might just try.

    “Black Seo Guy “Signing Off”