Pumpkin seed
Pumpkin seeds are rich in nutrients and are widely used in Indian cooking. More details about these are as follows:
Origin:
These seeds are obtained from pumpkin fruit. A pumpkin is a herbaceous fruit that grows like a tree and spreads on the ground.
Taste and Texture:
They taste slightly sweet and alum-like. Their texture is hard and crunchy.
Nutrients:
These seeds are rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Omega 3 and zinc are also found in them.
Uses:
They are eaten as snacks in puffed rice or prepared as spicy snacks. These are also added to many vegetables and pulses.
Benefits of pumpkin seeds
Nutrient-rich:
They also contain a high amount of nutrition so make sure to save the seeds too. They are high in protein and full of loads of vital vitamins, minerals, and plant precursors. They are high in vitamins K, E, and the B complex along with vitamins D, zinc, magnesium, iron, and calcium. They are also rich in bioactive plant compounds including phytosterols, antioxidants, and phytic acid. They contain amino acids such as tryptophan and glutamic acid that are good for you. They are also abundant in high-fiber diets for easy digestion. If you think they eat and include it in a diet-balanced pumpkin seeds turn to you with Nutritional bombshells to do the same.
Heart health
Pumpkin seeds are packed with rich vitamins and minerals that are very good for the heart. They contain ingredients such as magnesium, phytosterols, and other nutritional substances that assist the heart. It also aids in regulating blood pressure and ensures that the arteries are flexible enough to allow blood flow. Aside from providing antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin E, phytosterols also lower cholesterol. Some vitamins and minerals are present in them to decrease the risk of heart disease, and other antioxidants and polyphenols are also contained in them. Other nutrients found in pumpkin seeds that are also believed to be heart-healthy include saturated fat and omega-3 fatty acids. Consequently, the consumption of pumpkin seeds as a part of your diet has a positive impact on heart-related issues.
Digestive Health
As mentioned earlier, pumpkin seeds are vital for sustaining the health and functionality of the body’s digestive system. Due to it’s high level of digestive fibre, it is useful in supporting digestive health. This assists in contracting and maintaining the health of the intestines, so bowel movement can be easily regulated. It also solves one of the major issues people face regarding the intestines, constipation. It also helps to reduce the rate of eating, as the body feels full for a longer time due to the consumption of fiber. Besides, the enzymes and antioxidants in the pumpkin seeds help enhance the digestive system. They also have the important function of maintaining the proper population of bacteria in the gut. Therefore, if pumpkin seeds are incorporated into a diet regime that encompasses appropriate nutrition, then our digestion system will be healthy.
Diabetic control
Diabetes can be easily managed with the help of these carriers. These food items consist of phytonutrients and several other nutritious components that are beneficial in controlling diabetes. Because of the high levels of phytosterols and antioxidants in them, they assist in raising the insulin sensitivity necessary for stabilizing blood glucose levels. Furthermore, the high fiber content in them ensures that sugar introduced into the bloodstream is taken slowly in small portions, thus assisting in the regulation of blood sugar levels. Besides, there are some nutrients, such as zinc and protein, that can also be effective in the management of diabetes. Fortunately, this claim proved to be true, meaning diabetic patients can now eliminate the disease by consuming pumpkin seeds.
Stress management
Another aspect that is worth mentioning is that pumpkin seeds help to manage stress. Tryptophan, an amino acid found in the body, generates melatonin and serotonin neurotransmitters. These nerve modulators play an important role in minimizing both mental and physical stress levels. They help calm the mind and put it to sleep. Also, pumpkin seeds contain magnesium, zinc, and other minerals that help manage stress. While the former helps in the relaxation of muscles, the latter supports emotional and mental well-being. The other antioxidants present in them also help fight stress factors in the body.
Hair and skin
It is very good for hair and skin, especially when used in hair masks and body lotions. These are rich sources of vitamin E, which is very useful for skin and hair. Vitamin E, well known as an antioxidant vitamin, also helps to reverse the damage to cells and strengthens the immune system. It strengthens hair, making them shiny, and enhances hair growth in the human population. In addition, it also has properties that keep the skin smooth, elastic, and not leathery.
In addition to this, the content of zinc located in pumpkin seeds is truly beneficial to the health of one’s hair and skin. Zinc supplements assist in the diminishment of the predicament of hair loss as well as hair fall. Besides, it also helps in the development of new skin cells and the renewal of dead tissues on the skin’s outermost layer. The health of the hair and skin is also promoted by the proteins and all the other nutrients that are contained in the pumpkin seeds. Therefore, including pumpkin seeds in the daily diet may go a long way toward improving hair and skin.
How to use benefits of pumpkin seeds
Making Murmura:
These seeds can be roasted or baked and eaten as puffed rice. It can be flavored with salt, chili, and other spices.
Add to Salads:
Roasted seeds can also be eaten by adding them to the salad. These make the salad nutritious and crunchy.
Add to Dals and Vegetables:
They can be cooked by adding them to pulses and vegetables. These enhance their taste and nutrients.
Stuff in Paranthas:
Parantha can be made by adding pumpkin seeds to the flour kernels. This makes paratha tasty and nutritious.
Make Chutney:
You can also eat pumpkin seeds by adding them to green chutney. This increases the nutritional quality of the chutney.
Dry Fruit Mix:
Roasted pumpkin seeds can be mixed with other dried fruits and nuts to make a trail mix.
Benefit of nutrients found in Pumpkin seeds
Protein:
Pumpkin seeds are a good source of protein. About 30 grams of protein is found in every 100 grams of seeds.
Plant Compounds:
These contain nutritious plant compounds like phytosterols, antioxidants, and phytic acid.
Vitamins:
Pumpkin seeds are a good source of Vitamin K, Vitamin E, Vitamin B complex, and Vitamin D.
Minerals:
Important minerals like zinc, magnesium, iron, potassium, calcium, and phosphorus are found in them.
Amino Acids:
Pumpkin seeds provide important amino acids like tryptophan and glutamic acid.
Fiber:
High amounts of digestive fiber are also found in them.