Fall is the ‘Season of the Pumpkin’, and every fall, the same question persists; What to do with all those pumpkin seeds once you’re finished carving it for Halloween?
Before you toss out those discarded pumpkin seeds from your Halloween festivities, take a look at these 5 awesome benefits of pumpkin seeds:
Pumpkin Seeds Lower Your Cholesterol
Pumpkin seeds contain a compound called phytosterol, which is very effective in lowering ldl-cholesterol levels. Phytosterols reduce your cholesterol levels by blocking the absorption of harmful cholesterol from your diet.
They’re fantastic if you have low iron…
Pumpkin seeds contain iron, a mineral important to red blood cell function, as well as potassium, phosphorus, zinc and magnesium. Because fiber, protein and minerals are not destroyed by roasting, these nutrients are found in roughly equal amounts in both raw and roasted pumpkin seeds.
May help to prevent certain cancers
Research has provided evidence to suggest that pumpkin seeds might help to prevent stomach, breast, lung, prostate and colon cancers.
Pumpkin seeds can lower blood sugar levels
Animal studies have shown that pumpkin, pumpkin seeds, pumpkin seed powder and pumpkin juice may help reduce blood sugar levels for people with type 2 diabetes.
Pumpkin seeds can help to improve sleep
Like turkey dinner, pumpkin seeds are a good source of tryptophan, zinc and magnesium, all of which help promote a good night’s sleep.
