Pumpkin Seeds—Cucurbita pepo L seeds
Pumpkins are harvested worldwide and hailed for their nutritional benefits. They are low in calories yet rich in phytonutrients that are beneficial to health. In this section we will discuss about the nutritional benefits of pumpkin seeds.
Composition:
Pumpkin seeds are a good source of protein, a high content of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, linoleic acid, antioxidant vitamins like carotenoids and tocopherol, phytosterols and trace elements like zinc and selenium.
Health benefits:
Antioxidant properties—pumpkin oil from the seeds seems to have antioxidant properties and helps protect the body against oxidant damage.
Anti-atherogenic properties—experimental animals treated with pumpkin seeds had healthier levels of total cholesterol and LDL ,there was also an increase in HDL(Protective cholesterol).
Anticancer effects—diets rich in pumpkin seeds had a lower incidence of breast, lung, colon and gastric cancers.
The above discussion shows us that this simple pumpkin seed has a vast array of beneficial effects in our body as part of a healthy diverse diet. As always, I pray that you keep your health in center focus and live long and strong!
