Pumpkin seeds is an absolute powerhouse of nutrients, did you know that a cup of pumpkin seeds can give you 19 grams of pure protein? Pumpkin seeds are rich in amino acids that are the building blocks of protein. These seeds are also rich in zinc, magnesium, iron, manganese, phosphorus, and everything your body needs to build your immune system – the first and last line of defense.
Let’s learn more about what makes these seeds so nutritious.
Pumpkin seeds are a rich source of zinc
When it comes to nutrition and exercise , we are busy jumping from one plan to another ask yourself – is the root cause of your condition a nutritional deficiency?
One such deficiency is zinc. I am sure most of you have heard about zinc , especially during the COVID -19 Pandemic. You find it in multivitamins. It is a trace mineral that your body needs in small quantities. But a deficiency of this mineral can impact your body in many ways. It can explain why your immunity is low, why your inflammation is rising, why you may be struggling with losing weight or getting rid of that stubborn belly fat, or even why you have a hormonal imbalance.
One of the richest sources of zinc that you can add to your meals to bridge this gap is pumpkin seeds.
What happens when you have a zinc deficiency? How can pumpkin seeds help?
Unexplained cravings:
Many of us struggle with food cravings and blame stress and our emotional health. But did you know that a deficiency of zinc can drive an increase in appetite or cravings in your body?
The simple route is to address if you have a vitamin or a mineral deficiency. Correcting it will help you fix over a hundred different actions and reactions in the human body. So if you’re struggling with cravings and an unexplained change in appetite where you feel hungry all the time, and your mind begins to justify it as emotional eating, you need to correct your zinc deficiency.
Hair loss:
Before you start running from pillar to post, doctor-to-doctor, dermatologist-to-dermatologist, and nutritionist-to-nutritionist to get food plans, expensive supplements, shampoos, and creams that prevent hair loss, take a step back. Check if you have a zinc deficiency. Even a 1% deficiency of zinc will make your hair fall. So, fix that first under the guidance of your health and integrative expert.
Digestive issues:
One of the trace minerals you need to maintain the health of your gut is zinc. It helps strengthen your gut walls and your colon.
Yes, any disease is multifactorial. But if you have a zinc deficiency, fixing it can contribute to better gut health. Whole pumpkin seeds are rich in fiber. It makes them great for your gut and bowel movement. Pumpkin seeds are also highly alkaline. It means that they neutralize acidity in the body.
Infertility:
Science links infertility to a deficiency of zinc. So, zinc-rich pumpkin seeds improve sperm quality and fertility among men. They help increase testosterone levels. Zinc-rich foods are also beneficial during pregnancy for the mother’s immunity and the baby’s growth.
Before you decide to jump on the bandwagon of infertility clinics, get your basics right. Check your stress levels, sleep quality, eating habits, and if you have a zinc deficiency.
Hormonal imbalance:
From PCOD to thyroid and even weight gain – each of these issues is hormonal. Your inability to lose weight or the reason you are probably putting on weight despite eating and exercising well could be a hormonal imbalance.
Remember, weight loss is about communication between hormones. If you have the right communication, you allow the body to lose weight. On the other hand, if you have the wrong communication and force your body to lose weight, it will not happen. One of the steps, in this case, is to address your deficiencies and fix them.
Even among men struggling with belly fat – zinc is required to make the sex hormone testosterone. Testosterone provides you with the energy to lean muscle mass. And when we have lean muscle, we have a higher metabolic rate. This in turn helps us burn fat more efficiently. So give your body what it needs in the right quantity to create the right hormones and burn fat.
Weakened immunity:
Zinc is considered an immunity booster. If you have a deficiency of zinc you are not allowing your immunity to do what it does best – heal you. So, fix this deficiency. Pumpkin seeds are loaded with Vitamin E and zinc. While Vitamin E boosts your immune response, zinc lowers inflammation and keeps allergies and pathogens at bay, boosting overall immunity. Pumpkin seeds are also praised for their antifungal, antiviral properties, and antimicrobial properties.
Inflammation:
Did you know zinc is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent? Most cardiovascular cases cannot be solely blamed on cholesterol. We are blinded to think that most heart strokes and cardiac arrests are caused by cholesterol, but it is caused by uncontrolled and chronic inflammation in your arteries.
Many people suffering from joint pain or rheumatoid arthritis are popping painkillers to deal with flare-ups that may provide temporary relief but destroy your gut health. Something as simple as correcting your zinc deficiency can change this. Rich in magnesium and zinc, pumpkin seeds are considered beneficial for your bone health.
Sleep:
Did you know pumpkin seeds contain tryptophan, zinc, and magnesium which makes them excellent to promote good sleep? Tryptophan, an amino acid, is a precursor to serotonin ( your happy hormone) and melatonin (your sleep hormone). This means that it converts itself into serotonin and then into melatonin. If you have the right amount of melatonin, not only do you sleep better but you also have a deeper quality of sleep. When melatonin is being produced, it also repairs your immunity. Did you know melatonin is also known as the anti-cancer hormone?
Melatonin is produced and secreted in the absence of light, which is why turning off all electronic gadgets two hours before bed is a MUST . The artificial or blue light from these devices disrupts the production of melatonin which can lead to disturbed sleep patterns and sleep deprivation. All of you already know what that does to your body. So get your dose of zinc, magnesium, and tryptophan from pumpkin seeds. Don’t forget to pay attention to other aspects of your lifestyle like meditation, movement, emotional health, and balanced meals too.
How can you add pumpkin seeds in your diet?
The best form to consume pumpkin seeds is raw. But we would suggest that you always soak it overnight because nuts and seeds have anti-nutrients that can prevent and block the absorption of nutrients into your cells. And so, soak your pumpkin seeds.
You can also dry and toast them. You can add these to your smoothies, fruits, salads, soups, cakes, energy bars, stir-fries, and so on.
Add pumpkin seeds to your lifestyle and tell us how they worked for you.
Disclaimer: Please keep your healthcare provider in the loop before introducing any new food item into your lifestyle, especially if you have a medical health condition or are on medications. In case you are allergic to certain foods, please avoid the same.
