Pumpkin seeds provide antioxidants, fiber, healthy fats, magnesium, protein, and more. There might be some direct benefits of consuming pumpkin seeds. For example, research has shown that pumpkin seeds might promote heart health and help you get a good night
1 Rich in Magnesium
Pumpkin seeds are a source of magnesium.2 This mineral plays an essential role in more than 300 reactions in your body
2 Contain Healthy Fats and Fiber
Pumpkin seeds provide more fat than carbs and protein per one-ounce serving, or about one-quarter of a cup. The fat in pumpkin seeds is mostly monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat. These healthy fats reduce LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels, which helps lower your risk of heart disease and stroke.56
3 Has Been Shown To Increase Male Fertility
Some evidence suggests that pumpkin seeds help improve aspects of male fertility, such as ejaculatory latency and sexual stimulation.9 Ejaculatory latency is the time it takes to ejaculate during vaginal penetration.
4. May Reduce Breast Cancer Risk
Phytoestrogens are natural compounds in some foods, including pumpkin seeds. These compounds are similar to the hormone estrogen. Some evidence suggests that consuming foods that contain phytoestrogens helps reduce breast cancer risk.
5 Might Promote Heart Health
Research has shown that pumpkin seed extract might reduce blood pressure and increase blood flow in postmenopausal women.High blood pressure and decreased blood flow are two major risk factors for heart disease. Pumpkin seeds have plenty of antioxidants, healthy fats, and fiber, all of which are essential for heart health
6 Support Healthy Sleep
Pumpkin seeds are a source of tryptophan, an amino acid, with about 576mg per 100g.1 Tryptophan helps your body produce melatonin and serotonin, both of which are hormones that promote a good night’s rest. Melatonin controls your sleep-wake cycle, and serotonin helps regulate mood and sleep.
7 Provide Antioxidants
Pumpkin seeds contain antioxidants, including flavonoids and phenols.These antioxidants help fend off cell damage, which may protect against aging and disease.
Research has linked flavonoids to several health-promoting effects, including protection against artery hardening, cancer, and cognitive decline. Phenols also have anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects
