Most of us throw them away, but did you know those small green seeds that are often thrown away from a pumpkin are actually a powerhouse of goodness! Adding a few tablespoons of pumpkin seeds into a salad or in a trail mix with nuts and dried fruits is a really easy way to incorporate these tasty seeds that are also really good for you into your diet.
Here Are the Benefits of Eating these Seeds Regularly
1. Rich Protein Source. Just 30 grams (one ounce) of pumpkin seeds provides 7 grams of protein. Next time you get asked where you get your protein, you can tell them from pumpkin seeds- I am sure that most people will be surprised!
2. Rich Iron Source. Iron is often associated with red meat, but pumpkin seeds are an awesome way for vegans to get iron. Just one serving (30 grams) of pumpkin seeds will provide 20-30% of the recommended daily allowance of iron. It is really important to get enough iron so that your body can make new red blood cells, and too little iron can lead to anaemia. So get munching on pumpkin seeds to increase the iron levels in your system.
3. Source of Vitamin E. One serving of pumpkin seeds can provide the recommended daily allowance of Vitamin E. This vitamin is an important antioxidant that maintains healthy red blood cells and muscle tissue. It is also useful for protecting the lungs from pollutants and has been linked to reducing heart disease problems. If you live in a big city like me, eating foods that are rich in vitamin E is a great way to keep the toxins from smog and pollution out of my body.
4. Rich in B Vitamins. Pumpkin kernels are also excellent source of B-complex group of vitamins such as thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6 and folate. B vitamins are really important for metabolising energy, and if you are a busy person with a lot of stress, you want to ensure you are getting enough vitamin B. Pumpkin seeds are better than any vitamin pill!
5. Versatile. You can pretty much use pumpkin seed with anything. They have a sweet, nutty flavour, so they can be used in both savory and sweet meals. I sprinkle them on my salads, munch on them on their own, add them to my raw granola mix, and mix them into regular flax cracker mixes. I also add them to blended soups to bring a bit of crunch. Throw them into whatever you are making!
6. Easy to prepare. Next time you have a pumpkin, don’t throw away the seeds. Instead, scoop them out and rinse them under some water. Then let the seeds dry before you put them into the dehydrator for about 18-24 hours. Voila! Instant seeds to snack on!
7. Low calorie snack. 1 handful of pumpkin seeds is a healthy, low calorie snack (under 100 calories) and I find that they are great to snack on if you are craving something crunchy- much healthier than a bag of crisps or other commercially prepared snacks that are high in sodium.
So there you have it- the low-down on the trusty pumpkin seed, which really is a super powerful food!
Do you like pumpkin seeds? How do you usually eat them?
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