Pumpkin seeds , or pumpkin seeds , are an excellent food to incorporate into your diet. We are used to consuming them as a snack , however, they have great contributions to our health. The ease of introducing them into the diet means that we do not have to make a great effort to eat them, if we are not used to it.
Whether on toast, salads, pasta, or just about any dish, pumpkin seeds are a great addition. Just take a handful of these to let them work and enjoy their benefits. In addition, the flavor is really pleasant and gives any dish a very appetizing texture. Sometimes, taking care of ourselves happens by knowing some star foods like this one.
Benefits and properties of pumpkin seeds
1. They favor the condition of our skin
Its content in vitamins A and E ; minerals like zinc and selenium ; and essential fatty acids , make them real allies for the skin. In this way, it helps to treat cases of acne, eczema or aging, among others.
2. Beneficial for hair
Pumpkin seeds take care of the hair and scalp. This is because they are rich in vitamins A, K and B (biotin), sulfur, zinc, and Omega 3 fatty acids.
3. Appropriate for treating fluid retention
And is that pumpkin seeds have diuretic properties that help get rid of fluid accumulation.
4. Relieve pre-menstruation discomfort
Its content in Omega 3 and 6, and antioxidants , help reduce the inflammation that can be generated during premenstrual syndrome. Therefore, it relieves pain in the abdominal or breast area.
5. Regulates cholesterol levels
Helps to reduce bad cholesterol , thus regulating blood cholesterol levels. This is thanks to its content in essential fatty acids and phytosterols.
6. They take care of the nervous system
Pumpkin seeds contain L-Tryptophan , an essential substance for reducing symptoms in depressive states. Their contribution of zinc , make them a very powerful natural medicine to treat stress, anxiety, nervousness or insomnia.
So you already know. Taking care of yourself is very easy. It is important to take advantage of super foods and their great contributions, to prevent future ills. Pumpkin seeds are an ideal choice for your body and mind.
What side effects can it have?
Eating pumpkin seeds can have some undesirable side effects. Eating too much, even when chewed carefully, can also lead to intestinal gas and diarrhea.
These seeds are rich in fiber. You'll get just over 5 grams from a 30-gram serving, which means that some of its carbohydrates are not completely digestible. When these undigested carbohydrates reach the large intestine, they are broken down by bacteria. Gas is a by-product of this process, especially for people who are not used to high-fiber foods.
Eating more fiber than you are used to can also lead to loose, watery stools. However, if you generally have diarrhea after eating pumpkin seeds, you may have an intolerance or sensitivity to this food. Constipation is also a possible, though less likely, side effect of eating them – the fiber you get from eating large amounts of pumpkin seeds can also temporarily stop you.
Prevention of its side effects
Eating the seeds in moderation and with plenty of fluids can prevent digestive problems. 30 grams is the standard amount for a single serving. The seeds are also known to trigger migraine headaches in some people. However, if you are not prone to migraines, you probably will not develop them from eating pumpkin seeds.
Avoid spoilage toxins
Although the unsaturated fatty acids in pumpkin seeds promote cardiovascular health, they also make them prone to spoiling quickly. Eating stale seeds exposes you to free radicals, toxic compounds that can increase your risk of cancer, heart disease, and other chronic diseases.
Fresh and dried pumpkin seeds can stay in optimal condition for about two months in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Seeds that smell musty, fat, or grassy have probably gone rancid.
Does it affect testosterone?
It is true that they may not be as common as sesame seeds and sunflower seeds, but if you are trying to increase your testosterone levels, they may be worth introducing them into your diet. They are rich in unsaturated fats and provide a number of nutrients that can help improve your testosterone levels. Despite the potential benefits, you shouldn't use pumpkin seeds to treat any medical condition.
Magnesium
Among the nutrients that pumpkin seeds provide is magnesium. This mineral helps regulate the levels of a number of other nutrients in your body and supports the action of enzymes. Additionally, research published in the April 2011 issue of "Biological Trace Element Research" indicates that magnesium can promote elevated testosterone levels.
Leucine
Pumpkins contain leucine, an amino acid that can help promote fat oxidation and resistance, making it a popular sports nutrition supplement. Strength training athletes may find it particularly beneficial, as science indicates that taking leucine can help increase testosterone levels.
Fats
Pumpkin seeds are similar to sesame and sunflower seeds in that they are rich in fat. Every 30 grams provides approximately 14 grams of fat, which can be detrimental for a low-fat diet but beneficial for increasing testosterone.
