Pumpkin seeds: properties and contraindications

Pumpkin seeds are well known for their nutritional and medicinal properties. Many nutritionists recommend its consumption to complement healthy diets, mainly in people with overweight problems. Among the properties of pumpkin seeds we find:

• Anti-inflammatory: pumpkin seeds are a highly recommended food for those who suffer from arthritis pain. In fact, an oil widely used to treat muscle and bone injuries is extracted from pumpkin seeds. It is mainly due to its high content of zinc, a fundamental mineral for cells that can act as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent.
• Antioxidants: pumpkin seeds contain vitamins A, K and E, compounds that play an antioxidant role in the body, helping us to prevent aging and protect our body from free radical attack.
• RelaxingIn its composition, pumpkin seeds harbor tryptophan, an amino acid that the body transforms into serotonin and, later, into melatonin. Thanks to this, pumpkin seeds are perfect for fighting insomnia and reducing our anxiety levels.
• Digestive: being a food very rich in fiber, pumpkin seeds can become a great ally when it comes to regulating intestinal transit. Consuming pumpkin seeds daily and in moderation for long periods of time can help us reduce abdominal bloating and avoid digestive problems such as constipation.

As we have seen, the nutritional composition of pumpkin seeds is very broad. Consuming these seeds properly not only purifies our body, but also helps us prevent the deterioration of cells and our vital organs. And what are the benefits of pumpkin seeds? Here are some pathological conditions that pumpkin seeds are good for:

They help lower “bad” cholesterol

Pumpkin seeds contain a high in polyunsaturated fat (also called “good fats”), fats made up of essential fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6. These fatty acids help us regulate the levels of cholesterol present in the blood, preventing its accumulation in the arteries and preventing cardiovascular diseases.

Also, pumpkin seeds contain phytosterols, substances that are also very beneficial in reducing “bad” cholesterol.

Prevent prostate tumor and parasites

Pumpkin seeds are a good ally to prevent benign prostate hyperplasia, very common in men. In this way, help treat irritable bladder and urination problems associated with this enlarged prostate. It is believed to be due to its high sterol content and the presence of certain enzymes.^[1]

Similarly, due to its cucurbitin content, this food has been used to fight intestinal parasites, especially tapeworms. Thanks to its properties, this food contributes to slow down the development of worms in the stomach. In addition, these seeds are rich in fibers, a key element to clean the intestine and prevent constipation.^[1]

Help strengthen defenses

Pumpkin seeds are rich in iron and zinc, some essential minerals to improve defenses and shield our immune system. In addition, due to its high iron content, many nutritionists recommend this ingredient to people suffering from anemia, allowing them to enjoy more energy and vitality.

Contribute to bone health

Thanks to your high in calcium and magnesium, pumpkin seeds help us keep our bones healthy and strong, reducing the impact of diseases such as arthritis and osteoporosis. To achieve a better absorption of calcium, we must take them with foods rich in vitamin D, such as fish or mushrooms.

If you want to know in more detail all the Benefits of pumpkin seeds, take a look at this other article.

There are many benefits of consuming pumpkin seeds, but what if I eat a lot of pumpkin seeds? You should always take them in a moderate way, since there are certain contraindications that you must take into account, such as:

• Stomach problemsPumpkin seeds are rich in fiber, so an excess of this food can cause stomach pain, flatulence and diarrhea.
• AllergiesIn some people, pumpkin seeds have been known to cause mild skin allergies or reactions such as eczema and irritations. Given this risk, you should make sure you are not allergic or have an intolerance to pumpkin seeds.
• Weight gainDespite being healthy fats, pumpkin seeds have a high percentage of fat. Therefore, consuming them in excess can be counterproductive when it comes to losing weight. How fattening are pumpkin seeds? They provide about 450 calories per 100 grams. We tell you more in this other article: Are pumpkin seeds fattening?

Therefore, eating pumpkin seeds does not have to be negative, as long as you consume them in moderation and combined with other healthy foods, as well as with daily exercise.

You already know everything about pumpkin seeds: properties and contraindications, so let’s see how to make pumpkin seeds. The best way to eat these seeds is eat them raw. You can extract them directly from the vegetable and eat them with or without the shell, or buy them from a trusted herbalist. In the supermarket they usually sell only roasted and salted pumpkin seeds.

If what you want is to cleanse the body, it is ideal to eat them on an empty stomach or accompanying your main meals. However, you must be careful not to overeat. How many pumpkin seeds can you eat per day? Eating about 20 grams three days a week it will be enough to benefit you from all its properties.

Also, if you want to give your breakfasts and meals a more intense flavor, can you eat the toasted pumpkin seeds. We tell you how to toast pumpkin seeds step by step:

1. Boil the peeled pipes in water for 10 minutes.
2. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees while the seeds are cooking.
3. Then, remove the seeds from the heat and drain the boiled water until the pipes are dry. Put them in a mold and bake for 20 minutes.
4. Many people add olive oil, caramel or other natural additives to consume pumpkin seeds for dessert, because thanks to their exquisite flavor they complement any menu wonderfully.

Finally, you should know that pumpkin seeds they are also used as a seasoning. In this case, it will be enough to crush the previously roasted seeds into a powder and then sprinkle the final product on broths, stews or salads. In addition, its oil is highly appreciated. In this other article we tell you How to take pumpkin seed oil.

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1. Freiza, B. (2001). Butternut squash, Cucurbita pepo L. (cucurbits). Medicinal plants and plant drugs. Vol. 20, No. 6, p. 195