Do you know the benefits of pumpkin seed?

For many times, when consuming a particular vegetable or fruit, the peels and seeds end up being discarded, because most people believe that there is no use for these parts of food. However, they are many nutrients rich for health and make a total difference and can be consumed as well as vegetables or fruits to which they belong.

There are several ways to consume the seeds, and in this case, the pumpkin seed brings to your health many benefits, as it is rich in omega 3, fiber, antioxidants, good fats and several other important components for the maintenance of good health.

Knowing these attributes of pumpkin seeds will make you never throw it away when consuming the vegetable again, and give you the chance to add them more often in your life and routine. See below for the benefits of pumpkin seeds and how to consume them!

Understanding more about pumpkin seed

Pumpkin seed is a very rich part of the vegetable in question, and it has distinct components that contribute to various aspects of health benefits.

With so many important elements for health, the pumpkin seed can bring improvements to your day to day in various sectors, such as for the functioning of the brain and heart, as well as can positively influence the intestinal transit for those who suffer from problems of this nature. Learn more about the pumpkin seed!

What is pumpkin seed?

Inside the pumpkins, whatever quality it is, are the seeds, which are commonly discarded or used for planting the vegetable again. Many people discard them because they do not know its benefits and how it can be used on a daily basis, but there are several ways to add this powerful food in your routine to bring more benefits to your health.

Knowing your food and what it can offer overall is very important as many of the important vitamins, nutrients and components are found in areas such as peels and seeds.

Origin and characteristics of the pumpkin seed

There are several distinct types of pumpkin, in Brazil some are more common to be found, but they can also be seen in other various countries around the world with their own species.

In general, pumpkins and their seeds have the same benefits even in different species, and may vary in relation to the amount or the way they are presented.

History highlights that the pumpkin started to be cultivated more than 9,000 years ago in civilizations called Olmeca, which developed in locations such as Mexico. However, today it is common in several locations around the world.

What is pumpkin seed used for?

There are several benefits shown by the components that are part of the pumpkin seed in general. It is rich in omega 3, which is present in other rich foods such as fish, and has unique anti-inflammatory properties for the joints.

It also serves to delay some effects caused by premature aging. Among its various actions in the body, the pumpkin seed ensures a proper functioning of the intestine due to a very large amount of fiber that has.

Properties of pumpkin seed

Among the main properties of pumpkin seed can be highlighted some that make a total difference to improve the quality of life and health of people. They are a very rich source of protein, help increase the intake of magnesium which is of great importance for the human body and several of its processes.

There is also the benefit of strengthening the immune system to prevent diseases like colds, flu and others from approaching easily. The seeds also increase the potassium level and give a feeling of happiness.

Benefits of pumpkin seed

Understanding that pumpkin seeds have several important properties is a very positive step to add these ingredients to your daily life and enjoy all the benefits that this ingredient can bring to your health in general.

There are several improvements felt in the body when inserting these seeds in your daily life. Pumpkin seeds help in several processes, such as fighting fatigue and stress and more serious diseases like anemia. See the benefits of pumpkin seeds below!

Combats stress and fatigue

With increasingly exhausting routines it is important for people to add to their days ingredients and foods that favor them to relieve daily stress and fatigue bringing a sense of well-being.

Pumpkin seeds have unique properties that bring this feeling, such as magnesium and tryptophan, which are substances that act at the brain level and guarantee this type of action in the body. They help to combat excess stress caused by everyday problems, relieve fatigue and also stimulate memory in a very positive way.

Helps in weight loss

Another positive point of pumpkin seeds is the fact that they can assist in the process of weight loss. People who are in this phase seek through food and natural ingredients a way to lose weight with health can use in their days of these seeds.

This is because they have a lot of fiber that is very important for a healthy and regulated weight loss. This is due to the fact that the consumption of these seeds on a daily basis brings a feeling of satiety due to the high amount of fiber. And with that, they can decrease the amount of food consumed during the day.

Helps in the gain of muscle mass

For those who seek health and are also in a process of changing their activities in the pursuit of muscle mass, pumpkin seeds can be an auxiliary food in this process.

Pumpkin seeds are very rich in protein, and have high amounts of it that can help a lot in the process of gaining muscle mass. If your goal is to get more muscle mass, add the seeds in your daily life along with other foods such as yogurts, vitamins and during small snacks.

Protects the body's cells

Pumpkin seeds have such vast and incredible properties that they are even able to act protecting the cells of the body in general. This action is due to the fact that they have a high content of antioxidants in their composition, which are important substances that help protect body cells from the effects caused by free radicals.

Their action also helps to decrease inflammation which can also benefit health by decreasing the risks of some types of cancer, such as breast, colon, stomach and even prostate.

Improves heart health

The heart is a major concern for most people, as diseases of this organ are very unstable and can cause other various health problems. Adding pumpkin seeds in your daily life can help protect this organ longer so that it is not affected by health problems common in various people.

This action of the seeds is due to the fact that they have phytosterols, magnesium, good fatty acids and zinc in their composition, in addition to omega 3, which will also benefit in this sense. These components exert a very great cardioprotective action, and control blood pressure and the risk of heart disease.

Improves thyroid and prostate health

The presence of zinc in the composition of pumpkin seeds make this food very rich and important for various organs of the human body.

This mineral is essential for the proper functioning of various processes, as it strengthens the immune system and helps regulate the thyroid, which can cause various problems and disorders if it is deregulated.

Consumption of this seed in your daily life can decrease the symptoms of diseases like benign prostatic hyperplasia as well, and improves the quality of life considerably.

Strengthens the immune system

The diversity of components and actions of pumpkin seeds is very large, and in this way it also has positive effects to care for and protect the immune system so that diseases that are quickly transmitted do not cause problems.

The zinc that is present in the composition of these seeds is an excellent immune system protector, and it will prevent colds and flu from approaching your body many times a year, which is common for most people during the changing seasons.

Has anti-inflammatory action

The anti-inflammatory actions of pumpkin seeds are very important points to be highlighted. These effects are due to the fact that these seeds are very rich in omega 3, an important component for the proper functioning of the human body and that has anti-inflammatory actions.

It acts directly to combat these processes, whether they are caused by stress or other situations that can end up causing inflammation in the body.

The omega 3 is a very important component, and for many times it ceases to be consumed because it is found in some very specific foods, such as fish. That is why it is worth adding pumpkin seeds in your daily life.

It has anti-parasitic and anti-helminthic action

The antiparasitic and anthelmintic action of pumpkin seeds are two very interesting points to be raised about it and that highlight it as a powerful food full of properties.

These seeds can be used as home remedies as they can fight some of the most common intestinal parasites that still affect thousands of people in various regions.

These actions are very important, because as the seeds are natural products that do not have contraindications in general, they can be used in the treatment of both adults and children.

Combats anemia

Anemia is a very serious disease that affects thousands of people every day, due to the lack of some items that are beneficial to the human body in general. Adding pumpkin seeds in your daily life can greatly modify this scenario and prevent you from suffering from this disease.

They are a source of iron, and therefore help in the process of combating anemia where this mineral is essential. An important point to be highlighted is that as it is a plant food, it can be consumed by vegetarians and vegans who may face the disease and can not consume animal products.

Relieves menstrual cramps and tummy aches

Due to the presence of magnesium in the composition of pumpkin seeds, it is also indicated to relieve stomach aches and menstrual cramps. The mineral has a very positive ability to prevent unregulated muscle contraction and therefore can assist in these uncomfortable processes.

Women who suffer with very intense menstrual cramps should add these seeds in their daily diet, especially in these periods of the month, because they will certainly bring a much greater relief to the pain felt.

Regulates blood sugar levels

By the amount of fiber and also magnesium present in its composition, pumpkin seeds have very positive actions for regulating blood sugar. That is why they are highly recommended for people who suffer from diseases related to this aspect, such as diabetes.

The disease can be controlled with medication and pumpkin seed will be an excellent helper in this process, preventing blood sugar levels from rising causing bad feelings.

Further information on pumpkin seeds

The health benefits of pumpkin seed are many, so it is very important to understand that this food should not be discarded as most people do when consuming the vegetable in question.

There are a few distinct ways to insert seeds into your daily life along with the common food that is already a part of your life but could bring important effects and valuable improvements to your health.

The preparations with pumpkin seeds are quite simple and can be added to your daily life easily. Learn how to prepare and consume pumpkin seeds!

How to consume pumpkin seed

Pumpkin seeds can be consumed in several ways, depending on what is easier for those who want to include them in their diet. This is because there are natural products made with the seed that can be ingested as capsules, but you can also add it naturally in your daily diet, along with cereals, yogurts and other foods such as salads for example.

This diversity of ways to use the seeds brings many more options for consumption and facilitates the insertion of this in their days. Therefore, know the forms of preparation and use and choose the best for your routine.

Dry seed

A common consumption option of pumpkin seeds is in its format where it is dried. They can be used in several ways in this case, they can be inserted into salads and different dishes adding more texture to these, such as salads or even soups.

They can also be used as appetizers, this way they get more roasted and can be seasoned the way you prefer, with salt, pepper and other spices to bring more flavor. A common way to consume and very tasty is to add some powdered ginger to season the dried seed.

Crushed seed or flour

The seeds can also be consumed in the form of flour, to add both in preparations of cakes and other items and also directly in yogurts and other drinks such as vitamins. In this case, the flour can be found ready in natural products stores or can also be made at home.

To make the seeds must be dry, just as they are consumed as an appetizer, but in this case it will not be necessary to add salt or other seasonings so that it continues with its neutral flavor and does not affect the preparations where they will be added.

Pumpkin seed oil

The oil made with the pumpkin seed has incredible properties for health, and can be found in several supermarkets or then natural products stores. This oil is used to season salads and also to add in other preparations, such as soups, because it is used at the end to give more flavor.

This, because it is not recommended that this oil is heated for stews and other dishes that are hot, because when going through this process it ends up losing its properties. Thus, pumpkin seed oil should be used only in ready-made dishes and cold way.

Price and where to buy pumpkin seed

The values may vary a lot according to the store and also the way the seed will be bought, the natural one in general can be found in natural products stores and specialized in items of this nature for about R$9,90 each 200g. Its ready flour can be found for about R$14,00 each 200g.

The products can be found in natural product stores and warehouses, both physical and can also be purchased from various stores over the internet that provide them easily.

How to store pumpkin seed

Pumpkin seeds, if prepared at home, should be stored in bags or well-sealed jars. The ideal is that they stay in places where there is no contact with moisture and also incidence of sunlight, and that are cool.

Therefore, it is recommended that the product be placed inside a well-sealed pot or bag inside the cabinet so that it stays the way you want. It is important that the place is dry because the seeds may end up being rehydrated if they have contact with more humid places and thus lose their crunchy aspect.

Malefícios of the pumpkin seed

As with all products, whether natural or not, it is necessary to be careful how you consume these. The quantities and also the period in which the foods are consumed should be respected according to the indication, because it is otherwise they can bring some harm to health for more that contain positive actions in general.

Some warnings to make is that if you choose seeds that are industrialized and not prepared homemade, that analyze the amounts of sodium, because some products may come with much of this element that can cause problems if consumed in excess.

Another detail to be careful is the very high amounts of fiber, which can cause digestive problems in people who are not used to consuming much fiber daily.

Contraindications of pumpkin seed

In addition to the cautions of consuming pumpkin seeds in excess in an unregulated manner, some people should also pay attention when deciding to add this food in their day.

This is because pumpkin seeds are not indicated for people who have inflammatory bowel diseases, as their attributes can end up aggravating these much more than helping.

Thus, those who have problems such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease should not use the seeds. Another point to be highlighted is that people who are not accustomed to the properties of the seed may feel discomfort in the first days of consumption, such as flatulence.

Pumpkin seed has several benefits!

The pumpkin seed is a rich food that often ends up being discarded and wasted. If you have the habit of consuming pumpkin in their days, save the seeds and use the tips that were discussed in this article, how to use these seeds in roasted preparations or else transform them into a nutritious flour and full of components that can modify their quality of life and health.

Therefore, take advantage of all the benefits they can offer to your health, and add the pumpkin seeds in your diet. But do not forget, respect the limits and also the effects shown by your body, at the slightest sign of any problem, reduce the use or stop for a period to adapt.