1. Can Boost Immune Function
Thanks to the presence of Zinc, pumpkin seeds can make the body more resistant to illness. Zinc rallies the cells that attack invading pathogens, preventing a major infection from erupting. It is much more important you get enough zinc if you work out hard, as it is often lost in sweat.
2. Can Promote Hair Growth
Pumpkin seeds are a melting pot of nutrients beneficial for hair health, including magnesium, small amounts of the amino acid arginine (which boosts blood flow to the hair follicles) and Vitamin E, which supports the overall growth cycle of hair. Though its effects are not fast, consistent consumption of the seeds are likely to yield dividends over the course of many months.
3. Helps Balance Body pH Level
People do not understand the importance of ensuing the body is left in as close to its natural pH as possible (pH being a measure of the relative acidity: alkalinity). The body is naturally a neutral to slightly alkaline pH, but often deviates from this due to the nature of many processed foods. Shifting blood acidity is believed responsible for a myriad of adverse health effects. Regular consumption of pumpkin seeds may help your body recover its natural state.
4. Help Control Blood Sugar
Magnesium is a super important mineral also has numerous functions in enzymatic and hormonal reactions, in this case, helping improve insulin sensitivity. Pumpkin seed consumption can also promote anti-oxidant affinity, as high oxidation rate is a contributing factor in damage to the pancreas and liver, and may explain decreased islet cell density (the cells that make insulin).
5. Source of Needed Fiber
People that eat out a lot, and do not prepare food from home are much more likely to have diets low in fiber. However, pumpkin seeds are an easy way to increase your intake, as just one ounce of these seeds has about 5g of fiber. Though fiber’s benefits have been harped on by the media as a whole, to recap just think of improved digestion, heart health and even controlling blood sugar levels.
6. Pumpkin Seeds Are Rich In Protein
Protein’s importance is well known in health circles, as it helps with cell regeneration, and is involved in maintaining your structural integrity and numerous biochemical processes being undertaken every second of our existence. While meat-eaters have no real problem meeting protein requirements, vegetarians and vegans do. This makes pumpkin seeds an excellent support food, as just 100g of dried or roasted seeds yield up to 30g protein. This can go a long way in helping someone meet their requirements, as you can easily chew a large amount throughout the day.
7. Promotes Good Night Sleep
If you’re looking for a healthy nighttime snack, pumpkin seeds are amongst the best choices you can make. Pumpkin seeds are rich ion the amino acid tryptophan, which promotes serotonin levels in the brain and induces a state of relaxation. Better yet? Consume some seeds throughout the day. This will not only help you sleep better at night (as tryptophan’s effects are stronger at night following your natural circadian rhythm), but will also cut your cravings from emotional eating.
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