Though pumpkin seeds are small, they are packed with nutrients! These delicious seeds contain a mix of magnesium, zinc, polyunsaturated fatty acids, antioxidants, and healthy fats that can help you function at an optimum level.
Let’s explore the health benefits of pumpkin seeds and how to eat them correctly.
One cup of pumpkin seeds contains:
Here is how pumpkin seeds translate into a physical and mental health boost:
Pumpkin seeds contain hypoglycemic properties, which can help patients with diabetes gain better control of their blood sugar levels. A study conducted on more than 127,000 people revealed that a magnesium-rich diet can help reduce type 2 diabetes risk by 33% in men and 34% in women.
One ounce of pumpkin seeds contains nearly 2 grams of fiber, which is important for better digestive health. They also contain dietary lignans, which are associated with lower risks of prostate and breast cancer.
A study showed that pumpkin seeds can also lower the risk of colon, breast, stomach, lung, and prostate cancers. While some believe that consuming pumpkin seeds can reduce the risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women, others say lignans in pumpkin seeds may help treat breast cancer. Also, pumpkin-seed supplements can delay the growth of prostate cancer cells.
Fatty acids, zinc, antioxidants, and magnesium in pumpkin seeds can help enhance your heart health. A 3-month study conducted on 35 postmenopausal women showed that pumpkin seed oil supplements reduced the diastolic blood pressure by 7% (bottom blood pressure reading) and increased good cholesterol levels by 16%. Pumpkin seeds are also known to increase nitric oxide generation, which helps dilate blood vessels and enhance blood flow.
Pumpkin seeds are a rich source of magnesium that plays an essential role in regulating our body’s stress response system by reducing blood pressure and sugar levels. Magnesium also contributes to relaxation and deep restorative sleep by balancing the GABA levels (a neurotransmitter in the brain that calms down the mind and body, reducing stress levels).
Pumpkin seeds are also rich in Vitamin E and antioxidants, which can help strengthen your immune system and keep your blood vessels healthy. They also contain manganese, which promotes better wound healing, and zinc, which helps your immune system fight viruses and bacteria. On top of that, pumpkin seeds contain anti-viral and anti-fungal properties that help fight common infections.
Being rich in fiber, unsaturated fatty acids, and protein, pumpkin seeds can help with weight loss. A study shows that fiber enhances the feeling of fullness, thus reducing overeating or between meal snacking. Another study reveals that protein also helps with weight loss by promoting a feeling of fullness, and preventing overeating.
Pumpkin seeds can be consumed in several ways, including:
Relevant blog: 6 Reasons to Add Pumpkin in Your Diet
If you are looking for more insights on pumpkin seed benefits or have a non-life-threatening health emergency that needs immediate medical attention, visit us today at Costa Mesa Urgent Care, CA, or schedule an appointment with us here. We will quickly treat your condition and provide professional medical guidance. We also serve the nearby communities, including Woodbridge Walk-In Urgent Care in Irvine and Fountain Valley Urgent Care.
Dr. Bunten is originally from Huntington Beach, CA. He attended high school in Tokyo, Japan, went to college at UC San Diego and then to medical school in the Midwest. He returned home to California for residency training in Family Medicine at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center. His immediate family all reside in Huntington Beach.
Dr Fishbein has been in the practice of family medicine for over 35 years in Irvine. He received his undergraduate degree from Southern Illinois University, medical degree from Chicago Medical School, and completed his family medicine residency at Memorial Hospital of Long Beach.
Dr. Kim is the Medical Director of Family Care Centers, Chair of the Department of Family Medicine at Hoag Hospital, and a recipient of the Physicians of Excellence award from the Orange County Medical Association. He is Board Certified in Family Medicine, and has been practicing in our community for over 20 years.
Dr. Memon is a board certified Family Medicine physician and recently completed her fellowship in Geriatrics at the University of California, Irvine Medical Center. She attended Saint George’s University, School of Medicine and completed her residency at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center. Her interest in medicine started at an early age and has since evolved into a passionate career.
Dr. Gina Nguyen obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at UC Irvine where she graduated Suma Cum Laude. She went to USC Keck School of Medicine, and returned to UC Irvine for a Family Medicine Residency. Since 2005, she worked at Kaiser Permanente, VNCOC, and Family Care Center Urgent Care.
Dr. Williams is Board Certified in Family Medicine and Sports Medicine. He is a native to Orange County and returned home after completing his medical degree at the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque. After completing his residency in family practice he successfully completed a fellowship in sports medicine.
Dr. Hye Lee is a board-certified Family Practice Physician, affiliated with the American Osteopathic Association and the American College of Osteopathic Family Practice.She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at UC Riverside and earned her medical degree from Des Moines University Osteopathic Medical Center. Afterward, she did her internship at Downey Regional Medical Center in California and has been a primary care physician since 2005.
Dr. Coyne is a board certified family practice physician and a California native. He completed his undergraduate degree at UCLA before earning his medical degree at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Dr Coyne spent 6 years in the US Air Force at Andrews and Luke Air Force bases, eventually separating as a Major. He enjoys working with patients of all ages.”
Dr. Jay Friehling is a Family Practice physician who has worked in Orange County since 1981. Born in Florida, he received his undergraduate degree from Cornell University and then earned a Medical Degree at the New York Medical College.” His healthcare interests include Diabetes, Geriatric Care, and Hospice Care.
Dr. Jennifer Shoquist is board certified in Family Medicine. Her special interest is woman’s health and her practice accepts patients from 6 years old to seniors. Dr. Shoquist received her M.D. degree at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston in Houston, Texas, and did her residency with Memorial Family Practice at memorial Southwest Hospital in Houston, Texas.
Dr. Tom is a board certified family medicine physician and native Californian. He received his bachelors of science with great distinction in biochemistry and honors in chemistry. Dr. Tom was awarded a Regents Scholarship to attend medical school at UC Irvine.
Dr. Yan attended Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her Family Practice residency at Kern Medical Center in Bakersfield, California. She joined Family Care Center in 2001. She chose Family Practice because she enjoys working with a wide variety of people and because it provides a unique opportunity for continuing care.
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