Health benefits of Oilcure Pumpkin Seeds:
1. Great natural source of Proteins: One general serving of pumpkin seeds raw say about 25-30 gms, which is about a small cup, is full of proteins ( 7 gms, about 28% RDI of protein). Pumpkin seed has all the 9 essential amino acids other than nonessential amino acids. These help in making building blocks of tissues and muscles. Proteins are involved in practically every function performed by a cell. Responsible for creation of ATP (adenosine triphosphate, the energy molecules of your body), the synthesis of RNA and DNA, the pumping of your heart, proper bone and tooth formation, relaxation of your blood vessels, and proper bowel function.
2. Heart Healthy Magnesium: Pumpkin seeds are full of magnesium, a mineral which is required as a catalyst for more than 600 chemical reactions in the cells that produce energy and synthesizes body compounds. Magnesium is required for heart cells as well for its proper functioning. Pumpkin seeds contain phytosterols, compounds that have been shown to reduce levels of LDL cholesterol.
Adequate levels of magnesium are important for:
- Controlling blood pressure
- Reducing heart disease risk
- Forming and maintaining healthy bones
- Regulating blood sugar levels
3. Great for your muscle toning and action: Magnesium in pumpkin seeds conducts nerve impulses that stimulate muscle contraction ( necessary for proper and healthy muscle movements and functioning). It works as a muscle relaxant in combination with calcium during muscle activities.
4. Zinc for male hormones: Pumpkin seeds are very rich in Zinc which is necessary for male hormones formation and for normal testicular function. It is involved in proper digestion of proteins as well. Zinc is important to your body in many ways, including immunity, cell growth, and division, sleep, mood, your senses of taste and smell, eye and skin health, insulin regulation, and male sexual function.
5. Prostate Health: Pumpkin seeds may help relieve symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition where the prostate gland enlarges and can cause problems with urination. Several studies in humans found that eating these seeds reduced symptoms that are associated with BPH. A study of over 1,400 men looked at the effects of consuming pumpkin seeds on BPH. After one year, men receiving them reported reduced symptoms and a better quality of life.
6. Diabetes: Most of the evidence about pumpkin seeds and prevention or treatment of diabetes has come from animal studies. For this reason, we consider research in this area to be preliminary. However, recent studies on laboratory animals have shown the ability of ground pumpkin seeds, pumpkin seed extracts, and pumpkin seed oil to improve insulin regulation in diabetic animals and to prevent some unwanted consequences of diabetes on kidney function. A decrease in oxidative stress has played a key role in many studies that show the benefits of pumpkin seeds for diabetic animals.
7. Anti-depression and promotes sleep: Pumpkin seeds contain L-tryptophan, which helps promote sleep and fight depression. Tryptophan is converted into serotonin and niacin, which aids in sleeping. Eating pumpkin seeds a few hours before bed, along with a carbohydrate like a small piece of fruit, may be especially beneficial for providing your body the tryptophan needed for your melatonin and serotonin production to help promote a restful night's sleep.
8. Benefits for Postmenopausal Women: Pumpkin seeds are rich in natural phytoestrogens and studies suggest it may lead to a significant increase in good "HDL" cholesterol along with decreases in blood pressure, hot flashes, headaches, joint pains and other menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women.
9. Fiber for obesity: Pumpkin kernels with the shell removed contains 1.7 grams of fiber per ounce. A diet high in fiber can promote good digestive health. In addition, high-fiber diets have been associated with a reduced risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity.
10. Improves your eyes and Retina health: Pumpkin is a great source of flavonoids and zinc. While important for all round immune-health, zinc is necessary to enable Vitamin A to travel from the liver to the eye so that it can be used to protect the retina. In addition, a zinc deficiency may contribute to symptoms of night blindness. Pumpkin increases your zinc intake and keeps your vision as sharp as ever. Further, Cold-processed Pumpkin Seed Oil usually contains high levels of zeaxanthin. Zeaxanthin is an antioxidant carotenoid that has been shown to protect your eye’s retina from both UV and blue light damage. Because of this, it may help reduce the risk of macular degeneration, a very common problem for older people, and improve visual acuity in general.
