HEALTH BENEFITS OF PUMPKIN SEEDS
1. Prostate Protection:
Pumpkin seeds promote overall prostate health and alleviate te difficult urination associated with an enlarged prostate.
2. Improved Bladder Function:
In some studies, pumpkin seed extracts improved bladder function in animals.
3. Depression Treatment:
Pumpkin seeds contain L-tryptophan, a compound naturally effective against depression.
4. Prevention of Osteoporosis:
Because Pumpkin seeds are high in zinc, pumpkin seeds are a natural protector against osteoporosis. Low intake of zinc is linked to higher rates of osteoporosis.
5. Natural Anti-Inflammatory:
Pumpkin seeds effectively reduce inflammation without the side effects of anti-inflammatory drugs.
6. Prevention of Kidney Stones:
Pumpkin seeds prevent calcium oxalate kidney stone formation, according to studies.
7. Treatment of Parasites:
Pumpkin seeds are used in many cultures as a natural treatment for tapeworms and other parasites. Studies also show pumpkin seeds to be effective against acute schistosomiasis, a parasite contracted from snails.
8. Great Source of Magnesium:
1/2 cup of pumpkin seeds contains 92% of your daily value of magnesium, a mineral in which most Americans are deficient.
9. Lower Cholesterol:
Pumpkin seeds contain phytosterols, compounds that that have been shown to reduce levels of LDL cholesterol.
10. Cancer Prevention:
The same phytosterols that lower cholesterol also protect against many cancers.