A pumpkin seed, also known in North America as a pepita (from the Mexican Spanish: pepita de calabaza, “little seed of squash”), is the edible seed of a pumpkin or certain other cultivars of squash. The seeds are typically flat and asymmetrically oval, have a white outer husk, and are light green in color after the husk is removed. Some cultivars are huskless, and are grown only for their edible seed.^[1] The seeds are nutrient- and calorie-rich, with especially high content of fat (particularly linoleic acid and oleic acid), protein, dietary fiber, and numerous micronutrients. Pumpkin seed can refer either to the hulled kernel or unhulled whole seed, and most commonly refers to the roasted end product used as a snack.

 

Pumpkin is one of the species in gourd family Cucurbitaceae and is native to South America and has been cultivated by indigenous people for more than 2000 years. Pumpkin is an annual monoecious herb having soft and rounded stems. It has extensive and shallow root system having branched taproot. The plant bears alternate, simple and exstipulate leaves with 5 to 20 cm long petioles, reniform, not lobed lamina which is deeply cordate at base. Margins are finely toothed. The solitary flowers are axillary, regular, unisexual, large, pentamerous, measures 10 to 20 cm across and is lemon yellow to orange yellow in color. Sepals are subulate to linear and free. Corolla is campanulate having widely spreading lobes which curved outwards. Flowers are then replaced by a large, obovoid or globose to ovoid berry having moderately hard rind with variety of colors and yellow orange flesh. Seeds are white to pale brown in color and measures 1.5 to 2.5 cm × 1 to 1.5 cm. Seeds are flattened, obovoid in shape with smooth or somewhat rough surface. The seeds of pumpkin are also called pepitas. The term “pepita” comes from Mexico, where the Spanish phrase “pepita de calabaza” means little seed of squash.

Facts of Pumpkin seeds

Pumpkin seeds are definitely the flat, oval-shaped seeds of the pumpkin or squash, both types of seeds have got almost similar benefits. Pumpkin seeds usually are light green on the inside, however their hull is white. Most pumpkin seeds come with their shell or endosperm still attached, specially when they’re consumed after being roasted, the most typical method of consuming them. They are able to, however, be shelled, and also the inner germ could be consumed for the healthy snack along with less work and chewing involved.

Pumpkins are typically related to Central American, Mexican, as well as Native American cuisine, however the genus Cucurbita has got other species of squash which have long been grown as well as grown across Europe and Russia, so pumpkin seeds can be found in those areas of the world as a popular snack food. They’re typically a seasonal snack, throughout the autumn whenever most squash as well as pumpkin varieties are fully grown. However, the popularity of pumpkin seeds has got spurred companies to serve them dried just like sunflower seeds throughout every season.

 History of Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkins as well as pumpkin seeds were treasured by Native Americans both like a food as well as for their therapeutic qualities. However they were mainly utilized as a parasite remedy, that is evident from the documents of the Native American history. Such was their popularity that they became highly documented within the late 1800s or early 1900s, with the United States declaring them as a possible official medication for the treatment of parasites. Kidney problems, urinary and gastric illness were a few health conditions handled by herbal doctors utilizing pumpkin seeds. These were brought to other parts of the world by European explorers who brought back pumpkin seeds from their journeys to the New World. Today, they’re featured in a number of recipes on most cuisines, their trademark being the Indian and Mexican delicacies. The United States, Mexico, India and China are definitely the major commercial cultivators of pumpkin seeds currently.

Health benefits of Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkins of different types are grown all over the world, and together with the flesh of the fruit, various parts of the plant may also be utilized in cooking. The Cucurbitaceae plant family to which pumpkins belong includes squashes, gourds, and melons. Even though pumpkins are usually reddish-orange or even yellow-orange in color, other varieties in green, red, grayish blue, and white can also be found. Pumpkin seeds are flat, tear-drop shaped having a light green kernel encompassed by a thick yellowish-white hull. Seeds of the green and yellow kakai variety of pumpkin don’t have a hull. Toasted kaki seeds are common as snacks. Pumpkin seed oil, obtained from Styrian pumpkins, is appreciated because of its nutty taste and it’s also utilized to boost the flavor of salad dressings in Eastern Europe. Aside from the sweet taste, flavor, as well as vitamins within the pulp of the pumpkin, it’s also the pumpkin seed’s nutritional value that makes the fruit popular in all cultures. In traditional cuisines, pumpkin seeds are utilized in salads, soups, as well as desserts. Pumpkin seeds were utilized by professionals of native medication to deal with intestinal parasites and also to improve renal function. Pumpkin seed oil is utilized to deal with individuals with prostate problems in indigenous medicine.

Pumpkin seeds are a good, easily transportable snack that doesn’t have to be kept in the fridge, so you can keep them at work or carry them around with you. Additionally, they offer several incredible health advantages too from boosting your immune system to keeping you calm. Here are  fantastic health benefits of pumpkin seeds:

Listed below are some health benefits provided by Pumpkin seeds

1. Acts as antioxidant

Pumpkin seeds contain abundant antioxidants and Vitamin E in a variety of forms. Gamma-tocopherol, Alpha-tocopherol, Delta-tocopherol, Gamma-tocomonoenol, and Alpha-tocomonoenol are various forms of Vitamin E available in pumpkin seeds. It also contains mineral antioxidants such as manganese and zinc. Pumpkin seeds also contain phenolic antioxidants in various forms such as caffeic, phenolic acids hydroxybenzoic, ferulic, coumaric, protocatechuic, sinapic, syringic acid, and vanillic. It also possesses antioxidant phytonutrients such as lignans including medioresinol, pinoresinol, and lariciresinol. The diversified range of antioxidants found in pumpkin seeds provides antioxidant associated properties which are not so much found in food.

2. Source of minerals

Pumpkin seeds are a great source of minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus, copper, manganese, iron, and zinc. Seeds of pumpkin are noted as a great source of the mineral zinc and World Health Organization has recommended its consumption to obtain this nutrient. In order to get the full benefits of zinc, consume it in unshelled form. Recent studies have shown that little zinc is present in the shell, the thin layer beneath the shell known as the endosperm envelope is pressed up tightly against the seed coat. The zinc is found in this endosperm envelope. Consuming whole portions of the seed ensures all zinc. The roasted and unshelled pumpkin seeds possess 10 milligrams of zinc in 3.5 ounces and shelled roasted pumpkin seeds possess 7.8 milligrams of zinc.

3. Helpful for diabetic patients

Evidence has shown the association between pumpkin seeds and the prevention or treatment of diabetes in animal studies. Due to this reason, this research is considered to be preliminary. Yet, recent studies conducted on laboratory animals show the ability of pumpkin seed extracts, ground pumpkin seeds and pumpkin seed oil helps to promote regulation of insulin in diabetic animals and prevent undesirable consequences of diabetes on the function of kidneys. Many studies have shown a reduction in oxidative stress which shows the advantages of pumpkin seeds for diabetic animals.

4. Prevention of microbes

Pumpkin seed oil, pumpkin seed extracts, and pumpkin seeds are appreciated for its anti-microbial properties including anti-viral and anti-fungal properties. Research points out unique proteins found in pumpkin seeds which are a source of antimicrobial properties. Pumpkin seeds have lignans such as medioresinol, pinoresinol, and lariciresinol which show its antimicrobial and antiviral properties. With these pumpkin seeds, interferon-gamma is likely to be associated with antimicrobial benefits.

5. Prevention of cancer

Oxidative stress plays a vital role in developing some cancers. Pumpkin seeds contain a unique composition of antioxidant nutrients. Preliminary evidence has shown a reduction in cancer risk is associated with an intake of seeds. Pumpkin seeds have antioxidant properties which have not been the primary research in the cancer area. The research has focused on lignans. With an intake of pumpkin seeds, only prostate cancer and breast cancer have got much attention in the research. Much attention has been limited to the content of the lignan of pumpkin seeds.

6. Strengthen immunity

Seeds have a high content of zinc which is essential to the body as it assists to strengthen immunity, division, cell growth, mood, smell, taste, insulin regulation, skin health, and male sexual function. The deficiency of zinc is associated with an increase in flu and colds, depression, chronic fatigue, low birth weight babies, acne, poor performance, and learning problems.

7. Heart health

The serving size of one quarter of pumpkin seeds possesses nearly of the recommended amount of daily magnesium which participates in various vital physiological functions including the creation of ATP which is an adenosine triphosphate that is the energy molecule of the body. It assists in the proper formation of bone and tooth, synthesis of DNA and RNA, proper bowel function, and relaxation of blood vessels. Magnesium benefits blood pressure and prevents the chances of cardiac arrest, stroke, and heart attack.

8. Supports prostate health

Pumpkin seeds are vital natural food for men’s health. Due to the high content of zinc which is essential for maintaining prostate health and the extracts of pumpkin seeds and oils have a vital role in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia. Research shows that pumpkin seeds and pumpkin seed oil is beneficial for supporting prostate health.

9. Sound sleep

Pumpkin seeds are a great source of tryptophan which is an amino acid that the body converts into serotonin which is then converted into melatonin which is a sleep hormone. Eat pumpkin seeds before a few hours to bed along with carbohydrates like a small piece of fruit which is helpful for providing the body with tryptophan which is essential for melatonin and serotonin production for promoting a restful night’s sleep.

10. Reduce blood sugar levels

The study conducted on animals shows that pumpkin seeds, pumpkin, pumpkin seed powder, and pumpkin juice help to lower blood sugar. It is essential for people with diabetes who struggle for controlling their level of blood sugar. Studies have shown that seed powder lowers the level of blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes. Pumpkin seeds have a high content of magnesium which is responsible for its positive effect on diabetes. The study conducted on 127000 men and women found that a diet rich in magnesium is associated with lowering 33% risk of type 2 diabetes in men and 34% reduction of risk in women. Still, more research is required for confirmation of this beneficial effect on the level of blood sugar.

      11. Easing Arthritis

The pumpkin seed oil has additionally proven effective antioxidant properties that may relieve inflammation related to arthritic symptoms. In research published within the journal Pharmacology Research, rats induced along with arthritis demonstrated considerably increased levels of inflammation which were reduced whenever administered pumpkin seed oil; results which compared positively to when the rats received the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug indomethacin. Furthermore, the indomethacin-supplemented rats experienced increased levels of liver lipid peroxidation, an indication of liver injury, while the pumpkin seed oil group experienced no side effects.

     12. Fights free radicals

Pumpkin seeds are a wonderful source of vitamin E. This vitamin makes certain healthy skin as well as eyes and powerful immunity. Vitamin E is surely an antioxidant having a powerful action, it safeguards the cells from damage brought on by free radicals. Therefore, aids in preventing cancer, heart disease, cataracts as well as decelerate signs and symptoms of aging.

     13. Anxiety Relief

Research published in the Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology stated that tryptophan, amino acid-rich in pumpkin seeds, may help reduce anxiety. Since tryptophan is transformed into serotonin, a neurotransmitter that boosts mood and encourages well-being within the brain, researchers investigated whether consuming a tryptophan-rich food could boost serotonin levels and lower anxiety symptoms. They found that subjects with an anxiety disorder who ate tryptophan-rich gourd seeds along with carbohydrates just before an anxiety test experienced greater advancements in subjective and objective measures on the Endler Multidimensional Anxiety Scale in comparison with people who consumed just carbohydrates.

    14. Helps in weight loss

Pumpkin seeds are a fantastic source of proteins, which lets you manage your hunger as well as help in weight loss. Additionally, it includes iron which will help to maintain high energy levels within the body and therefore helps prevent you from craving sugary as well as high-calorie foods.

    15. Protection for Men’s Bones

Along with maintaining prostate health, another reason for older men to make zinc-rich foods, like pumpkin seeds, a consistent part of their healthy way of eating is bone mineral density. Even though osteoporosis is frequently regarded as a disease for which postmenopausal women are at greatest risk, additionally it is a possible problem for older men. Nearly 30% of hip fractures happen in men, as well as 1 in 8 men over age 50 may have an osteoporotic fracture. A study of 396 men ranging in age from 45-92 that was published in the September 2004 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found a clear correlation between low dietary intake of zinc, low blood levels of the trace mineral, and osteoporosis in the hip and spine. (October 18, 2004)

16. Kidney Function

Two research in Thailand has indicated that consuming pumpkin seeds like a snack might help avoid the most typical kind of kidney stone. Pumpkin seeds seem to both decrease amounts of substances that encourage stone formation within the urine while increasing amounts of compounds that inhibit stone formation. Some investigation has revealed that PSO could extremely decrease bladder pressure, increase bladder compliance, and lower urethral pressure. Dosage 1 to 3 teaspoons every day. Best taken along with food. Potential applications Rheumatoid arthritis, raised blood lipids and cholesterol, parasitic infestation, BPH, kidney/bladder disorders. Beneficial in sustaining skin health. The high tryptophan content of the seeds will make the oil beneficial in cases of insomnia. A nourishing culinary oil.

    17. Prevent kidney stones

Pumpkin seeds have been associated with a decrease in harmful toxins within the body, because of their diuretic properties, along with their antioxidant activity. In addition, they encourage circulation while increasing the speed as well as the processing of the livers and kidneys. Uric acid as well as other toxins are thus removed from the body, which suggests they can’t build up into dangerous kidney stones or any other forms, just like gout and also arthritis, as said before. Pumpkin seeds encourage the health of the kidneys helping to detoxify the body from head to feet.

     18. Neurological and Muscle Function 

The average American is lacking in daily magnesium intake. Pumpkin seeds consist of magnesium. In reality, ½ cup offers 92% of the suggested daily value. Sufficient amounts of magnesium within the blood are essential for the healthy function of muscles and nerves. Research has indicated that whenever taking magnesium supplements to cure muscle cramps, women reported a decrease in pain and incontinence related to overactive bladder. It is considered that the magnesium relaxes the muscles within the bladder wall, therefore lowering the contractions resulting in the urinary emergency as well as incontinence.

      19. Depression 

Pumpkin seeds consist of healthy fats which decrease inflammation within the brain, in addition, they include tryptophan, an amino acid associated with fighting depression simply by making serotonin, melatonin, along other mood-boosting neurotransmitters and hormones. The B vitamins in pumpkin seeds also aid conserve a healthy outlook as well as reduce anxiousness.

Pumpkin Seeds Benefits for Hair

These seeds are full of omega-3 fatty acids and for that reason will gift you along with thick, soft, and shiny hair. Read on to find out more on how pumpkin seeds actually have a say within your hair’s health:

1. Makes Hair Healthy

Since it is clear from the previously discussed facts, we are able to now say that richness is its middle name as pumpkin seeds improve your health abundantly, whether it’s body, hair or even skin. It really is abundant with Vitamin A, K, B (biotin), zinc, and sulfur that are basically essential for your scalp’s health and hair’s strength. They’re an effective mixture of nutrients that the hair can get naturally only from these seeds.

2. Makes Hair Shiny

Being full of Vitamin E, it will likewise supply you with a shiny hair, not to mention what the existence of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids will do to the hair.

Traditional uses

• An emulsion made from seeds is consumed fresh to eliminate worms from the stomach.
• It is also useful for urinary diseases and gonorrhea.
• Seed oil is used as a nerve tonic.
• Pumpkin seed oil is used in North America to heal skin problems such as sores and ulcers.
• Indians use it for treating kidney problems, intestinal infections, and eliminating tapeworms.
• Seeds are used in Brazil for stomach pain and to treat worms.
• It helps to strengthen metabolism, improve heart health, assist sleep, avoid cancer, lower inflammation, prevent parasites and detoxify the body.

Precautions                                                                                                 

• Due to the high content of fat in seeds, it is prone to rancidity.
• Consume it in moderate amounts.
• Allergic people should avoid it.
• People having health problems should consult the doctor for use.

How to Eat         

• Seeds are also consumed raw.
• Dry or roast the seeds and serve it as snack food.
• In Nigeria and Cameroon, seeds are roasted and salted or ground into a thick paste which is combined with vegetables in cooking.
• Ground the seeds into powder and use it with cereals for making pieces of bread.
• Oil extracted from seeds possess a very pleasant and nutty flavor and is also used for cooking.
• Seeds could be added to healthy sautéed vegetables.
• Sprinkle seeds on the top of mixed green salads.
• Pumpkin seeds could be ground with parsley, fresh garlic, and cilantro leaves.
• Add it to a granola recipe or oatmeal raisin cookie.
• Blend pumpkin seeds in a food processor till it becomes smooth to make a pumpkin seed butter.

 How to Buy Pumpkin Seeds

• Pumpkin seeds can be purchased in various forms on the market, just like whole seeds (un-hulled), hulled seeds, and roasted seeds.
• While buying whole pumpkin seeds, choose the ones that are small as well as uniformly sized. Besides, they must be cream-white or light yellow colored.
• Pick up a seed and feel it within your hand. It ought to feel heavy and provide an excellent metallic sound whenever tapped lightly.
• Do not purchase thin, small-sized, shriveled pumpkin seeds since they are a sign of low quality.
• Make certain that the pumpkins seeds don’t have any cracks, mold, spots, or foul smell.

Pumpkin Seeds Storage Tips

• Store un-hulled pumpkin seeds within an air-tight container in the cool, dry place, ideally within the refrigerator, where they are able to last for a couple of months.
• Since hulled pumpkin seeds have a tendency to lose their freshness after about a couple of months whenever subjected to warm, humid conditions, they must be refrigerated in air-seal containers to increase their life.
• Dry or roasted pumpkin seeds could be stored for no more than 10 to 14 days, whenever placed into the refrigerator.

Best Way to Consume Pumpkin Seeds

In order to preserve the healthy fats contained in the seeds, pumpkin seeds need to be consumed raw. If you decide to buy seeds from the bulk bin, make certain they smell fresh – not musty, spoiled, or even stale, that could show rancidity or even the existence of fungal mycotoxins. Organic pumpkin seeds are preferred since they won’t be contaminated along with pesticides or any other harmful chemicals.

However, most nuts and seeds have got anti-nutrients just like phytic acid which will make all of the previously discussed essential nutrients less bioavailable whenever you consume them. So if you intend on consuming seeds or even nuts regularly, it might be smart to soak or even sprout them. To ensure they are tastier, you may then dehydrate them within your oven, or even better and much more cheaply in the dehydrator. There are numerous dehydrators available on the market, yet Excalibur is usually considered the best. If you like to consume pumpkin seeds roasted, do so yourself so that you can control the roasting temperature and time. Raw pumpkin seeds could be roasted on the low heat setting in your oven (no more than 170 degrees F or 75 degrees Celsius), spread along with Himalayan or another natural salt, for around 15-20 minutes.

Side Effects of Pumpkin Seeds

1. Indigestion

The first thing you’ll notice whenever you pop a few pumpkin seeds into your mouth is the way chewy their shells are. Whole pumpkin seeds are loaded with insoluble fiber, the kind which encourages digestive efficiency as well as bowel frequency. In spite of these important benefits, whole seeds can be hard, stringy and hard to chew completely, which might result in indigestion. Badly chewed pumpkin seeds can bother your esophagus when you swallow, aggravate the valvelike muscle which allows food to pass in your stomach and result in an otherwise uncomfortable feeling of fullness. If you’re vulnerable to acid reflux, consuming pumpkin seeds too rapidly might actually trigger heartburn.

2. Gas, Diarrhea, or Constipation

Consuming a lot of pumpkin seeds, even when carefully chewed, may also result in intestinal gas as well as diarrhea. Pumpkin seeds usually are high in fiber — you’ll get approximately 5 grams from the 1-ounce serving of the whole variety, in accordance with the U.S. Department of Agriculture — meaning that a few of their carbohydrates aren’t fully digestible. Whenever these undigested carbohydrates attain your large intestines, they’re broken down by bacteria. Gas is really a byproduct of the process, specifically individuals who aren’t accustomed to fiber-rich foods. Consuming more fiber than you’re used to may also result in loose, watery stools. In case you normally have diarrhea after consuming pumpkin seeds, however, you might have a food intolerance or even sensitivity. Constipation is another possible, albeit not as likely, a side-effect of eating pumpkin seeds — the fiber you receive from eating considerable amounts of pumpkin seeds may also prevent you up temporarily.

3. Preventing side effects

All dietary fiber requires water to perform effectively — soluble fiber soaks up it, whilst insoluble fiber binds to it. Water is exactly what helps insoluble fiber, also referred to as bulk, undertake your intestinal tract. Consuming the seeds moderately — 1 ounce is the standard amount for an individual serving — and with lots of fluids can easily avoid this concern. Pumpkin seeds have also been recognized to trigger migraine headaches in a few individuals. If you’re not vulnerable to migraines, however, you most likely won’t develop one from consuming pumpkin seeds.

4. Avoiding toxins from spoilage

Even though the unsaturated fatty acids in pumpkin seeds encourage cardiovascular health, additionally they make the seeds vulnerable to spoiling quickly. Consuming rancid pumpkin seeds makes you face free radicals, harmful toxins that may improve your chance of cancer, heart disease along with other long-term illnesses. Fresh pumpkin seeds will keep for approximately about 6 months in the air-tight container within the refrigerator. Seeds that smell musty, oily, or grassy likely have gone rancid.

How to Roast Pumpkin Seeds (Plus 6 Awesome Recipes for Pumpkin Seeds Seasoning)

References

Show More