What we eat can have a positive or negative influence on our life. Food cooked under high temperatures and pressure, loses its nutritional value. This can be avoided by eating raw vegetables and fruits in their natural form. The food groups that provide us with the highest possible nutritional value and can be eaten in their natural forms are fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. Herbalists believe that food comprising 75% raw food can, not only reverse the degeneration which accompanies long term illness, but can also retard the the rate at which you age, bringing you boundless energy and even making you feel better emotionally. Nuts and seeds are one way of eating raw food. They are high in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and omega-3 fatty acids, and hence are considered nature’s gift to mankind.
Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkins belong to the gourd/squash family. With zero fat and cholesterol, it lends itself well to a variety of dishes. It is a perfect vegetable for persons who want to lose weight, as it is very low in calories. Pumpkin seeds have many medicinal properties and health benefits. It is also an excellent source of the antioxidant beta-carotene. Beta-carotene helps reduce the risk of certain types of cancer. It is also a good source of vitamin A and potassium.
Health benefits of Pumpkin seeds
The seeds of the pumpkin are equally healthy. They can be eaten dried or roasted. They are flat and are encased in a off-white husk. There are some pumpkins that produce seeds without shells. Pumpkin seeds are high in cartenoids and omega-3 fats and zinc.
Pumpkin seeds health benefits for the heart
Pumpkin seeds are rich in phytosterols (about 265 mg/100g). Phytosterols are compounds which are found in plants. They are believed to reduce cholesterol level in the blood and enhance the immune system.
Pumpkin seeds are Anti-inflammatory
Pumpkin seeds help to reduce inflammatory symptoms and hence is useful with respect to arthritis. It helps to stem the progression of the disease with out the side effects that occur when taking medicines.
It also helps women and men who are at a risk of osteoporosis. Studies have shown a correlation between lack of zinc and osteoporosis. Low bone mineral density leads to fear of fracture in old age and pumpkin seeds have a good amount of zinc, and may be good for osteoporosis.
Pumpkin seeds health benefits for Prostrate health
The pumpkin seeds are rich in unsaturated fatty acids which are essential to the health of the prostrate. Cartenoids and Omega-3 fats found in pumpkin seeds are being studied for its prostrate benefits. It has been found that men who have higher cartenoid intake in their diet have less risk of enlargement of prostrate gland.
Home remedy to remove worms
Pumpkin seeds are used to treat intestinal worms, especially tapeworms. Three to four glasses of an infusion prepared from the pumpkin seeds after they are peeled and crushed, help to kill parasites and expel tapeworms from the body. Also, a tbsp of pumpkin seeds crushed to a coarse powder and taken with a cup of milk and a tsp of honey at bed time for 3-5 days is said to get rid of tapeworms.
Pumpkin seeds health benefits for depression
Diet has a great impact on the mental health of the person. Even a single deficiency may cause depression in susceptible people. Pumpkin seeds are a good source of tryptophan. Tryptophan is one of the ten essential amino acids which is necessary for protein synthesis. It naturally helps fight feelings of depression, as it helps to regulate the appetite, helps you sleep better and elevates your mood.
Pumkin Seeds health benefits for Mental Health
Pumpkin seeds are rich in zinc, which enhances memory and thinking skills. The seeds also have a good amount of magnesium, B vitamins and tryptophan in them which help in stress-busting and enhancing good mood. Pumpkin seeds are brain food as they contain Omega 3 and Omega 6. The Omega 3 fatty acids help to improve mental health, memory and support healthy brain development.