Happy Halloween! Now, what to do with all those pumpkin seeds.... With a wide variety of nutrients ranging from magnesium and manganese to copper, protein and zinc, pumpkin seeds are nutritional powerhouses wrapped up in a very small package. They also contain plant compounds known as phytosterols and free-radical scavenging antioxidants, which can give your health an added boost. Best of all, because pumpkin seeds are highly portable and require no refrigeration, they make an excellent snack to keep with you whenever you’re on the go, or they can be used as a quick anytime snack at home, too. 9 Top Health Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds... 1. Heart Healthy Magnesium 2. Zinc for Immune Support 3. Plant-Based Omega-3 Fats 4. Prostate Health 5. Anti-Diabetic Effects 6. Benefits for Postmenopausal Women 7. Heart and Liver Health 8. Restful Sleep 9. Anti-Inflammatory Benefits What’s the Best Way to Consume Pumpkin Seeds? In order to preserve the healthy fats present in the seeds, pumpkin seeds should be eaten raw. If you choose to purchase seeds from a bulk bin, make sure they smell fresh – not musty, spoiled or stale, which could indicate rancidity or the presence of fungal mycotoxins. Organic pumpkin seeds are preferred, as they will not be contaminated with pesticides or other harmful chemicals. However, most nuts and seeds have anti-nutrients like phytic acid that can make all the previously discussed important nutrients less bio-available when you consume them. So if you plan on consuming seeds or nuts on a regular basis, it would be wise to soak or sprout them. To make them more palatable, you can then dehydrate them in your oven, or in a dehydrator. If you prefer to eat the seeds roasted, do so yourself so you can control the roasting temperature and time. Raw pumpkin seeds can be roasted on a low heat setting in your oven (no more than 170 degrees Fahrenheit or 75 degrees Celsius), sprinkled with Himalayan or other natural salt, for about 15-20 minutes. Full Article: hungryforchange.tv/article/carving-pumpkins-dont-throw-out-the-seeds-9-amazing-health-benefits
Posted on: Thu, 31 Oct 2013 14:10:41 +0000
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