30 Oct Pumpkin Seeds – A Healthy Halloween treat!
Health Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds
Do you dread Halloween because of the temptation to munch on all of those special treats? All of that candy on Halloween is CERTAINLY not good. What if there was an inexpensive, tasty and nutritious treat that was easy to prepare? Before you throw away the “gook” you carve out of your pumpkins, take note that there are seeds in there that will satisfy your cravings AND provide many healthful benefits… Pumpkin seeds!
“halloween candy is tempting but fattening!”
Did you know…
Pumpkin seeds are extremely healthy! They have so many healthful benefits…. For starters, they are a great source of mono-unsaturated fats. Benefits to healthy fats include appetite suppression and satisfaction, regulated blood sugars and lowered risk of heart disease.
Pumpkin seeds provide a great source of protein. Protein is essential for muscle growth and to maintain muscle you have and Pumpkin seeds are a good protein source. For the vegans, and vegetarians this provides another option to beans, soy and nuts.
Pumpkin seeds are high in zinc, magnesium and iron. Who needs Zinc? You do! Zinc not only helps to maintain a healthy immune system, but it is needed for wound healing and helps maintain your sense of taste and smell.
Pumpkin seeds are a powerful and HEALTHY anti-inflammatory. The nutrients in pumpkin seeds have compared amazingly close to the use of nasd’s (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) which are known for helping with inflammation. Unlike the drugs though, they do not have the side effects of the drugs (increased level of damaged fats in linings of joints which actually can make artiritis worse!)
Pumpkin seeds are so nutritious!
Ideas for preparing:
- Toss them into a salad
- Broil them with a touch of sea salt and have as a snack
- Add into sautéed vegetables
- Mix them with some dried fruit, other nuts and seeds to give your trail mix a unique taste
- Grind them in the blender with protein powder, dried fruit and water to add a smooth texture and a healthy fat
- Bake them into muffins to up the fiber and nutrients of your muffin!
Happy Halloween!
Natalie Jill
