6 Reasons to Include Pumpkin Seeds to Your Daily Diet

With fall just around the corner, expect to see and experience pumpkin flavoured everything that you can put in your mouth. And although Singapore doesn’t have autumn, pumpkin is a common cooking ingredient starred in many of its local dishes. However, with all the pumpkin reverie we often overlook one of the vegetable’s best parts—the seeds.

If you’re among the many who toss the seeds away, we suggest reconsidering them. Here’s why:

Boost Immune System

Pumpkin seeds are excellent source of zinc, which is one of the best nutrients for the immune system. It is essential for keeping your immune health in its top condition, and lack of this nutrient can leave you vulnerable to diseases and infections.

Prevent Development of Breast Cancer

Pumpkin seeds contain anti-carcinogenic properties, which are classified as phytoestrogens. These properties help reduce some of the factors that play a role in the development of breast cancer, and therefore beneficial in the prevention of the disease.

Promote Better Sleep

Tryptophan is essential for supporting better sleep and rest periods, as well as regulating mental health. The body converts tryptophan into serotonin, which is the hormone responsible for promoting healthy sleep cycle and regulating the mood.

Improve Eye Sight

Vitamins A and E, lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene are essential compounds for boosting eye health, and pumpkin seeds have all of them and more. That’s why pumpkins—and its seeds—are powerful ally in keeping your eye sight healthy.

Regulate Prostate Health

The oil found in pumpkin seeds is an effective agent to fight prostate enlargement. It contains phytochemicals and antioxidants that help reduce levels of free radicals and, thus, prevent formation of cancer cells.

Protect Against Diabetes

With its healthy unsaturated fats, daily consumption of pumpkin seeds is recommended by experts to diabetic individuals. The healthy fat content of these seeds is effective in increasing the effectiveness of insulin and regulating the body’s blood sugar.

Now that you know how beneficial pumpkin seeds are to your health, you might want to start planning now on how to incorporate them to your daily meals. Don’t worry, they are subtly flavoured and are easy to add to any dish, beverage, or even dessert.