AMAZING ANTIOXIDANT TO FIGHT DIABETES, HEART DISEASE & CANCER CELLS: PUMPKIN SEEDS

An integral part of the holiday season, pumpkins are known to be the life of the fall. Unfortunately, the importance of pumpkin seeds, much like pumpkin seed oil, often gets lost in the mix and are generally discarded or ignored in favour of the rich pumpkin pulp.

However, for those ignoring it, it is essential to know that even research [1] states that pumpkin seeds have great potency. After reading this piece today, you’ll learn how worthy it is to add it to your diet.

Pumpkin Seeds: The Age-Old Connection

You’ll be surprised to know that pumpkin seeds were used in medicine traditionally [2]. The seeds have been long prized for their unique flavour and potent healing properties. The indigenous groups in North America are cited for gut-healing effects, treatment for parasitic infections & tapeworm symptoms. Meanwhile, Aztec groups used them as a source of nutrition and a ritual offering during religious ceremonies.

Pumpkin seeds are a good source of essential nutrients, like amino acids, phytosterols, unsaturated fatty acids, phenolic compounds, tocopherols, cucurbitacins, and other valuable minerals. [3]

The Ayurveda considers pumpkin seeds to be alkalizing, nourishing the blood, suppressing a big appetite, acting as a natural diuretic, and improving reproductive health in men.

Traditional Chinese Medicine uses pumpkin seeds to treat conditions like healthy digestion, stomach pains, parasitic infections, and support lactating in mothers.

Studies suggest that these valuable seeds contain bioactive compounds [4] that have anthelmintic, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antitumor, antidepressant, and cytoprotective effects.

Some benefits of eating pumpkin seeds:

Rich in Antioxidants

Pumpkin seeds are loaded with antioxidants, a powerful compound that protect cells against oxidative stress and fight against the free radical formation. Some studies [5] prove that antioxidants aid the prevention of chronic conditions such as cancer [6], heart disease, diabetes and autoimmune disorders.

Boost Heart Health

Pumpkin seeds are a good source of electrolytes, such as potassium & magnesium, plus healthy fatty acids. Pumpkin seeds and seed oil boost heart health and reduce coronary heart disease risks in different ways. [7] It is also helpful in decreasing cholesterol levels and lowering blood pressure, which are major risk factors for heart disease. Pumpkin seed oil supplements also reduce diastolic blood pressure and increase levels of beneficial HDL cholesterol in the blood. Pumpkin seeds also provide a boost to nitric oxide levels in the body. This dilates the blood vessels & promote blood flow to help the heart work efficiently.

Stabilize Blood Sugar

One of the top benefits of pumpkin seeds is their ability to regulate blood sugar levels and prevent diabetes [8] symptoms (increased thirst, fatigue, frequent urination, and nausea). Rich in protein & fibre, pumpkin seeds slow the absorption of sugar in the bloodstream & promote better blood sugar control.

Promote Sleep Quality

To improve your sleep cycle, you can consider adding a dose of pumpkin seeds to your daily diet. These seeds are a good source of nutrients associated with improved sleep quality, including magnesium and tryptophan. Meanwhile, these seeds are a good source of magnesium, a micronutrient that helps with insomnia and sleeps efficiency.

Improve Male Fertility

Studies prove that pumpkin seeds extracts are beneficial for male fertility [9] as they are rich in antioxidants, phytonutrients, fatty acids & zinc. They are also known to promote prostate health. Pumpkin oil prevents sperm abnormalities & increases sperm count. In females, pumpkin seeds provide fats that support reproductive health & produce certain hormones.

Fight Cancer Cell Growth

Due to high antioxidants content, pumpkin seed helps fight the growth & spread of cancer cells in cancer patients. A study suggested phytoestrogen extracts of pumpkin seeds had anticancer properties and played a role in the prevention & treatment of breast cancer. Thus, many researchers [10] believe pumpkin seeds to be an alternative medicine for cancer. Find here a list of foods patients battling cancer can eat.

Progress Bladder Functioning

Pumpkin seeds improve symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia [11], a condition that causes difficulty urinating in men. Pumpkin oil also helps improvise other aspects of bladder function like overactive bladder & correct urinary dysfunction.

Ending Note:

Pumpkin seeds can be easily found with online retailers & grocery stores in the snack aisle alongside other seeds like sunflower seeds. Make sure you purchase raw seeds that are not roasted with extra oil. Alternatively, you can also go directly to the source and try seeding a pumpkin at home instead. Roasting the seeds can improve the absorption of antioxidants & make them more digestible.

Find here a recipe for pumpkin chai doughnuts to prepare and enjoy. Alternatively, you can spread seeds in a thin layer on an oiled baking tray and bake in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 30 minutes. Then follow by tossing them with a bit of olive oil, salt and seasonings of your choice. You can enjoy them as it is or bake them for 20 more minutes until they turn crispy golden in colour.

Enjoy it as a delicious snack; toss them over cereal, salads, or yoghurt with some other nuts and seeds. It is essential to understand what nature has gifted us.

At Healing Oracle, we emphasize providing advice that helps you lead a healthy life in the best and most natural way!

References and Sources:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3746528/
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34924730/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6819838/
4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22671521/
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8402081/
6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8402081/
7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3745769/
8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24564589/
9. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24124763/
10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8681145/
11. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6955804/