5 Reasons You Should Add Pumpkin Seeds To Your Diet
Pumpkin seeds are an incredibly versatile, delicious and nutritious food that can help promote overall health and well being. Not only do pumpkin seeds contain essential vitamins and minerals like zinc, magnesium, copper, manganese, iron, potassium, vitamin B2, phosphorus and dietary fiber, but they also offer numerous benefits for your health. Here are five reasons to eat pumpkin seeds regularly:
1. Heart Health: Pumpkin seeds are packed with monounsaturated fats which contribute to heart health by helping reduce cholesterol levels. You can hold your hands around the pumpkin seeds while breathing deep into the belly for 10 - 12 deep breaths and sending light from your heart into your hands as a way to increase the light quotient in them as well. This is a way to purify the energetic aspect of the seeds and it improves flavor as well.
2. Improved Digestive Health: The high fiber content of pumpkin seeds helps promote digestion as well as keep you feeling full longer. Be sure to chew them really well so your body can absorb the nutrients easily. Chewing your food until it is completely broken down allows your body’s natural enzymes in the saliva to begin working immediately. We also absorb the living light while the food is in our mouth.
3. Boosted Immunity: Eating pumpkin seeds has been shown to improve immunity due to the high levels of zinc they contain. Since they are high in magnesium, they also contribute to better sleep. Since our bodies cleanse and repair themselves while we sleep, adding this food to your diet can increase your body's ability to heal while you rest.
4. Reduced Inflammation: Rich in omega 3 fatty acids, pumpkin seeds can help reduce inflammation throughout the body. The protein and high magnesium content found in pumpkin seeds can help repair and restore the muscles and skin throughout the body so is a great addition to a meal after exercise.
5. Improved Cognitive Function: Pumpkin seeds are a great source of iron, which is essential for healthy brain functioning as well as to maintain healthy hair and high energy levels. Iron helps distribute the oxygen throughout your body and can prevent you from getting dizzy upon standing or from having excess fatigue.
There are two primary ways to enjoy pumpkin seeds: raw and roasted. Raw pumpkin seeds have a chewy texture and mild flavor that make them ideal for snacking on or adding to salads and other dishes as a crunchy topping. Roasting pumpkin seeds gives them a nutty flavor that pairs well with sweet or savory dishes alike. Whether you choose to eat pumpkin seeds raw or roasted, doing so will provide your body with essential nutrients and support overall health.
My favorite way to eat pumpkin seeds is to first soak the raw seeds until they begin to sprout. This process is done very similar to almonds by placing them in a jar with a sprouting lid and fill it with enough water to cover all of the seeds on day one. Soak the seeds overnight and then in the morning on day two, strain and rinse the seeds and place then upside down to allow the excess water to drain out through the sprouting lid. Be sure to rinse them a couple of times throughout the day. Rinse them again on the third day to help remove the outer layer of the seeds and place them in a dehydrator at a temperate between 105 and 108 degrees Fahrenheit until they are fully dry. If you’d like, you can sprinkle them with Himalayan or sea salt to taste when you place them in the dehydrator.
Adding pumpkin seeds to your diet is an easy way to improve your health and wellbeing. Not only are pumpkin seeds incredibly nutritious, but they also offer a variety of benefits for the body. As you can see, there are so many reasons why pumpkin seeds can be a great addition to your diet!