What is the nutritional value of pumpkin seeds? Pumpkin seeds are a very common food, and many people like to eat them. In fact, pumpkin seeds have many nutritional benefits and effects. Today, let's learn about the nutritional value and ways to eat pumpkin seeds with the editor.
The nutritional value of pumpkin seeds
Pumpkin seeds protect the male prostate. American research has found that eating about 50 grams of pumpkin seeds daily (equivalent to 20-25 seeds, with an average weight of 68 mg) can be quite effective in preventing and treating prostate diseases. This is because the secretory hormone function of the prostate relies on fatty acids, and pumpkin seeds are rich in them, which can keep the prostate functioning well. The active ingredients can eliminate the swelling in the early stages of prostatitis and also have the effect of preventing prostate cancer. However, for some stubborn patients with excessively severe prostate enlargement (more than 12 times larger than a normal gland), taking them has little effect. It is recommended to have surgical removal to avoid triggering prostate cancer.
Pumpkin seeds help improve sperm quality. Experts point out that this is because pumpkin seeds contain a large amount of zinc. From a Western medicine perspective, eating more zinc-rich foods is not only good for the prostate but can also increase sperm count. From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, zinc-rich foods have the effect of nourishing the kidneys and can help improve male fertility. In addition to pumpkin seeds, nuts like hazelnuts and peanuts are also rich in zinc and can greatly improve sperm quality.
Pumpkin seeds help lower blood pressure. Pumpkin seeds are rich in pantothenic acid, which can relieve stable angina and has a blood pressure-lowering effect. Chew and eat 90 grams of raw, shelled pumpkin seeds daily, divided into three servings in the morning, noon, and evening. One week is a course of treatment, and it can be taken for 2-3 consecutive courses. For middle-aged and elderly men with prostate enlargement (hyperplasia), especially those with insomnia, physical condition can decline rapidly, leading to post-headaches (caused by insomnia and frequent urination at night), tinnitus, facial pain, and facial twitching. After eating pumpkin seeds, symptoms such as urgency, frequency, pain, and incontinence can be alleviated, and nocturia can be reduced.
Pumpkin seeds can prevent and treat gum recession. Pumpkin seed kernels are rich in two types of nutrients that are very important for gums and alveolar bone. First, they contain a large amount of phosphorus; every 100 grams of pumpkin seed kernels contain 1159 mg of phosphorus, and alveolar bone atrophy in the elderly is related to phosphorus loss. Second, they are rich in carotene and vitamin E, which can directly nourish the gums and prevent gum recession.
So, how is the healthiest way to eat pumpkin seeds?
How to eat pumpkin seeds
It's best to eat pumpkin seeds by peeling them by hand, not cracking them with your teeth. If you crack them with your teeth, a large amount of saliva will stick to the seed shells and be lost. In addition to moistening and dissolving food to make it easier to swallow, and cleaning and protecting the mouth, saliva also has the function of nourishing kidney essence. Therefore, it is best to use your teeth less to crack seeds. As people get older, they are prone to gum recession, and eating pumpkin seeds regularly can change this phenomenon.
Pumpkin seed kernels are rich in two types of nutrients that are very important for gums and alveolar bone. First, they contain a large amount of phosphorus; every 100 grams of pumpkin seed kernels contain 1159 mg of phosphorus, and alveolar bone atrophy in the elderly is related to phosphorus loss. Second, they are rich in carotene and vitamin E, which can directly nourish the gums and prevent gum recession.
When eating, it is best to grind the pumpkin seeds into powder and consume them. Eating a small spoonful (about 30 grams) daily has a better effect. In addition, pumpkin seeds are also a potassium-rich food. Potassium-rich foods can help your leg muscles stretch and prevent leg cramps.
It's best to eat pumpkin seeds by peeling them by hand, not cracking them with your teeth. If you crack them with your teeth, a large amount of saliva will stick to the seed shells and be lost. In addition to moistening and dissolving food to make it easier to swallow, and cleaning and protecting the mouth, saliva also has the function of nourishing kidney essence. Therefore, it is best to use your teeth less to crack seeds.
Eating pumpkin seeds has many benefits, don't miss out.