What are the nutritional values 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. Let's learn about the nutritional value and how to eat pumpkin seeds today.
Nutritional Value of Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds protect the male prostate
A U.S. study found that eating about 50 grams of pumpkin seeds daily (equivalent to 20-25 seeds, with an average weight of 68 mg each) can be quite effective in preventing and treating prostate diseases. This is because the secretory function of the prostate depends on fatty acids, and pumpkin seeds are rich in them, which can help maintain the prostate's good function. The active ingredients can reduce the swelling in the early stages of prostatitis and also have a preventive effect against prostate cancer. However, for some stubborn patients with excessively severe prostate enlargement (more than 12 times the size of a normal gland), taking them is not effective. Surgery is recommended to prevent the development of 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 significantly 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 90 grams of raw, shelled pumpkin seeds daily, divided into three servings in the morning, noon, and evening. One course of treatment lasts for a week, 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 posterior 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 nocturnal urination 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 hand-peeling them, 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. Besides 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's best to use your teeth less to crack seeds. As people age, they are prone to gum recession, and eating pumpkin seeds regularly can help change this.
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.
It is best to grind pumpkin seeds into powder when consuming them. Eating a small spoonful (about 30 grams) daily yields better results. Additionally, pumpkin seeds are 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 hand-peeling them, 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. Besides 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's best to use your teeth less to crack seeds.
Eating pumpkin seeds has many benefits, don't miss out.