Seeds and nuts are one of healthy eating as part of the caveman diet and lifestyle. One of the best choices of these seeds are pumpkin seeds for their powerful antioxidants and healthy fats. One cup contains 285 calories plus calcium, iron, magnesium and many other nutrients that are beneficial to support optimal health.
Pumpkin seeds are a great source of zinc, a mineral that can help in the healing and repair tissue. Not getting enough zinc could be prone to infections. However, eating seeds and other foods that fight inflammation as oysters, dark poultry meat, beans and other nuts like cashews, boosting the immune system. They also provide vitamin E, one of the most powerful antioxidants that protect the body from free radicals.
Pumpkin seeds are anti-carcinogenic because they contain substances that are classified as phytoestrogens, which are compounds found in plants that are kind of like estrogen found in the body. The phytoestrogens in pumpkin seeds may help control some factors that play a role in the development of breast cancer. Therefore, they can be useful in the prevention or treatment of breast cancer. Try to put the pumpkin seeds to salads or side dishes or as a snack with fatty fish such as sardines and mackerel. The consumption of these types of fish give you the best source of Omega 3, one of the good fat that can also prevent breast cancer. Fatty fish such as these contain DHA (docosah-exaenoic acid), which is extremely important to include in your diet if you want to get many of the benefits of Omega 3’s.
Another way incorporate pumpkin seeds in your diet is to add bread or other baked goods. Because they are crunchy and delicious, they could also be a premium for such favorite desserts and fruit salad or ice cream. Alternatively, healthy sleep and improve mental health. Healthy sleep because they contain massive amounts of tryptophan, which the body converts into serotonin, a hormone that is essential for healthy sleep period and to maximize mood regulation. Just 100 grams of pumpkin seeds contain 576 milligrams of tryptophan. They are also an excellent source of B vitamins.
Pumpkin seeds can also be a powerful ally in supporting eye health and function as they contain vitamin A, vitamin E, beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin, compounds that are short with healthy eyes. One study published by the National Eye Institute found that 80 milligrams of zinc, as well as with other antioxidants reduced the risk of macular degeneration by 25%. Another compound produced by the body to protect the eyes is melanin that zinc and vitamin A are necessary for production. Adding three tablespoons of pumpkin seeds per day can give you 20% of your recommended daily intake of zinc, and 50% of your recommended daily intake of magnesium and manganese. The American Optometric Association recommends zinc daily for optimal eye health.
The best way to eat is raw pumpkin seeds. The reason for this is because it is the best way to preserve their healthy fat. Buy organic when possible so that they are not contaminated by harmful chemicals and pesticides. Make sure they smell fresh and if you plan to eat them regularly, it is best to soak them for 7-24 hours to remove all the phytic acid-anti-nutrients that can be done before talk of nutrients less bioavailable when eaten.
