Halloween Superfood: Nutrition Packed Pumpkin Seeds
With Halloween approaching many people are carving up pumpkins to decorate their homes, but most of them are probably throwing away the very best part: the seeds. Pumpkin seeds are a nutritional powerhouse and have been used for centuries by many different cultures as both a food, and as a medicine.
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Pumpkins: Much More Than An Ornament
Pumpkins are native to North America but today are grown all over the world. Most parts of the pumpkin are edible, but none are as packed with goodness as the seeds. Pumpkin seeds are flat, dark green and have a deliciously nutty flavor that has been savored throughout the ages. They have been eaten since the time of the Aztecs and beyond. Known in Latin America as pepitas, pumpkin seeds have long served as an important food. They were a celebrated food of the Native American Indians who treasured them for their nutritional value and also used them medicinally.
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Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are abundantly high in the important trace mineral zinc. Zinc is critical for prostate health in men, and pregnant and lactating women need zinc as it is crucial for fetal development. Zinc is also important for wound healing, our sense of taste and smell, and vision. People with poor night vision are often found to be deficient in zinc.
Pumpkin seeds are packed with vitamin A, B, C, and E. They contain calcium, magnesium, iron, selenium, and copper, as well as omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids (EFAs). These EFAs are especially effective in lowering cholesterol levels, and can help with weight loss by regulating lipid metabolism and breaking down fatty tissues.
Pumpkin seeds contain tryptophan, one of the essential amino acids in the human diet. In fact it is estimated that pumpkin seeds contain as much tryptophan as milk.
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Low In Calories, High In Nutrients
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Pumpkin seeds are also rich in cucurbitin, an amino acid considered to have anti-parasitic properties. In German folk medicine and Chinese herbal medicine pumpkin seeds were used to quell a variety of parasitic infections, such as tapeworms.
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The Sunfood Difference
Grown from an heirloom variety of pumpkin, our Austrian pumpkin seeds are prized for their great flavor and nutritional qualities. These delicious, dark green pumpkin seeds have not been roasted and no artificial flavors or preservatives have been added, giving you a pure, original food experience.
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How To Use Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are delicious and easy to use. You can make nut milks, seed pates, on-the-go trail mixes, or pesto! For a traditional Halloween snack, soak your pumpkin seeds in pure water for a couple of hours, rinse well and then marinate in olive oil and Kalahari or Himalayan salt. Dehydrate overnight or until desired crispiness. This will give them that classic roasted, toasted crunch without altering the nutrients. You can also try adding flavors such as cayenne or Nama Shoyu to enliven your party mix.
Get Raw Organic Pumpkin Seeds
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Pumpkin Seeds, Austrian, 8oz, Organic, Heirloom
$8.95 - Add to Cart |
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These brownies are an experience like no other. They are perfect for fall and the holiday season! We've paired our heirloom pumpkin seeds with, dates, mesquite, maca and of course, cacao. These delicious morsels will keep you going all day long!
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