Say goodbye to fatigue with energy-boosting benefits of pumpkin seeds

Adding, she said, “Magnesium (present in pumpkin seeds) decreases inflammation and relaxes the nervous system. For example, when you exercise, lactate accumulates in your blood, which leads to tired and achy limbs. However, magnesium can prevent this lactate accumulation, which in turn helps relieve fatigue”.

 

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How can pumpkin seeds help fight fatigue?

Anjana B Nair, Consultant Dietitian, Motherhood Hospitals, HRBR Layout Bengaluru, concurred and said that because of their nutritional content, pumpkin seeds can help prevent fatigue.

“They contain necessary elements like iron and magnesium, which play important roles in energy production and maintaining healthy biological processes. Iron is required for the formation of haemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells that transports oxygen throughout the body. Magnesium helps convert food into energy and supports muscle and nerve function. Incorporating pumpkin seeds into your diet can supply these essential nutrients while also aiding with fatigue management,” she explained.

High in magnesium, zinc, and protein, pumpkin seeds are filled with nutrients that may help boost your energy levels. (Source: Freepik)

Health benefits of pumpkin seeds

Pumpkin seeds are a nutritious food packed with many essential nutrients, healthy fats, and beneficial compounds. Yogita Chavan, Dietitian, Godrej Memorial Hospital, Mumbai told indianexpress.com that “pumpkin seeds contain bioactive compounds such as phytosterols, phenolic compounds, vitamin E, cucurbitacins, omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids, and amino acids. Pumpkin seeds are high in magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus, as well as other minor minerals like zinc, manganese, iron, calcium and copper”.

Below are some health benefits of pumpkin seeds shared by Chavan:

– Beneficial for cardiovascular health
– Aids immunity,
– Helps generate cell growth,
– Helps in mood elevation,
– Can improve sleep
– Is good for eye, hair and skin health
– Helps in maintaining bone health and
– Has anti carcinogenic effect

Pumpkin seeds for mental health

Apart from numerous benefits for physical health, pumpkin seeds can also be good for your mental health. Vani Krishna, Chief Clinical Nutritionist, Manipal Hospital, Varthur, Bangalore said that pumpkin seeds are rich in amino acid tryptophan which converts into serotonin and can be useful to get a good night sleep.

“It has been reported that pumpkin seeds have an anti-depressant property score of 47%. The effect of tryptophan and tryptophan intermediate metabolite in the formation of neurotransmitter serotonin has promoted the remedy for depression,” she added.

How to add pumpkin seeds to your diet?

Pumpkin seeds can be incorporated in your diet in a plethora of ways. You can add them to salad dressing to get a nutty or crunchy taste and can garnish one teaspoon of pumpkin seed on the hot soup, pastas, and dishes. “Pumpkin seed can be used as a thickening agent for soups and dishes, blend them to the hummus and other homemade spreads. They can be consumed in both raw and roasted form,” said Krishna.

“The ideal recommendation is 15 grams of seeds per day,” added Chavan.

The ideal recommendation is 15 grams of pumpkin seeds per day. (Source: Pexels)

Things to keep in mind

Below are a few things that you need to keep in mind when consuming pumpkin seeds as share by Nair:

– As pumpkin seeds have a high fat content, they have a high risk of becoming rancid, so proper storage is essential
– Before consuming pumpkin seeds, it is important to see if you are allergic to it.
– It is also important to note that pumpkin seeds are calorie dense, hence consume it moderately.
– Make sure you buy good quality pumpkin seeds without adulteration.
– It is important to consider individual needs and moderation when consuming them.
– Consult a healthcare professional or nutritionist for personalised dietary advice.

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