Pumpkin seeds: 10 properties' beneficial

Pumpkin seeds, despite their small size, they can be considered as a food rich in beneficial properties and as a healthy ingredient to replace the classic snacks.

Pumpkin seeds are beneficial for the heart, help us to guarantee us a good night's sleep and a good general health. They can be eaten raw or roasted in the oven at a temperature not too high for 15-20 minutes. Also excellent hot and can be seasoned with a pinch of sea salt. They can be bought already roasted, choosing preferably organic, natural food stores.

Here are their top 10 beneficial properties.

1) Good rest
Pumpkin seeds have a high content of tryptophan, an amino acid precursor of serotonin, which helps to ensure not only live our days full of good humor, but also to help you to enjoy a good rest at night, so to recover all the energy you need for the commitments of the next day.

2) Heart and relax
Among the components of nutrients present in pumpkin seeds is magnesium, an element that helps to give the body a feeling of relaxation. The magnesium is in fact considered as a substance naturally soothing and relaxing, besides being considered beneficial for the correct heart activity.

3) Balance
Pumpkin seeds are content to be reckoned with highly digestible proteins that help to maintain regular levels of blood sugar when they are consumed during the day as a snack. Keep sugar levels stable can be crucial when trying to lose weight. That's why pumpkin seeds are often also recommended to those who follow a strict diet.

4) Omega3
Pumpkin seeds contain essential fatty acids omega 3, a factor that makes them a valuable plant source of these elements. Their presence remains in a food extract from them in cold oil of pumpkin seeds. It may be of help in the treatment of patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy, as suggested by a scientific study published in 2009.

5) Zinc
The zinc content of pumpkin seeds makes them a suitable food to be consumed by the male population, as such mineral is considered able to perform a protective action against the prostate. The intake of foods containing zinc is also recommended for pregnant women and those who want to control cholesterol levels.

6) Iron
Pumpkin seeds, along with legumes such as lentils, beans and chickpeas, can be considered as a vegetarian source of iron. Take them as a snack can help to combat energy losses along the course of the day. The toasted pumpkin seeds can replace in any way the classic healthy snacks purchased at the supermarket.

7) Anti-inflammatory Properties
Pumpkin seeds are considered to be a real natural anti-inflammatory, power almost medicinal. Their intake can therefore help to reduce the inflammation in the body. In some cases they can help fight irritation and swelling without the typical side effects of medicines.

8) Phytosterols
They are in third place in the ranking of seeds and nuts to higher content of phytosterols. Are in fact exceeded by sunflower seeds and pistachios, but they remain a source to be reckoned with. This makes them able to lower cholesterol levels in the blood.

9) Wellness intestinal
Pumpkin seeds contain some of that plant fibers to be included in our diet so that our intestines can work on a regular basis. Their assumption is therefore particularly suited to those who have problems from this point of view and who want to find their own balance.

10) Adjusting the pH
Pumpkin seeds help to alkalize the body's pH. Excessive acidity caused from taking certain foods (such as meat, sugar and confectionery, flour 00 and derivatives) has been related to the occurrence of inflammatory and painful conditions. Other alkalizing foods are vegetables, with particular reference to those that can be eaten raw.