Health Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds

Each year during the Halloween holiday season grocery stores are stocked full of pumpkins. Children and adults alike plan how they will carve a pumpkin with each one being a work of art. The pumpkin carving process consists of cutting out the top, reaching inside with bare hands and pulling out all the seeds, carving a face, and placing a candle inside. Rather than throw out all the seeds create a tasty, healthy snack by roasting them in the oven and enjoy the great nutritional value and many health benefits.

Pumpkin seeds are a good source of vitamins and minerals along with omega-3 fatty acids. With this combination of nutrition the health benefits are worth making these seeds a part of your diet. Here are some of the health benefits that pumpkin seeds provide.

Prostate Health

Pumpkin seeds help reduce enlargement of the prostate gland in men. They also help reduce the risk of prostate cancer due to the essential fatty acid content.

Blood Clotting

Pumpkin seeds are a rich source of vitamin K which helps with blood clotting and helps reduce the hardening of arteries. Vitamin K also helps with bone health by aiding in the absorption of calcium. Stronger bones mean less chance of fractures, osteoporosis and loss of bone density.

Lower Cholesterol

Pumpkin seeds contain phytosterols which have been found to lower cholesterol. The lowering of cholesterol helps reduce the chance of heart disease.

Consumption

The big question is how to roast these yummy treats so you can enjoy the health benefits. The first step is to preheat your oven to 325 degrees. Next run the seeds under cold water and pull off all the pulp. This will get the seeds nice and clean. Spray a cookie sheet with non-stick oil and place the seeds in a single layer on the sheet. Lightly dust the pumpkin seeds with salt and place in the oven for 25 minutes. Check every so often and move the seeds around for even cooking.

Lots of pumpkin seeds are consumed during the Halloween season but the Halloween spirit can be kept alive year round by visiting Spookymania [http://www.spookymania.com].

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=RJ_Hill

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