From boosting immunity to helping ensure good sleep, pumpkin seeds offer many potential health benefits. The small wonder is called a nutritional powerhouse because of its numerous health-enhancing nutrients and antioxidants.

Here are 9 potential health benefits of the superfood according to Ayurveda –
1. Good for Heart Health
Rich in magnesium, many antioxidants and fiber, Pumpkin seeds helps in many important heart functions.

Including pumpkin seeds in your all daily diet is recommended to reduce the risk of heart disease and strokes.

2. Boosts Immune System
Pumpkin seeds are extremely rich in Zinc and various antioxidants which helps in boosting your immune system.

Start your day with a healthy breakfast topped with pumpkin seeds for a boost.

3. Promotes healthy Cholesterol levels
Regular consumption of pumpkin seeds can help lower the level of LDL or bad cholesterol in the body.

Having 2 to 4 tablespoons of dry roasted pumpkin seeds daily will help lower your LDL levels. Make sure to eat the seeds without adding any extra salt.
4. Good for Arthritis
Pumpkin seeds and their oil comprises anti-inflammatory properties that is helpful in treating arthritis.

Massaging the affected area with pumpkin seed oil twice a day for around 10 minutes would help alleviating the pain and inflammation of the joints.

5. Fights Anxiety and Depression
Tryptophan, an essential amino acid found in pumpkin seeds and other vital nutrients in the superfood helps fight anxiety and depression.

A handful of roasted pumpkin seeds can calm you down after a stressful day.

6. Strengthens Bones
Being a rich source of magnesium and phosphorus, that are vital for bone health, Pumpkin seeds can help strengthening the bones.

Having ¼ cup of pumpkin seeds daily can reduce bone weakness and osteoporosis symptoms.

7. Anti-diabetic
Pumpkin seeds are rich in ingredients like Trigonelline, Nicotinic acid, and D-chiro-inositol which helps improving insulin regulation.

It is important to consume pumpkin seeds in their raw form to obtain all the nutritional benefits from these seeds.

8. Good for Digestive health
A diet rich in fiber is essential in keeping your gut in good shape. Pumpkin seeds are a great fiber source (5.2 grams of fiber per ounce of whole pumpkin seeds).
9. Promotes Healthy Sleep
Having pumpkin seeds a few hours before bed or mixing the seed powder in a glass of warm milk and drinking it at least 1 hour before bedtime, is beneficial as it provides your body the tryptophan needed which promotes a restful night’s sleep.
Note: The seeds are best advised to be consumed in raw form to avail all its benefits. Also, it is recommended to consume pumpkin seeds in moderation as it contains high calories.

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