Why you need to eat more pumpkin seeds 

When preparing to cook pumpkin, many people will discard the seeds or only keep them for planting. While allowing for replanting is great for food security, we can also take a portion for our consumption.

 This is because these seeds are loaded with nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats and micronutrients, which are all good for your health. 

Prevent early aging
Packed with cell protecting antioxidants, such as vitamin E and carotenoids, Isaac Kabazzi, a nutritionist, says pumpkin seeds will protect you against premature ageing.

 “These antioxidants also reduce inflammation and protect your cells from harmful free radicals, which enhances your body’s ability to fight off chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes and and facilitate faster healing,” Kabazzi says.
Viral and fungal infections
Any food that boosts one’s immunity is great to add to the diet and these seeds are just that. Apart from having iron and zinc, which are important for our immunity, Sylvia Chelangat, a nutritionist, says pumpkin seeds have anti-viral and anti-fungal properties which ensure our immunity is ready for any invading organism. 

“Unlike foods such as nuts that trigger intolerances and allergies, these seeds are not commonly known to do so, making it safe for most people to consume them,” she says.
Skin and bone health
Kabazzi says pumpkin seeds contain lots of Magnesium at 37 per cent of your required daily intake (RDI) as well as, Manganese (42 per cent RDI) and other minerals, such as copper, zinc and manganese. 
“Manganese helps the body to produce collagen and facilitates excellent bone and skin health. It also reduces disease risk with its antioxidant properties, and helps regulate blood glucose. Iron is an essential element in blood production and is an ingredient of haemoglobin, the oxygen carrying pigment in blood,” Kabazzi says.
Protection against diabetes
Pumpkin seeds are rich in essential nutrients and high in dietary fibre. With such a composition, Kabazzi says the body is more capable of regulating blood glucose.

 “Therefore, as one consumes these seeds, they are assured of better insulin regulation, as well as protection against type 2 diabetes and its related complications such as organ failure,” he adds.
Better cardio health
Your heart health is important for optimal body functionality, and Kabazzi says consumption of pumpkin seeds is associated with reduction in high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels, both risk factors for heart disease. 

“The seeds contain plant-based omega-3 fatty acids, which fends off diseases such as heart attack and has anti-inflammatory properties,” he explains.
Better hair growth 
Pumpkin seeds contain oil that is rich in phytoestrogens, vitamin E, and fatty acids and this helps in promoting hair growth when used as a hair food. “Even those with male pattern balding can apply it for hair growth,” Chelangat shares.

During pregnancy
According to dailymom.com, pumpkin and pumpkin seed benefits are not only for mom. They also apply to foetal development. The beta-carotene found in pumpkin contributes to the development of the foetus’ heart, lungs, bones, eyes, kidneys, nerves, and circulatory system. Iron helps carry oxygen to the foetus. Zinc helps with brain development. The omega-3 fatty acids in pumpkin seeds contribute to the development of the foetus’ central nervous system.