Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin Seeds:

                                                                        

Pumpkin Seeds:

Pumpkin seeds, also called "pepitas", Spanish for "little seeds of squash" ,  are full of valuable nutrients.  They are used commonly in Mexican food, and are often eaten as a healthful snack.   They can be eaten raw or roasted and salted or unsalted.  Most pumpkin seeds bought at the supermarket do not have shells.

                 

Nutrition:In a one ounce serving:Fiber:  1.7 grams                                               Manganese:  42% RDICarbs:  5 grams                                                 Magnesium:  37% RDIProtein:  7 grams                                               Iron:  23% RDIFat:  13 grams                                                    Zinc:  14% RDIVitamin K:  18% RDI                                        Copper:  19% RDIPhosphorus:  33%  RDI
Pumpkin Seeds are high in Antioxidants and can help reduce inflammation and protect your cells from harmful free radicals  and help protect against many diseases.Pumpkin seeds containessential amino acids such as tryptophan and glutamateDiets rich in pumpkin seeds have been associated with reduced risk of  stomach, breast, lung, prostate, and colon cancers.The magnesium if pumpkin seeds is needed for more than 600 chemical reactions in the body including: Controlling blood sugar; reducing heart disease risk; forming and maintaining healthy bones; regulationg blood sugar levels.Researchers have suggested that pumpkin seeds help protect against type 2 diabetes, or reduce its complications in other ways such as improving insulin regulation and protecting organs against the consequences of diabetes.Adding pumpkin seeds to your diet:  As an out of hand snack; sprinkle into salads, soups, cereals, cooked vegetables , and stir fries.  Add to smoothies and Greek yogurat and fruit.  Pumpkin seeds can be found readily in stores year round.  Hulled pumpkin seeds should be stored in air tight containers in the refrigerator to prevent deterioration.I love them !