(NaturalHealth365)  You might only think of pumpkins and pumpkin seeds during Halloween or autumn.  However, many compelling reasons exist to think of them far more often throughout the year.

Pumpkin seeds’ nutrition and health benefits are quite impressive, and eating them more often can lead to a range of health-enhancing effects.  This humble little seed is packed with disease-fighting vitamins, minerals, and compounds that make it a veritable superfood.

Why should I eat pumpkin seeds?

I’m glad you asked.  Pumpkin seeds include essential fatty acids as well as the health-enhancing compound tryptophan.  They are also a potent natural source of essential nutrients like manganese, magnesium, iron, potassium, copper, and zinc.

The following are five compelling pumpkin seed health benefits that will have you snacking on them more often than just after carving your Halloween jack o’ lantern:

1. Improved cardiovascular health and cholesterol levels

Pumpkin seeds can help protect you against heart attacks and other cardiovascular issues.  Studies have shown eating pumpkin seeds regularly can help raise HDL cholesterol while decreasing total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol.

This is likely due to its high phytosterol concentration, a compound that inhibits cholesterol absorption in the small intestine.  Pumpkin seeds’ nutrition can also help to regulate blood pressure and lower elevated numbers.

2. Relief from arthritis

Pumpkin seeds and pumpkin seed oil also have potent antioxidant qualities that help to reduce inflammation.  This can relieve autoimmune conditions such as arthritis as it reduces painful swelling.

3. Better bone health

Pumpkin seeds contain high concentrations of phosphorous, magnesium, and zinc, which are linked with preventing osteoporosis and promoting good bone health.  The nutrients in pumpkin seeds help to promote a more alkaline environment within bones, which boosts their structure and density.

4. Improved bladder function

If you have an overactive bladder, pumpkin seeds’ health benefits can assist with regulating its function.  Overactive bladder is characterized by sudden, frequent, and intense urges to urinate.  This can reduce quality of life and lead to embarrassing situations.

Snacking on pumpkin seeds can help to alleviate this issue.  Pumpkin seeds can also assist men with enlarged prostates to experience relief from frequent urination and other bladder problems.

5. Eases anxiety

Pumpkin seed’s health benefits also include relief from anxiety.  This is likely due to its high content of the amino acid tryptophan, which has a calming effect.  Tryptophan is converted into serotonin within the brain, one of the neuropeptides associated with well-being and a positive mood.

With such remarkable health benefits, we should all be snacking on pumpkin seeds more often – not just at Halloween.  They are loaded with essential minerals like manganese, magnesium, iron, potassium, copper, and zinc, and they can improve health in numerous key areas.

You can eat organic pumpkin seeds raw or dry roast them on the stove – at low heat – for 15 minutes for a delicious flavor. To make roasted pumpkin seeds even more delicious, try adding a touch of sea salt.

A handful (or two) of these seeds is all you need, each day (on their own) or you can add them to raw  yogurt, soup, salad, and stews.  Enjoy!

Sources for this article include:

NIH.gov
NIH.gov
NIH.gov
Lifeextension.com