Pumpkin Seeds – An Overlooked Superfood

During Halloween, we bring out those big, bright orange round fruits, cut ’em up and display their ghoulish grinning faces in our home windows. 

Huh? Fruit? Pumpkins are a fruit? Yes. Despite the common misconception that pumpkins are vegetables, they’re actually fruits because they are born from the leaves they bloom upon. Fruits come from flowers pollinated by bees and pumpkins also come from a leafy flower, therefore making them a ‘fruit’.

While we relish the delicious orange meat found inside these giant spherical objects, we should also take delight in the seeds they carry.

Pumpkin seeds, or ‘pepitas’ can provide us with a substantial quantity of healthy fats, magnesium, and zinc. 

Because of this, pumpkin seeds have been associated with several health benefits, including improved heart health, prostate health, and protection against certain cancers.

A 50 gram serving of these green, flat, and oval seeds contain 227 calories of mostly fat and protein.

In addition, a 50 g serving contains the following nutrients:

Carbs: 9.3 g
Protein: 15 g
Fat: 20 g
Fiber: 2.5 g                                                                                     

Pumpkin seeds are also a good source of manganese, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and iron.

Pumpkin seeds also contain some antioxidants and small amounts of potassium, riboflavin, and folate. 

High in magnesium, fiber, and zinc, pumpkin seeds can effectively control blood pressure, reduce stroke, lower blood sugar, promote good digestive health, increase sperm quality and boost testosterone levels. 

So while we rush to gorge on the fruity flesh of these symbolic holiday decorations, we should also save those tasty seeds within them. And snack away!