PUMPKIN SEEDS

PUMPKIN SEEDS

Pumpkin seeds are a delicious, nutritious, and popular seed that has been celebrated as far back as 1300 AD when utilized by the ancient Aztecs. They were used as a food and traditional medicine in many Native American tribes and South America, where they were referred to as “pepita de calabaza” meaning “little seed of squash.” Over time, they became popular in North America, Europe, and the Mediterranean. They have even traveled the globe as far as Asia, where they are used today as alternative medicine. Here in the United States, pumpkins are grown for commercial consumption in nearly every state and on over 100,000 acres of farmland.

One of the most outstanding uses of pumpkin seeds is making them into pumpkin seed oil. The pumpkin seed oil has been studied by modern medicine for decades, and there is an abundance of impressive results. One standout study was conducted on 76 male patients with Androgenetic Alopecia. Each patient received 400 mg of pumpkin seed oil per day or a placebo. Changes were evaluated by four outcomes: assessment of standardized clinical photographs, patient self-assessment scores, scalp hair thickness, and scalp hair counts. These outcomes were documented at both 12 and 24 weeks. After 24 weeks of double-blind treatment, hair count increases of 40% were observed in men treated with 400 mg daily plant seed oil versus only a 10% increase in placebo-treated men. There were no adverse effects documented by either set of men. This study shows that pumpkin seeds could possibly help support the body’s natural regrowth of hair, which may be significant for people experiencing hair thinning or loss.

Another interesting study evaluated pumpkin seed oil for its effectiveness on human urinary disorders and overactive bladder. Forty-five patients were given 10g of pumpkin seed oil extract from C. maxima every day. The study was conducted over a period of 12 weeks, with measurements taken at both 6 and 12 weeks. At 12 weeks, the urinary function was evaluated using the Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS). Results from this study suggest that pumpkin seed oil extracts from C. maxima and from C. pepo may be effective in supporting human urinary disorders.

These are just a few of the many therapeutic benefits pumpkin seeds may offer. They’re a fantastic way of adding flavor along with nutrition to your daily foods.

Some possible traditional uses of Raw Natural Pumpkin Seed Kernels (Pepitas) may include:

• May support a healthy urinary system
• Possibly helps the body avert urinary disorders
• May support a healthy prostate
• May support a healthy cardiovascular system
• Source of Vitamins E, C, D, K, and B, protein, healthy fats
• Source of zinc, magnesium, tryptophan, calcium, potassium, copper, niacin, phosphorus, manganese, iron
• May support the body's natural production of testosterone
• May support healthy hair growth
• May support the body's ability to hinder hair loss

Constituents of Pumpkin seeds include:

• Minerals: Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Zinc, Copper, Manganese, Selenium
• Vitamins: Vitamin C, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Vitamin B-6, Folate, Choline, Vitamin A (RAE), Beta & Alpha-carotene, Vitamin A (IU), Lutein & Zeaxanthin, Vitamin E, Beta Tocopherol, Gamma Tocopherol, Delta Tocopherol, Vitamin K
• Amino Acids: Tryptophan, Threonine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Cystine, Phenylalanine, Tyrosine, Valine, Arginine, Histidine, Alanine, Aspartic Acid, Glutamic Acid, Glycine, Proline, Serine
• Fatty Acids: Palmitic, Stearic, Oleic, Linoleic

Suggested Use: Open the bag and enjoy! To roast, bake in the oven at 300º F for 10 minutes. Keep a close eye on the seeds while in the oven to prevent burning. Season to taste.

Other preparations: In a frying pan, melt some coconut oil and add 1-2 cups of our Natural pumpkin seeds until golden brown. Sprinkle a pinch of our Himalayan sea salt. Serve warm and enjoy.