1 week Ago By [email protected] (Samantha Leathers)
Halloween often conjures images of fun spooks, frights, dress-up and an endless feast of sweets along with some carved pumpkins. This last part of the autumn festivities could be a massively overlooked health boost, one expert is raising the alarm about. Kyle Crowley, Nutrition Expert at Protein Works urged people not to toss the seeds from their artistic carvings and pie preparations.
He highlighted the lesser-known benefits of pumpkin seeds and encouraged people to make them a part of their usual autumnal diet regardless of their Halloween plans. One key aspect is a potential major downgrade to your risk of heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure and more as the seeds slice your blood pressure. Kyle explained: “Magnesium in pumpkin seeds also plays a key role in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels.
With one of the key factors of heart attack, strokes and kidney failure being linked to blood pressure, consuming pumpkin seeds can be a great way to help combat the risk during the winter months.” Pumpkin seeds can bolster your immune system against seasonal illnesses like colds and flu due to their omega-3 fatty acids, zinc and selenium content which can be especially beneficial for the elderly or those with compromised immune systems. The seeds pack a fibre punch too that indirectly helps blood sugar levels and weight management as well as aiding digestion.
Lastly, people who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder may find some autumnal relief with pumpkin seeds as the magnesium also regulates your sleep patterns, stress hormones and “activates calming receptors” all of which works to reduce the symptoms of SAD. This health hack also doesn’t simply mean sitting through endless packets of bland seeds. Kyle shared: “Pumpkin seeds can be used in a variety of different ways during this time of year.
They can serve as a delicious snack either raw or roasted, can be a topping for your morning cereal or yoghurt and can even be baked into certain sweet treats such as cookies or brownies to serve a more balanced diet.”.
