http://www.melissawest.com/pumpkin-seeds/
For Show notes and recipe click on the link above
Today we are going to focus on one of my favourite superfood ingredients. The pumpkin seed. One of the coolest things about pumpkin seeds is that their nutritional benefits actually improve with age. Unlike other foods that decrease in nutrient density and decompose as they age, studies at the Massachusetts Experiment Station showed that squash and pumpkin seeds stored for more than 5 months actually showed a marked increase in protein content! Out of all seeds, they are the most alkaline-forming in the body, which is good news because our bodies tend to be more acidic on the standard-american-diet (SAD) and so we are always trying to create more alkalinity in our bodies since acidity is linked to excess weight, pain and other health problems.
Pumpkin seeds are a great plant-based source of protein with 100 grams of pumpkin seeds providing a whopping 30 grams of protein. Pumpkin seeds contain phytosterols, compounds that that have been shown to reduce levels of LDL cholesterol. The L-tryptophan in pumpkin seeds helps promote a good night sleep and lowering depression. Tryptophan is converted to serotonin and niacin and serotonin not only makes you feel good, but helps you sleep better as well.
Pumpkin seeds contain loads of trace minerals including phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, iron and copper. It contains vitamin K, and is an excellent source of the B vitamins (thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine) and folates) and vitamin E.
Today I’m going to share with you pumpkin seeds in few forms. I found this great new protein powder from Omega Nutrition called Pumpkin Seed Protein Powder which is organic, vegan, gluten free, nut free, sugar free, and yeast free. They point out that pumpkin seeds contain 18 amino acids including 10 essntial amino acids with 60% protein with great bioavailability and is highly digestible. This protein is made from partially defatted pumpkin seeds. There are no additives, fillers or flavours in this – it is straight pumpkin seeds – ground super fine. And, it is made in by Omega Nutrition in Vancouver BC Canada which I think is kind of cool! 🙂
The second powerful pumpkin seed ingredient we are going to use in our smoothie today is pumpkin seed oil. I just love the rich colour of pumpkin seed oil. Pumpkin seed oil can be beneficial for intestinal health. Listen up if you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The high fatty acid content may help reduce inflammation in the GI tract and many people report a lessening of symptoms when they take pumpkin seed oil regularly. Pumpkin seed oil benefits our joints and is a popular supplement for the treatment of arthritic pain. The high levels of antioxidants, fatty acids and other compounds in pumpkin seed oil seem to help reduce inflammation in joints for sufferers of arthritis. In fact, some research has shown the positive effects of pumpkin seed oil on arthritis is on a par with anti-arthritis drug Indomethacin, without the side effects.
source
