Benefit Your Body with Pumpkin Seeds

Benefit Your Body with Pumpkin Seeds
by Anna Goldstein

calcium.

One serving of seeds provides you with a healthy quantity of the heart- healthy fat
that reduces "bad" cholesterol.

Nutritionist, Shane Heaton, shares a few ways to enjoy pumpkin seeds:

"Sprinkle them on cereal and salads, or add to homemade breads. Mix with other
nuts, seeds and dried fruit to make a great trail mix. Add them to soup. Organic
pumpkin seeds tend to be a darker green than their non-organic equivalents - a sign
of their higher magnesium content."

And, while they are most nutritious when eaten raw, if you prefer them prepared,
here's how to toast them:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Cut the pumpkin open and use a strong metal spoon to
scoop out the insides. Separate the seeds from the stringy core. Rinse the seeds.

2. In a saucepan, add seeds to water (about 2 cups of water to a half cup of seeds).
Add salt, then bring to a boil. Let simmer for 10 minutes. Drain.

3. Put a little olive oil on a roasting pan, then spread the seeds out. Bake on the top
rack for 20 minutes, or until the seeds begin to darken. Let the seeds cool before
eating. Either crack to remove the inner seed (a lot of work and in my opinion,
unnecessary) or eat whole. The shell is a good source of fiber.

Be bold and try some pumpkin seeds. You only need a handful a day to take
advantage of the nutrients in this 'superfood.'

So go ahead and give your tongue something to toss around when you're in the
snacking mood.

About The Author

Anna Goldstein graduated from Penn State University with a Bachelor's Degree in
Psychology and completed her Life Coaching Certification at New York University. Her
holistic approach gives you the tools, support and accountability to set and
accomplish your goals. She empowers people to eliminate bad habits and negative
thought patterns to help you achieve results.For Life Coaching information visit
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You get into the Halloween spirit by
carving a pumpkin. As you scoop out
the seeds, your first instinct is to
throw them away; but not so fast.
Save the seeds! There's a delicious
and healthy snack hidden in that pile.

Pumpkin seeds (also called 'pepitas')
are a highly nutritious food. These
tiny seeds contain a significant
amount of vitamins, protein and iron,
which promotes an increase in energy
levels. Pumpkin seeds reduce
inflammation and have a high
concentration of the minerals your
body needs- zinc, magnesium, and

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The content on
this website is for educational purposes only. Please consult with your physician before using natural
remedies and before making any drastic changes to your diet or exercise program.