Pumpkin leaves popularly called ‘Ugu’ in Nigeria have tremendous health benefits as well as the pumpkin seeds.
Pumpkin seeds are also edible and contain a lot of minerals like potassium, zinc, copper, magnesium, iron, and manganese. It also has a lot of nutritional values.
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Scientific research has shown recently that pumpkin seed meals and its pressed oil may have the ability to ease the following health conditions:
- Protects Liver and Heart against diseases
In an animal study carried out in 2008 and published in Journal of Food Chemistry and Toxicology, it was discovered that pumpkin seeds mixed with flax seed have properties that can protect the heart and liver.
- Treats Arthritis
Pumpkin seed oil compared with other drugs used for the treatment of arthritis is more effective and does not have any side effects.
- Reduce Insomnia and Anxiety
A study published in the Journal Nutritional Neuroscience in 2005 discovered that pumpkin seed, a source of tryptophan in combination with carbohydrate was as effective as pharmaceutical tryptophan in treating lack of sleep at night.
- Prevents prostate growth
According to studies, pumpkin seed has the ability to inhibit testosterone-induced prostate growth which is a common causative factor benign prostatic hyperplasia.
- Aids Hypertension treatment
According to research, pumpkin seed oil contains antioxidant properties that can aid drug treatments and other treatments of hypertension.
- Reduces severity of postmenopausal symptoms
in a recent study, women that were supplemented with 2,000 mg of pumpkin seed oil for the period of 12 weeks experienced a reduction in the severity of postmenopausal symptoms like high blood pressure, increased HDL cholesterol and other symptoms associated with hormone insufficiency like hot flashes, headaches and joint pain.
- Treats male pattern baldness (Androgenic Alopecia)
A research in the year 2014 showed that men consuming pumpkin seeds experienced 30-40% increase in hair growth. Pumpkin seed oil helps to reverse baldness.
- Protects the body from drug and chemical toxicity
Pumpkin seeds contain components that lessen the acetaminophen (Tylenol) toxicity in the liver. Studies have also shown that it also protects against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury.
- Protects the body against parasites
A preclinical canine study showed that pumpkin seeds protect the body against canine intestinal parasites. Pumpkin seed also helps to fight tapeworms.
- Pumpkin seeds contain vitamins and minerals
Pumpkin seeds contain a good amount of vitamin E and vitamin K. It also contains magnesium, manganese, iron, copper, phosphorous and zinc.
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- Pumpkin seeds protect against Osteoporosis
Pumpkin seeds protect the body against Osteoporosis which is sometimes caused by zinc deficiency, low dietary intake of zinc. This is because pumpkin seeds contain a high amount of zinc.
