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Pumpkin seeds have a surprising number of health benefits. Magnesium is one of the many healthy ingredients found in pumpkin seeds. Give kids a snack with multiple health benefits. Include roasting pumpkin seeds as part of a healthy Halloween celebration. Kids love roasting pumpkin seeds. The health benefits can be our little secret.

Magnesium Daily Requirement

Pumpkin seeds provide 92% of the daily requirement of magnesium. It's difficult to find a food with high magnesium content. Magnesium is normally taken as a mineral supplement. Americans don't get enough magnesium by diet alone. Pumpkin seeds contain almost half the zinc, copper, and iron the body needs in a day.

Prevents Cancer

The health benefits of pumpkin seeds in cancer prevention are many. Phytosterols contained in pumpkin seeds fight a number of different cancers. Selenium is an antioxidant in pumpkin seeds. Selenium fights free radicals and kills cancer cells. Pumpkin seeds also contain Omega 3, another known cancer fighting ingredient.

Lowers Cholesterol

Phytosterols in pumpkin seeds are helpful in managing healthy cholesterol levels. Phytosterols in pumpkin seeds have been shown to lower cholesterol levels. Phytosterol extracts have even been used to make margarine with these added health benefits. Pumpkin seeds are second to pistachios and sunflower seeds in phytosterol content.

Prevents Osteoporosis

A dietary deficiency of zinc has been linked to osteoporosis. Zinc is a mineral found in pumpkin seeds. The health benefits of pumpkin seeds include osteoporosis prevention. Zinc increases mineral density in the bones. Eating pumpkin seeds provides the zinc needed to keep bones strong and fracture resistant.

Improves Depression

Pumpkin seeds contain tryptophan. This Amino acid is effective in the natural treatment of depression. tryptophan is a factor in serotonin production. Low serotonin levels can cause depression, anxiety and lack of sleep. The health benefits of pumpkin seeds include supplying the body with tryptophan to balance serotonin.

Prevents Kidney Stones

An unknown ingredient in pumpkin seeds has been found to have kidney health benefits. Pumpkin seeds prevent the formation of kidney stones, although it is not known exactly how. Pumpkin seeds also improve bladder function. They have been known to ease difficulty in urination in some kidney and prostate patients.

Prostate Protector

Preventing difficult urination is just one of the prostate health benefits of pumpkin seeds. Pumpkin seed oil has been found to reduce the growth of the prostate. Pumpkin seeds contain carotenoids which lower prostate cancer risk. Pumpkin seeds reduce prostate cancer risk by providing Omega 3 and antioxidants.

Anti-Inflammatory

NSAIDS are medicines normally used to treat inflammation in arthritis patients. These drugs have a negative impact on the kidneys and liver. The health benefits of pumpkin seeds include natural anti- inflammatory benefits. Pumpkin seeds can be used to prevent inflammation without the harmful side effects associated with NSAIDS.

Eating pumpkin seeds has many health benefits. Pumpkin seeds lower cholesterol, protect against cancer and keep the prostate healthy. Pumpkin seeds ward off depression, decrease inflammation, prevent kidney stones and lower the risk of osteoporosis. Pumpkin seeds are not just a Halloween treat. Supplement your regular diet with pumpkin seeds to reap these health benefits.