Pumpkin Seeds

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HEALTHY FOODS - PUMPKIN SEEDS

 

Why should I be eating pumpkin seeds?

 

Pumpkin seeds are a tasty snack that can be eaten on their own or in

salads and other savoury dishes. They are rich in minerals, essential

fats and protein. Pumpkin seeds have anthelmintic properties meaning

they are good for ridding the body of worms such as tapeworms. Their

zinc content makes them particularly good for male and female

fertility generally.

 

They are also used to arrest prostate enlargement for men with benign

prostatic hypertrophy. Other uses include minor kidney disorders such

as cystitis or water retention.

What are they rich in?

 

Pumpkin seeds are an excellent source of minerals, with just a

quarter of a cup containing nearly 20% of the recommended daily

intake of zinc and 50% of the daily recommended intake for magnesium

and manganese.

 

As well as containing some B vitamins they also contain good amounts

of vitamin K, needed for bone health and blood clotting.

In terms of their fat content, pumpkin seeds are a good way to get

both the omega 3 and 6 essential fats needed for hormone balance,

brain function and skin health.

 

Who should eat pumpkin seeds?

• Anyone with prostate enlargement

• Anyone with infertility or hormonal imbalances

• Anyone with worms

• Anyone with water retention

• Anyone with cystitis

• Anyone with osteoporosis

 

Pumpkin seeds can be eaten as a snack or added to muesli, salads or

nut and seed roasts. About 20-30 grammes or two dessertspoonfuls is a

good recommended daily dose.

 

RECIPES

 

Grated carrot, courgette and pumpkin seed coleslaw

 

Ingredients

Serves 4

• 3 carrots, trimmed, peeled and grated

• 2 courgettes, trimmed and cut into fine julienne (matchstick)

strips or grated

• 2 spring onions, trimmed and finely diced

• 1 tbsp cider vinegar

• 1 tbsp egg-free mayonnaise

• 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds

Method

Mix the carrots, courgettes and spring onions in a medium-sized

mixing bowl. Mix the cider vinegar with the mayonnaise and then mix

in with the coleslaw ingredients. Cover and chill until required.

Serve garnished with the pumpkin seeds.

 

Buckwheat, pumpkin seed and ginger porridge

 

Ingredients

Serves 2-4

• 250g buckwheat groats

• 2-cm piece fresh root ginger, peeled and grated

• 1 pinch of dried mixed herbal seasoning

• 1 handful of pumpkin seeds

Method

Place the buckwheat, ginger, herbal seasoning and 1 litre of water in

a medium-sized pan. Bring to the boil, then lower the heat and simmer

for 20 minutes. Top with the pumpkin seeds and serve immediately.

 

 

Pumpkin seed tea

 

Ingredients

• 2-3 tsp pumpkin seeds

• water

Method

Infuse the pumpkin seeds in one cup of boiling water for 10 minutes.

This can be drunk 2-3 times a day as a male tonic particularly for

prostate health.