Halloween is creeping up on us, in fact it's dominating the shelves of our supermarkets, but it doesn't all have to be about sweets and chocolate.
Munch on pumpkin seeds through the Halloween period
When you carve your pumpkin for #ANightOfVision keep the pumpkin seeds to one side and enjoy the great health benefits they hold.
Pumpkin seeds are packed full of goodness, roast them in the oven with some cinnamon sprinkled over for a taste truly of autumn.
High in Magnesium - One-quarter cup of pumpkin seeds contains nearly half of the recommended daily amount of magnesium, which participates in a wide range of vitally important physiological functions, including the creation of ATP (adenosine triphosphate, the energy molecules of your body), the synthesis of RNA and DNA, the pumping of your heart, proper bone and tooth formation, relaxation of your blood vessels, and proper bowel function
Rich in Zinc - Pumpkin seeds are a rich source of zinc (one ounce contains more than 2 mg of this beneficial mineral), which is important for immunity, cell growth and division, sleep, mood, your senses of taste and smell, eye and skin health, insulin regulation, and male sexual function.
Good source of Omega-3s - Raw nuts and seeds, including pumpkin seeds, are one of the best sources of plant-based omega-3s (alpha-linolenic acid or ALA).
Promoting natural sleep - Pumpkin seeds are a rich source of tryptophan, an amino acid (protein building block) that your body converts into serotonin, which in turn is converted into melatonin, the "sleep hormone." Try, Zenbev® a clinically proven drink formula derived from pumpkin seeds that promotes natural sleep, launched with great success in Canada by Dr Hudson a Canadian medic, it is now available in the UK. The formula is a natural source of tryptophan derived from pumpkin seeds which crucially has been combined with a small amount of carbohydrate and B Vitamins to optimise the metabolism of the tryptophan into serotonin and then Melatonin to encourage natural sleep. Without the carbohydrate element the tryptophan can be lost and this is why he's patented the formula. Zenbev® is 100% vegetarian and vegan friendly. It is also gluten, dairy and yeast free. Each 250g jar comes with a measured scoop inside and provides approx. 25 servings. Zenbev® contains no artificial colours, additives or preservatives and it is certified organic. Available in natural lemon or chocolate flavour. Buy direct from www.zenbev.co.uk priced £24.95 for a 250g tub.
Men's Health - Pumpkin seeds have long been valued as an important natural food for men's health. This is in part because of their high zinc content, which is important for prostate health.
Heart & Liver health - Pumpkin seeds, rich in healthy fats, antioxidants and fibres, may provide benefits for heart and liver health, particularly when mixed with flax seeds.
Anti-inflammatory - Pumpkin seed oil has been found to exhibit anti-inflammatory effects.
Why not try this delicious recipe for salted and spiced pumpkin seeds from Ben Purton Executive Head Chef, The Royal Horseguards Hotel and One Whitehall Place.
Heat the oil in a frying pan until it is hot but not smoking. Be careful with the next part, as the seeds will spit at you a bit - add all the ingredients and toss them together until all the seeds are coated in the oil and well combined with the Maldon salt, pepper and chilli flakes. Cook them on a fairly high heat for 2-3 minutes and then drain them on kitchen paper. If you can resist, they're ideal left to cool and served with a cold beer.
Ingredients
250g pumpkin seeds
2 tbsp good olive oil
1 tbsp Maldon sea salt
A couple of twists of freshly milled black pepper
A pinch of chilli flakes
Tagged in Nutrition Healthy eating