Can Pumpkin Seeds Fight Disease?

Pumpkins may make you think of Halloween or Thanksgiving, but their seeds are great to nibble on all year round. Not only are they a tasty snack, but pumpkin seeds can also protect your health.

Also known as pepitas, these flat green seeds are freshest in the fall during pumpkin season, but you can find them in the supermarket any time of year. They have a sweet taste and a chewy texture, and are filled with nutrients. They also help fight disease.

Effects on the prostate
Many men who are 50 and older are at risk for prostate enlargement. This condition is also known as benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). Pumpkin seed oil appears to help combat BPH. In addition, pumpkin seeds contain zinc, which may also help prevent BPH.

Men's bone health
Most of us think of it as a women's health problem, but men can get osteoporosis, too. In fact, one out of eight men over age 50 fractures a hip because of this condition. Without enough zinc in their diet, men can develop osteoporosis of the hip and spine. Pumpkin seeds are high in zinc, which helps build bone mineral density.

Arthritis
It's possible that pumpkin seeds can even help arthritis. In animal studies, they worked as well as indomethacin, a drug that treats arthritis pain. Although the medicine has a side effect that can actually make arthritis worse, pumpkin seeds do not.

A healthy food
Pumpkin seeds are good for you. In addition to zinc, they are also a very good source of iron, copper, protein, magnesium and monounsaturated fats. They also contain phytosterols, which are ingredients found in plants. Phytosterols have a chemical structure similar to cholesterol. When you include them in your diet, they are believed to lower your blood cholesterol levels. They also boost your immune response and lower your risks for certain cancers.

Of the seeds and nuts people usually snack on, pistachios and sunflower seeds have the most phytosterols. Pumpkin seeds are a close third.

Buying and storing pumpkin seeds
When you buy pumpkin seeds, make sure there isn't any insect damage, moisture or shriveling. If you can, make sure they don't have a musty or bad smell. Keep them in an airtight container. Although they'll keep for several months, they'll be their freshest for the first month or two.

How to make your own pumpkin seeds:

1. Remove the seeds from the pumpkin.
2. Spread them out on a paper bag and let them dry overnight.
3. Place them on a cookie sheet and roast them for 15 to 20 minutes at 160 degrees F. The combination of the low temperature and short roasting time helps to preserve the healthy oils.

Related Articles The Power of Pumpkin Pie

External Source The World's Healthiest Foods.org. Pumpkin seeds.

This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.

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