Health Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds

Crunchy, delicious pumpkin seeds are high in calories; about 559 calories per 100 g. In addition, they are packed with fiber, vitamins, minerals, and numerous health promoting antioxidants.Their high calorific value mainly comes from protein and fats. Nonetheless, the kernels are especially rich in mono-unsaturated fatty acids that helps lower bad LDL cholesterol and increases good HDL cholesterol in the blood.

Pumpkin seeds carry good quality protein. 100g seeds provide 30g or 54% of recommended daily allowance of protein. In addition, the seeds are an excellent source of amino acid.Pumpkin seeds are a very good source of anti-oxidant. Vitamin E is a powerful lipid soluble antioxidant. It prevents tissue cells from the free radical mediated oxidant injury. 

Pumpkin kernels are also an excellent source of B-complex group of vitamins. These vitamins work as co-factors for various enzymes during cellular substrate metabolism in the human body. In addition, niacin helps in the reduction of LDL-cholesterol levels in the blood.