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Ten things to know about pumpkin seeds plus a sugar and spice recipe
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After carving up your Halloween pumpkin, don't forget to save those seeds. Pumpkin seeds are not only delicious but also provide many health benefits. Here are a ten things you may not know about our big orange friend and it's delicious seeds.
1) Like cantaloupe, watermelon, cucumbers and squash, pumpkins belong to the gourd or Cucurbitaceae family.
2) Pumpkin seeds are a very good source of phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, zinc, iron and copper. In addition, pumpkin seeds are a good source of protein and vitamin K.
3) Pumpkin seeds may effectively reduce inflammation. In animal studies, they were compared favorably with use of the anti-inflammatory drug Indomethacin in reducing inflammatory symptoms.
4) Pumpkin seeds may help prevent prostate enlargement. Compounds in pumpkin seeds appear to be able to interrupt increased prostate cell multiplication. The large amounts of Zinc may also improve prostate function. Both German and Bulgarian folk medicines say that eating pumpkin seeds prevents impotence.
5) Because they are high in zinc, pumpkin seeds are also natural protector against osteoporosis. Low intake of zinc has been linked to increased rates of osteoporosis.
6) Pumpkin seeds contain the amino acid L-tryptophan, zinc and magnesium, which may be effective in treating mild depression.
7) Two trials from Thailand reported that eating pumpkin seeds reduces urinary risk factors for forming kidney stones. They are also helpful in reducing purine which causes gout.
8) Pumpkin Seeds have been used in traditional medicine to treat parasites such as pin worms, round worms and tape worms.
9) Pumpkin seeds contain phytosterols, compounds that have been shown to reduce levels of LDL cholesterol. These same phytosterols, are also believed to increase the immune response and decrease risk of certain types of cancers.
10) Fifty grams of seeds has 5 grams of healthy dietary fiber.
Here is a recipe for Toasted Pumpkin Seeds with Sugar and Spice from allrecipes.com
Ingredients:
• 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds, rinsed and dried
• 6 tablespoons white sugar, divided
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F. Spread pumpkin seeds in a single layer on a baking sheet. Toast for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until dry and toasted. Larger seeds may take longer.
2. In a large bowl, stir together 2 tablespoons of sugar, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Set aside. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pumpkin seeds and sprinkle the remaining sugar over them. Stir with a wooden spoon until the sugar melts, about 45 seconds. Pour seeds into the bowl with the spiced sugar and stir until coated. Allow to cool before serving. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Healthy Blessings,
Tracy Lynn
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