Pumpkin seeds are the edible seeds from pumpkins or other varieties of winter squash. They can come in many varieties, however, most are either small green hull-less seeds or the larger white hulled variety. They are often eaten roasted and salted as a delightful and healthy snack, but can also be used in a wide range of culinary applications.
• They’re great for adding a little crunch to creamy winter squash soups
• Add them to cereal for additional flavor and nutrition
• Use them as a crunchy and healthy topping for casseroles
• They make a wonderful replacement for peanuts in brittles
• Grind raw pumpkin seeds up and add them to smoothies for a boost of protein
• Use them instead of pine nuts in a pesto
• Roasted pumpkin seeds are a great addition to salads
• Pumpkin seeds are rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals including fiber, vitamin K, phosphorus, manganese, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, and vitamin B2
• They are high in antioxidants which help decrease inflammation
• Diets high in pumpkin seeds have been associated with a reduced risk for stomach, breast, lung, prostate, and colon cancers
• Pumpkin seeds may even help relieve the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia
• The rich amount of zinc in pumpkin seeds can help increase sperm count
• Pumpkin seeds are a natural source of tryptophan which can help improve sleep