Planting the seed … or you could just eat it
October 29th 2007 23:58
Yesterday I extolled the virtues of the portly pumpkin, a vegetable I’m really not too keen on but one that my bloke loves. However, there is one thing about pumpkins that breaks the ‘bad-tasting mould’ (not mildewy mould, you understand, “mould” as in an implement used to shape something) … um … where was I? Oh yes, the one thing about pumpkins that I do quite enjoy are the seeds.
Roasted, pumpkin seeds are chewy and sweet with a nutty taste and are a really yummy snack. They’re also very nutritious being an excellent source of phosphorous, magnesium and manganese and a good source of zinc, iron, copper, protein and vitamin K.
Like the big, fat pumpkin itself, the seeds are useful in controlling the condition known as Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy, an enlargement of the prostate gland resulting in problems with urination and sexual function. A major contributor to the condition is the over stimulation of the prostate cells by testosterone and DHT (dihydrotestosterone). The oil from pumpkin seeds has been shown to interrupt this over stimulation and slow down the enlargement of the gland.
The only problem sees to be that it’s as yet unknown whether the concentration of oil in a standard serving of seeds is high enough to make a difference. Pumpkin seed oil extracts can be bought as a dietary supplement instead.
However, pumpkin seeds are also good sources of carotenoids, zinc and omega-3 fats and research is ongoing regarding the additional benefits these nutrients can offer to prostate health.
As a good source of zinc, pumpkin seeds can also assist in keeping bones healthy and strong. Research has shown a correlation between low dietary intake / low blood levels of zinc and osteoporosis in the hip and spine.
Pumpkin seeds can also be helpful to sufferers of arthritis, with research favourably comparing the benefits of the seeds to a popular non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. There is also a bonus to arthritis sufferers; pumpkin seeds do not have certain side effects that can result from taking the drug, such as an increased level of damaged fats in the linings of the joints which can actually hasten the progression of the condition.
These wonderful little seeds are also a naturally rich source of phytosterols, compounds which are believed to reduce blood levels of bad cholesterol, strengthen the immune system and decrease the risk of certain cancers.
To prepare your own pumpkin seeds for ultimate enjoyment, remove the seeds from the vegetable and wipe off the flesh that’s stuck to them. Spread them out on paper towel and allow to dry overnight. The following day they can be roasted in a very slow oven (75 degrees C) for around 15-20 minutes. This helps to preserve the good oils.
Alternatively you can go the whole hog and really treat yourself. Clean one cup of seeds and toss in one tablespoon each oil and melted butter. Spread out on a baking sheet and bake at 180 degrees C for half an hour, shaking occasionally, until browned. Cool and serve with salt.
Pumpkin seeds … what a yummy scrummy treat.
Pumpkin seeds
Like the big, fat pumpkin itself, the seeds are useful in controlling the condition known as Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy, an enlargement of the prostate gland resulting in problems with urination and sexual function. A major contributor to the condition is the over stimulation of the prostate cells by testosterone and DHT (dihydrotestosterone). The oil from pumpkin seeds has been shown to interrupt this over stimulation and slow down the enlargement of the gland.
The only problem sees to be that it’s as yet unknown whether the concentration of oil in a standard serving of seeds is high enough to make a difference. Pumpkin seed oil extracts can be bought as a dietary supplement instead.
However, pumpkin seeds are also good sources of carotenoids, zinc and omega-3 fats and research is ongoing regarding the additional benefits these nutrients can offer to prostate health.
As a good source of zinc, pumpkin seeds can also assist in keeping bones healthy and strong. Research has shown a correlation between low dietary intake / low blood levels of zinc and osteoporosis in the hip and spine.
Pumpkin seeds can also be helpful to sufferers of arthritis, with research favourably comparing the benefits of the seeds to a popular non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. There is also a bonus to arthritis sufferers; pumpkin seeds do not have certain side effects that can result from taking the drug, such as an increased level of damaged fats in the linings of the joints which can actually hasten the progression of the condition.
These wonderful little seeds are also a naturally rich source of phytosterols, compounds which are believed to reduce blood levels of bad cholesterol, strengthen the immune system and decrease the risk of certain cancers.
To prepare your own pumpkin seeds for ultimate enjoyment, remove the seeds from the vegetable and wipe off the flesh that’s stuck to them. Spread them out on paper towel and allow to dry overnight. The following day they can be roasted in a very slow oven (75 degrees C) for around 15-20 minutes. This helps to preserve the good oils.
Alternatively you can go the whole hog and really treat yourself. Clean one cup of seeds and toss in one tablespoon each oil and melted butter. Spread out on a baking sheet and bake at 180 degrees C for half an hour, shaking occasionally, until browned. Cool and serve with salt.
Pumpkin seeds … what a yummy scrummy treat.
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