Autumn’s festivities aren’t just about the ghouls and candy – there’s a hidden health treasure in those jack-o’-lantern leftovers that could ward off serious health woes.
Nutrition expert Kyle Crowley from Protein Works is on a mission to prevent people from binning their pumpkin seeds after carving and pie-making.
He praised these small but mighty seeds as an unmissable addition to our autumn diet, unrelated to the Halloween hype.
Kyle’s not just talking up a seasonal snack; he’s zeroing in on the big health wins, like cutting down our chances of heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failure due to high blood pressure.
He points out: “Magnesium in pumpkin seeds also plays a key role in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels.
“With one of the key factors of heart attack, strokes and kidney failure being linked to blood pressure, consuming pumpkin seeds can be a great way to help combat the risk during the winter months.”
Pumpkin seeds can boost your immune system against seasonal illnesses like colds and flu, thanks to their omega-3 fatty acids, zinc and selenium content.
This is particularly beneficial for the elderly or those with compromised immune systems.
The seeds are also high in fibre, which indirectly helps manage blood sugar levels and weight, as well as aiding digestion.
Furthermore, people suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder may find some relief with pumpkin seeds, as the magnesium in them regulates sleep patterns, stress hormones and “activates calming receptors”, all of which help reduce SAD symptoms.
But this health hack doesn’t mean you have to munch on bland seeds. Kyle suggested: “Pumpkin seeds can be used in a variety of different ways during this time of year.
They can serve as a delicious snack either raw or roasted, can be a topping for your morning cereal or yoghurt and can even be baked into certain sweet treats such as cookies or brownies to serve a more balanced diet.”
