Did you know that more than 90 percent of women and 97 percent of men do not get the daily amount of dietary fiber the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends? We get it — eating more than 20 grams of fiber a day can be really tough!
In fact, UCLA Health finds that almost half of all American adults get less than the required amount of magnesium, a mineral our bodies need to be healthy.
It’s all too easy to lose sight of our need for dietary fiber, magnesium, and other components of a healthy diet. And when we’re really hungry, we crave convenient, delicious, satisfying foods that accommodate our on-the-go lifestyles.
The good news? Eating pumpkin seeds addresses all these demands. They’re a flavorful food bursting with health benefits we all need. They also happen to be an allergy-friendly food. Plus, they’re easy to pack, store in the car, or keep at your desk! There are almost no excuses.
Key Takeaways From This Article
- Making pumpkin seeds a regular part of your diet gives you a steady supply of their remarkable health benefits.
- If you live with food allergies, pumpkin seeds are a safe source of nutrients that you might be missing out on.
- Because pumpkin seeds are delicious, convenient, and versatile, you won’t run out of ways to enjoy them!
Surprising Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds
Research tells us that eating pumpkin seeds as part of a balanced diet provides many health benefits. What might surprise you is the broad range of those benefits.
Benefits include:
- Helps prevent heart disease and high blood pressure.
- Better brain, liver, and healthier digestive system.
- Assists with weight management and can contribute to sharper vision.
- Helps with male fertility and female fertility
- Enhances sleep, stress, and mood.
- Provide anti-inflammatory benefits and improve immune system function.
And on top of all that….
Pumpkin Seeds Are a Good Source of Nutrients for Those With Food Allergies
Those of us with food allergies have learned to avoid certain foods. But are we diligent about getting some much-needed nutrients from other foods?
For example:
If your regular diet isn’t quite giving you enough protein and you happen to live with dairy and nut allergies that prevent you from consuming them for their protein, rounding out your diet with food allergy-friendly pumpkin seeds makes a lot of sense.
Pumpkin seeds are a naturally gluten-free, plant-based source of protein. They’re packed with amino acids that are the building blocks of protein.
Pumpkin seeds are real food with real health benefits!
On-the-Go Pumpkin Seed Snacks
Humans have been enjoying pumpkin seeds for centuries.
Pumpkins are native to Mexico, and pumpkin seed-centric dishes like simple, roasted pepitas and complex moles continue to play significant roles in Mexican cuisine.
Pumpkin seeds are also a part of today’s Mediterranean diets.
Thanks to their popularity, there are so many ways to eat pumpkin seeds and integrate into your daily diet. Check out these stress-free, packable snacks:
- Roasted pumpkin seeds with your seasonings of choice (super easy, super tasty)
- Make your own pumpkin seed brittle
- Grab-and-go seed bars
- Nutritious and versatile 88 Acres Seed’nola
- Treats like pumpkin seed butter chocolate cups (yes, really!)
- Seed butter and jelly sandwiches
Simply using seed butters in your meals unlocks so many snack possibilities!
Healthy Snacks, Naturally
Eating pumpkin seeds as a regular part of your diet is beneficial and pays off with real rewards. They’re tiny, tasty, allergy-safe snacks that promote health and happiness!