Pumpkin seeds are edible seeds of pumpkin and are also known as pepita. Pumpkin seeds are packed with antioxidants, and nutrients including zinc, magnesium, calcium, and iron to benefit females. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties impart pumpkin seed benefits to females by preventing heart diseases, and osteoporosis, and maintaining hormonal balance.
Highlights
- Pumpkin seed benefits for females include promoting sexual activity, preventing PCOS, and assisting in a healthy pregnancy.
- Pumpkin seeds contain antioxidants and vitamins including zinc, vitamin C, and vitamin K that boost the activity of the immune system and reduce inflammation.
Pumpkin Seeds Benefits for Females
Pumpkin seeds impart many health benefits for females including;
Pumpkin Seeds Reduce the Risk of Breast cancer
Pumpkin seeds have importance in women for preventing different types of cancers, especially breast cancer.
- They contain Phytoestrogen enterolactone that prevents breast cancer, especially in postmenopausal women. This constituent of pumpkin seed also increases the sensitivity of cancerous cells to radiation during cancer treatment.
- Low circulating zinc level is associated with an increased risk for breast cancer. Pumpkin seeds contain 10mg of zinc per 100g of seeds thus reducing the risk of breast cancer.
Also read: Pumpkin seeds benefits for males
Pumpkin Seeds Increase Bone Density
Pumpkin seeds are particularly essential for women as they are rich in magnesium and calcium. These nutrients are vital for keeping the bones healthy and increasing bone density.
- Pumpkin seeds also help prevent osteoporosis and arthritis owing to the high levels of bone-supporting constituents.
- Zinc, selenium, and vitamin E in pumpkin seeds and flesh further reduce risks for osteoporosis by reducing oxidative stress.
- Omega 3 fatty acids in pepita reduce the risks of hip fracture, particularly in women.
Pumpkin Seeds are good for Skin and hair
Pumpkin is an important constituent in many skin care products and hair serums.
- Pumpkin seeds’ benefits for hair and skin are majorily due to the presence of cucurbitacin amino acids. Cucurbitacin has shown significant hair growth when investigated in mice.
- Pumpkin seed skin and flesh contain phytosterols to promote hair strengthening and follicle growth.
- The seeds prevent hair thinning and baldness due to the presence of vitamins C, B, A, and zinc. A significant amount of copper in pumpkin seeds contributes to melanin production which makes hair darker.
- The orange color of the pumpkin is due to the presence of carotenoids containing anti-aging properties.
- Vitamins like vitamin C makes pumpkin seeds a perfect addition to your skincare regime as it helps prevent acne, wrinkles, and pigmentation. This rejuvenates the skin and restores the youthful skin glow.
Pumpkin Seeds Boost Fertility in Females
One of the most significant pumpkin seeds benefits for females includes improving fertility and libido due to the presence of omega-3 fatty acids.
- These seeds increase blood supply to the female reproductive organs which increases the overall sexual performance.
- Pumpkin seeds are also known to maintain fluidity for follicles that aids in the maturation of eggs in the ovaries.
- Being rich in zinc, iron, and other healthy constituents, pumpkin seeds support fetal development and prevents miscarriages.
- Zinc plays the most noticeable role in regulating female germ cells’ growth for egg maturation and fetal development making the seeds healthy for females, especially during pregnancy.
Pumpkin Seeds are Safe During Pregnancy
Raw or roasted pumpkin seeds are a healthy snack recommended in pregnancy due to their number of benefits.
100g pumpkin seeds contain 18% DV of iron essential for the production of RBCs. Iron is also required for fetal development, especially during the initial pregnancy trimester.
- The fiber content in pumpkin seeds regulates bowel activity which is usually affected during pregnancy.
Also read: Pumpkin seeds benefits for pregnancy
- Zinc in pumpkin seeds promotes healthy pregnancy by boosting the immune system and reducing oxidative stress.
- Mood swings and depression are the primary symptoms during pregnancy.
- Pumpkin seeds contain a fairly large amount of tryptophans which act as antidepressants and boost the mood.
Overall, pumpkin seeds promote healthy sleep and good mental health during pregnancy.
Consult a gynecologist for expert advice.
Pumpkin Seeds for Regulating Menstrual Cycle
Pumpkin seed benefits for women include the regulation of the menstrual cycle by maintaining hormonal levels.
- Phytoestrogens are the key continent for maintaining hormonal balance consuming pumpkin seeds.
- Zinc plays an important role in this regard by promoting healthy ovulation. This prevents period irregularities.
- Pumpkin seeds are also known to decrease the synthesis of prostaglandins (PG). This reduces the pain sensations and cramps during menstruation.
- A number of antioxidants in pepita seeds reduce inflammation in endometriosis. This provides symptomatic relief during endometriosis disease.
Pumpkin Seeds are Good for PCOS
Magnesium and calcium in pumpkin seeds help in the treatment and prevention of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). These vital ingredients prevent a hormonal imbalance during PCOS.
- Pumpkin seed contains Beta-sitosterol which blocks the conversion of testosterone to DHT. This plays a significant role in the prevention of adverse metabolic profiles in PCOS.
- The seeds also help ensure the androgen balance in the body to prevent several PCOS symptoms including acne and excessive hair growth.
Reduce Inflammation with Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds have a nutritive profile full of antioxidants including vitamin C, amino acids, selenium, and potassium.
- They reduce oxidative stress and prevent many inflammatory diseases in the body.
- Pumpkin seeds prevent injury, infection with toxins, and several chronic diseases.
- Obesity, diabetes, chronic heart diseases, and high cholesterol levels can be prevented by adding pumpkin seeds to your diet.
Pumpkin Improves Immune system Functioning
Vitamin C and zinc improve the immune system and the body’s ability to fight bacteria and viruses.
- Vitamin E also helps maintain healthy blood vessels to prevent chronic heart and vascular system conditions.
- Pumpkin seeds also help fight various types of cancer.
- They also contain lignans which have shown antiviral and antibacterial properties.
- Pumpkin seeds reduce the risks of developing acne, skin diseases, and chronic fatigue.
How to include Pumpkin seeds in your Diet?
- Raw seeds: Pumpkin seeds can be eaten raw as a snack.
- Pumpkin seeds in savory: The seeds can be roasted to eat as such or can be added to savory. Pumpkin seeds are an important ingredient in Mexican cuisine.
- Pumpkin seeds snacks: Pumpkin seeds can be added to smoothies, granola bars, or cereals.
- Pumpkin seed oil: It can also be extracted in addition to milk, cookies, or bread.
Consult a nutritionist to get a diet plan containing optimum amounts of pumpkin seeds.
Conclusion
Pumpkin seeds are full of essential vitamins and nutrients that make them good for females. These seeds promote fertility in females, prevent breast cancer, and reduce menstrual cramps. Pumpkin seeds are anti-inflammatory preventing chronic diseases like diabetes and stroke. Add a significant amount of pumpkin seeds to your diet and skin regime, especially if you are pregnant.
FAQs
1. Do pumpkin seeds affect the period?
Pumpkin seeds maintain progesterone and estrogen hormone levels which makes them useful for correcting menstruation irregularities. They also reduce period cramps and pain.
2. How do you eat pumpkin seeds to get pregnant?
Pumpkin seeds can be made into powder for use during pregnancy. This helps boost fertility and egg maturation in females. Sperm quality is also improved, thus increasing the chances of getting pregnant.
3. What is the best way to eat pumpkin seeds?
The best way to eat pumpkin seeds is by consuming the seeds as such or roasting them. This helps secure the vital nutrients of the seeds that may be reduced when cooked.