HEALTH BENEFITS OF PUMPKIN SEEDS FOR KIDS

Most of us know pumpkin as the fruit used for decorating Jack-o’- lanterns for Halloween, but other than just being a decorative fruit or vegetable, pumpkin offers numerous health benefits to your kids. This winter squash is not a vegetable, but rather a healthy fruit that also contains nutritious edible seeds. The origin of pumpkin is not known but there is evidence that pumpkins were grown in Mexico and North America about 5000 to 7000 BC. There pumpkin seeds health benefit for kids are many. These health benefits can range from improved brain development, help in getting sound sleep, improved liver health, possesses antimicrobial properties, improved urodynamics and supply of essential vitamins and minerals.

WHEN CAN I START GIVING PUMPKIN SEEDS TO MY KIDS?

You can start giving pumpkin seeds to your toddler once he/she has strong enough teeth to chew regular solid food, which can usually be between 1 ½ years of age to 2 years of age. If you are worried whether or not your child can chew the seeds, then you could simply grind the seeds and give it. You can prepare and store it in a jar. An important thing to keep in mind is that when you start collecting these seeds from pumpkin fruit, make sure that before you serve the seeds to your child or if you’re trying to make a paste out of it, you need to remove the outer husk or layer that surrounds the seed. Although this is a time-consuming process, considering the benefits your child can get, it is worth the effort.

 WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PUMPKIN SEEDS?

Here are some benefits of pumpkin seeds,

IMPROVES BRAIN DEVELOPMENT:

Benefits of pumpkin seeds for brain are that it is a great source of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. These fatty acids are highly recommended for kids because of brain development. Brain development in children is as essential as the development of the rest of the body and this is one of the most important pumpkin seeds benefits for brain.

Also check, Foods for your child’s brain development?

PROMOTES SOUND SLEEP:

Another pumpkin seed benefits for health is that they promote proper sleep in kids and adults. Tryptophan is an essential amino acid which helps in producing serotonin and this in turn gets converted into melatonin which is a hormone that helps in getting better sleep. If your kid has trouble sleeping, having a few pumpkin seeds before bed with small amounts of carbohydrates such as a piece of fruit, may be beneficial in providing the body with tryptophan needed for melatonin production, which can lead to better sleep. For younger kids, powdered pumpkin seeds can be an option.

Also check, Why is sleep so important for your child’s brain development?

POSSESSES ANTIMICROBIAL PROPERTIES:

Pumpkin seeds also possess antimicrobial properties. Studies suggest that pumpkin seeds are effective in controlling bacteria such as S. aureus, E. coli and P. aeruginosa.

IMPROVES URODYNAMICS:

Traditionally, pumpkin seeds have been used for regulating passage of urine. Recent studies have confirmed that pumpkin seed oil can reduce bladder pressure, increase bladder compliance and reduce urethral pressure.

RICH IN ANTIOXIDANTS:

Antioxidants are compounds produced in your body or naturally found in some foods that scavenge or neutralize the effects of cell damage by potentially harmful molecules known as free radicals. Pumpkin seeds benefits for brain are tremendous and including it in diet is a good choice. Pumpkin seeds are a rich source of antioxidants.

Also check, What are antioxidants?

HIGH IN MAGNESIUM:

Magnesium is one of the top four abundant minerals in the body. So, any deficiency of this mineral will easily reflect in daily life. Magnesium is key in formation of bones, maintaining blood flow and keeping stress low. It also brings relief to girls who suffer from menstrual cramps, leg cramps and irritable mood. For kids who deal with Asthma, which is on a rise due to hazardous air quality levels, magnesium can help. This marvelous mineral has calming effects and hence aids in reducing hyperactivity and lack of focus in kids. Daily intake of magnesium is necessary to maintain stock of the mineral in the body. Pumpkin seeds are a rich source of magnesium, with 150 mg in a 1-ounce (28-gram) serving. 

Also check, Puberty in girls

STRENGTHENS THE LIVER: 

The unsaturated fats present in pumpkin seeds are good for strengthening the liver. Studies suggest that a mixture of pumpkin and flax seeds can reduce liver damage.

Also check, How to prevent liver disease in kids?

LOADED WITH ZINC:

Zinc is considered an essential nutrient which means that the body cannot produce or store it. For this reason, it is very important to add zinc in your daily diet. Zinc is required for numerous processes in the body like gene expression, growth and development, immune function, protein synthesis, wound healing to name a few. Pumpkin seeds are a good source of zinc.

Also check, How can zinc help with hair and skin health?

RICH IN PHOSPHORUS:

The health benefits of Phosphorus include supporting bone growth, aiding healthy digestion, eliminating toxins from the body, combating fatigue and weakness, preventing arthritis and osteoporosis and ensuring a healthy brain function.Phosphorus is found in high amounts in pumpkin seeds. 

HIGH IN POTASSIUM:

Potassium is one of the seven essential macro minerals. The human body needs potassium to support the heart, the muscles, and the transmission of messages through the nervous system. Pumpkin seeds are rich in potassium. Potassium basically acts as an electrolyte and it is less harmful than sodium which is also an electrolyte. In most of our diets and also in our children’s diets, the presence of potassium is becoming very less and the presence of sodium is increasing rapidly which needs to be corrected.

Also check, How can potassium rich food help the bones?

 PUMPKIN SEED NUTRITION FACTS:

In addition to this, other pumpkin seeds health benefit for kids are that they contain various other nutrients required by the body. They are a great source of healthy fats, vitamin K, magnesium, manganese, zinc, copper, and phosphorus.

How much pumpkin seeds to eat in a day? 28 grams of dried, roasted pumpkin seed kernals

Here’s a better look at the overall nutrition provided by one ounce (28 grams) of dried, roasted seed kernels. According to The National Nutrient Database, the nutritional profile of Pumpkin Seeds includes:

Nutrition	Value per 100 g	Nutrition	Value per 100 g
Protein	30.23 g	Carbohydrates	10.71 g
Fat	49.0 g	Dietary Fiber	6.0 g
Calories	559 kcal	Water	5.623 g
Calcium	46 mg	Copper	1.3 mg
Iron	8.82 mg	Magnesium	592 mg
Manganese	4.54 mg	Phosphorus	1233 mg
Potassium	809 mg	Sodium	7 mg
Zinc	7.81 mg	Niacin	4.98 mg
Vitamin B6	0.143 mg	Choline	63 mg
Folate	58 mcg	Vitamin C	1.9 mg
Vitamin A	16 IU	Vitamin E	2.18 mg
Vitamin K	7.3 mcg	Thiamine	0.273 mg
Riboflavin	0.153 mg	Pantothenic Acid	0.75 mg

Pumpkin seeds health benefit

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