Attività

Pumpkin seeds are a good source of healthful oils, magnesium, and other nutrients that enhance the health of the heart, bones, and other functions.

Seeds, in general, are considered excellent sourcesTrusted Source of potassium, magnesium, and calcium.

Plant seeds are also a good source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and antioxidants.

The fatty acids in pumpkin seeds contain a rangeTrusted Source of beneficial nutrients, such as sterols, squalene, and tocopherols. Researchers have described the fatty acid profile of seeds, grains, and legumes as “favorable.”

Bone health

Pumpkin seeds are a good source of magnesium, which is important for bone formation.

High magnesium intake is associated withTrusted Source a greater bone density and has been shown to decrease the risk of osteoporosis in women after menopause.

Low magnesium levels can impair insulin secretion and lower insulin sensitivity.

Heart health

Improvement in lipid profiles has been seen with an intake of 365 milligrams of magnesium per day.

Heart and liver health

Pumpkin seeds contain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, antioxidants, and fiber. This combination has benefitsTrusted Source for both the heart and liver.

The fiber in pumpkin seeds helps lower the total amount of cholesterol in the blood and decrease the risk of heart disease.

Research to date suggests that omega-3s can:

decrease the risk of thrombosis and arrhythmias, which lead to heart attack, stroke, and sudden cardiac death

reduce LDL, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels

reduce atherosclerosis, a fatty buildup on the artery walls

improve endothelial function, a measure of circulatory health

slightly lower blood pressure

Pumpkin seeds have been found to contain sterols. In one investigation, scientists found that there were 265 mg of total sterolsTrusted Source in every 100 g of pumpkin seed kernel.

Plant sterols and phytosterols are known to help reduce levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol.

Researchers carrying out a review of clinical trials concludedTrusted Source in 2013 that the combination of nutrients found in plant seeds can help protect the cardiovascular system and help prevent coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

A rodent study has suggested that the nutrients in a mixture of flax and pumpkin seeds could provide some protectionTrusted Source for the liver and also against atherosclerosis.