I was grabbing some groceries at my favorite farm/grocers (they sell their fruits/veg and then groceries from all independent companies, plus they have raw milks and cheeses- LOVE it there!!!) but as I was checking out, I saw a little packet of pumpkin seeds, and was like, hmmmm, I totally love them around Halloween, I want them.  So, got home, and decided to have my delicious little treat.  in about 5 minutes, I ate them all….they were SO much better than the ones I make, and better than any others I have ever tried before.  They are from a company called “Gerbs” www.gerbspumpkinseeds.com out of Rhode Island and is a company of three brothers.  The products are all pumpkin seed related (chocolate clusters, pumpkin seeds brittle, and different flavors of roasted seeds.  The products are made by hand and there is no risk of tree nuts, soy, gluten, or milk allergens (well, milk in the chocolate products).  I have literally ordered one of everything from their web site and can’t wait to give them all a try!!  But, enough about the company….I decided to look into if my latest little seedy obsession is actually beneficial for me. Oh yes it is!!


Why are pumpkin seeds so good for you?


Well, they are full of magnesium, which is a tough electrolyte to replace outside of foods (most oral magnesium supplements, just make you poop)- 1 cup gives you over 92% of your daily needs (most Americans are apparently deficient in magnesium- that was news to me!  They also are full of zinc and Omega-3/6 fatty acids and protein!


They are a natural anti-inflammatory, maybe my body was craving them because I’ve been running too much and my knee is swollen, but really they have been shown to decrease inflammation is joints of animals when added into their diet and not have any of the side effects of anti-inflammatory drugs.


Many cultures that use herbal treatments, as opposed to modern medicine, use them to treat parasites such as tapeworms and schisitosomiasis (a parasite from worms)


Pumpkin seeds can reduce cholesterol levels due to the high amount of fiber found in the hulls and  Phytosterols are compounds found in plants that have a chemical structure very similar to cholesterol, and when present in the diet in sufficient amounts, are believed to reduce blood levels of cholesterol, enhance the immune response and decrease risk of certain cancers.


Also, they are great for prostates, fellas!  They are being studied for exactly why, but it helps with swelling from BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia- swellling of the prostate) to make urination less frequent and more comfortable.


Eating zinc can help with increasing bone density, much like eating high calcium.


So, I see nothing wrong with my favorite new tasty treats, other than the fact that I look like a squirrel eating my snacks!  So, give them a try, and because of their high protein and anti-inflammatory effects, eat a handful an house before running or working out, and you will notice a difference in your energy level (from the protein) and more comfort (if you are a chronic ibuprofen taker before working out!!)


Yours in Good Health


B