We are an office that loves the holidays! As we live in San Diego, we don’t experience the seasons like other places do. It’s gotten up to 80 degrees this week. We rely on the calendar to help us feel dialed into the time of year.
That’s part of why we enjoy leaning into celebrating so much! Celebrating holidays, big and small, makes life more fun! When it comes to Fall Festivals and Halloween, we are happy campers and love the flavors of the celebration, especially the wonderful fall squashes!
Pumpkin seeds are one of our favorite fall snacks. If you are carving out a pumpkin, keep the seeds to turn them into a healthy and tasty treat!
One ounce of pumpkin seeds has 163 calories, four grams of carbs, two grams of fiber, 14 grams of fat and nine grams of protein. They are an excellent source of plant protein and contain heart-healthy unsaturated fat. The fiber-to-carb ratio means that they are gentle on blood sugar. Their protein and fiber levels help you feel satisfied after eating them.
Pumpkin seeds are an excellent source of magnesium. They can benefit the heart and kidneys.
Nutritionist Kyle Crowley said, “Magnesium in pumpkin seeds also plays a key role in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. With one of the key factors of heart attack, strokes and kidney failure being linked to blood pressure, consuming pumpkin seeds can be a great way to help combat the risk during the winter months.”
In winter, people can struggle with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a form of depression caused by a lack of daylight. The days are growing shorter, and the clocks are about to fall back, making daylight hours even shorter. The magnesium in pumpkin seeds can aid sleep patterns, lower stress hormones and boost calming receptors. They also contain tryptophan, the amino acid famous for making you sleepy after eating turkey or drinking milk. It helps the brain produce melatonin that can aid sleep.
Registered dietary nutritionist Jessi Holden said, “Pumpkin seeds are a versatile snack or meal addition that can help boost heart health and promote balanced blood sugar levels.”
“They provide fiber, unsaturated fats and all nine essential amino acids,” said registered dietitian Angel Luk.
If you have IBS, diverticulitis or are prone to GI problems, the fiber and magnesium in pumpkin seeds may upset your body. They could cause bloating or gas for people with intestinal problems.
If you have minor GI issues, you can add them slowly. For people without digestive concerns, they can be an excellent addition to get more plant-based protein and enjoy a treat of the season!
