Pumpkin Seeds Magnesium Benefits: Muscles, Sleep & Heart Health

When it comes to adding healthy foods into your diet, pumpkin seeds definitely should become a part of your repertoire for healthy eating. These little yet powerful seeds are not only delicious but also amazingly loaded with magnesium, a very important mineral needed by the human body. Be it raw and roasted or making pumpkin seed butter the different health benefits of pumpkin seeds are related to muscle function, better sleep and heart health. Pumpkin seeds and garlic are among those excellent superfoods that should be taken every day; let us look into the reasons why.

Magnesium Why It Matters to Your Health

Magnesium is one of those highly essential minerals required by your body for a variety of functions, ranging from the operating and regulation of muscles to maintaining the sleep cycle and keeping the heart healthy. Unfortunately, most people have an inadequacy in magnesium, resulting in painful muscles, the inability to sleep properly and a rise in vulnerability toward heart diseases. Thankfully, this can help alleviate the problems and generally improve health with the consumption of foods high in magnesium such as pumpkin seeds.

Advantages of Pumpkin Seeds to Your Muscles

Magnesium apparently is the big player in the arena of muscle health: it mediates the contraction and relaxation of the muscles. In plain words, when magnesium is in short supply, tension accumulates in the muscles and can eventually cause pain or spasm. Fortunately, pumpkin seeds contain abundant amounts of magnesium to help prevent such problems from arising.

The magnesium contained in pumpkin seeds provides for your muscles to work properly; hence, a steady consumption of pumpkin seeds will ensure this. Pumpkin seeds, like all other seeds, could be snacked on or sprinkled over a salad; as a matter of fact they are included with many meals to help keep muscle soreness at bay.

Pumpkin Seed Protein to Build Muscle

Besides being rich in magnesium, pumpkin seeds are a powerhouse of proteins. Protein builds an avenue for the growth of muscles and their repair; thus, pumpkin seeds are one of the great things you can take for a post workout snack. Pumpkin seed protein is complete since it contains all nine essential amino acids that help in promoting muscle recovery and growth. So, next time after working out try snacking on a handful of pumpkin seeds or even some delicious pumpkin seed butter to replenish your body not just with magnesium but also with protein.

How Pumpkin Seeds Help You Sleep Better

Pumpkin seeds can be your natural solution for when you find yourself lying awake at night. In fact, magnesium actually helps you relax and reduces stress while letting you fall asleep a lot easier. With a higher pumpkin seed consumption, you are, in fact, enabling your body to produce more melatonin naturally, the hormone which regulates sleep wake cycles.

Mixing pumpkin seeds with other foods known to promote sleeping such as cherries or bananas, will give one an added boost in sleeping. This will enhance deeper and better sleep.

Pumpkin Seeds to Improve Digestion

Surprise, surprise you can even benefit more from the sprouted pumpkin seeds! While sprouting enhances nutrition in pumpkin seeds, it allows your body to absorb magnesium and a host of other vitamins and minerals far more easily. Besides, sprouted pumpkin seeds are light on the digestive system which is important for assuring that the body will get full nutritional benefits from such seeds.

Pepitas vs Pumpkin Seeds: What is the Difference?

You are probably accustomed to hearing the term "pepitas" when referring to pumpkin seeds. So, what is different about pepitas versus pumpkin seeds? The fact is, not much. Pepitas is just the Spanish term for pumpkin seeds. In most parts of the world however, pepitas refers to the green seeds that occur inside the pumpkin but without their shells. These seeds are typically sold in their raw or roasted forms, hence making them an easy snack rich in nutrition.

Call them pepitas or pumpkin seeds; either brings a similar nutritional value to the table, like a healthy dose of magnesium. We like them in smoothies, atop salads or blended into a creamy homemade pumpkin seed butter.

Pumpkin Seeds and Heart Health

Your heart will be thanking you once you start consuming more pumpkin seeds. Magnesium is just one of those essential minerals that keeps the heartbeat in rhythm, keeps blood pressure low, and the risks associated with heart diseases at a minimum. Pumpkin seeds are full of magnesium making them just the right addition to any heart healthy diet.

Other than magnesium, pumpkin seeds contain antioxidants and healthy fats only those substances responsible for good heart health. Regular intake of pumpkin seeds provides a low rate of inflammation, low cholesterol levels and the overall promotion of cardiovascular health.

How to incorporate pumpkin seeds into your diet:

Now that all these benefits of pumpkin seeds have been mentioned, how does one put them in their diet? Here are ways in which you can include them easily and deliciously:

• RAW OR ROASTED Snacking on a handful of them raw or roasted provides a quick boost in nutritional intake. It is a great spread on toast or can be used as a dip for fruits and vegetables.
• Sprinkle on Salad: Sprinkle a handful of pumpkin seeds atop a salad for a crunchy topping.
• Smoothies: You can put pumpkin seeds in your smoothies for that extra dose of protein and magnesium.
• Baked Goods: Pumpkin seeds can be used in homemade cookies, granola or muffins for additional textures and extra nutrition.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the benefits of pumpkin seeds to the muscles?

Pumpkin seeds have a lot of magnesium. It is the mineral that regulates muscle work. The regular intake of pumpkin seeds prevents muscle cramps and maintains the muscles relaxed.

2. Do pumpkin seeds promote good sleep?

Yes, pumpkin seeds are a source of magnesium that relaxes the body and further leads to quality sleep. Magnesium synthesizes melatonin also known as the sleep regulating hormone.

3. What is the difference between pepitas vs pumpkin seeds?

Pepitas are the green seeds inside the pumpkin. Though pumpkin seeds may be sold both with and without their outer shell, more often pepitas are sold pre-shelled for convenience and can be raw or roasted.

4. How do I add sprouted pumpkin seeds to my meals? 

These sprouted pumpkin seeds are, as a result, very easy to digest and much healthier. You can include them in salads, smoothies or even just as a snack for increased levels of magnesium and other key minerals.

5. How to Use Pumpkin Seed Protein for Muscle Recovery? 

Pumpkin seed protein is a complete protein as it contains all nine essential amino acids. You could add pumpkin seeds or pumpkin seed butter to your post workout meal as a way to spur muscle recovery and growth after your workout.

6. Are pumpkin seeds good for the heart?

Yes, pumpkin seeds are good for the heart, as they contain magnesium and antioxidants, healthy fats that contribute to cholesterol lowering, inflammation reduction and heart health in general.

7. Is it okay to snack on pumpkin seed butter? 

Of course, pumpkin seed butter is healthy and delicious all on its own. Just spread it on toast, drizzle it over oatmeal or enjoy it with fruits and veggies for a nutritious treat.

Conclusion

Adding pumpkin seeds to your diet is quite easy and tasty; you could improve your health by increasing your intake of magnesium. From supporting muscle function to promoting better sleep and heart health, the benefits of pumpkin seeds are well documented. So, the next time you're looking for a nutritious snack or a way to amp up your meal, reach for pumpkin seeds or pumpkin seed butter. Your body will thank you! If you want personalized health advice or a telehealth consultation now's the time to get on board with MyHomeDoc Telehealth. Contact us today and let us help you live your healthiest life!