Are pumpkin seeds of any good? Well, you will be amazed once you hear how these underrated seeds can boost the quality of your life.

Being a dietitian, I’ve been all around the clock, learning more about the link between various foods and their impacts on physical and mental health. Today, we look at pumpkin seeds and their different mental health benefits. Let’s discuss more about this small yet mighty seed and everything you need to know on how they can benefit your mental health.

So, without any further ado, let’s get to know the benefits.

What are the Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds To the Brain?

Pumpkin seeds, also known as pepita contain essential nutrients that are highly beneficial to the brain and mental health. Over the years, different research has been conducted to find the connection between pumpkin seeds and mental health. However, the results have been on the brighter side.

Since the brain is responsible for every action we take and the proper functioning of other organs, eating food that’ll boost its health is becoming more important. Given below are the mental benefits of consuming pepita seeds.

1.   Great Food for the Brain

Pumpkin seeds are generally known to be high in fiber, which boosts our general well-being through the stomach cerebrum hub. It also contains strong antioxidants that protect against free radical damage.

In addition, pumpkin seeds are a great source of micronutrients like iron, zinc, copper, and magnesium, all of which are important for the brain.

• Zinc: Needed for nerve signaling
•  Iron:  Its deficiency is characterized by impaired brain function.
• Copper: needed to control nerve signals.
• Magnesium: needed for learning and memory.

2.   Helps Regulate Anxiety and Stress

Pumpkin seeds are a good source of potassium which aids in regulating electrolyte balance and blood pressure. Eating foods rich in potassium have a higher effect on reducing stress and anxiety symptoms.

As stated earlier, pumpkin seeds are also an excellent source of mineral zinc that is highly needed for brain and nerve development. Increasing the serum levels of zinc could improve mood disorders in people.

3.   Helps with depression

Traditionally, pumpkin seeds and pumpkin seed oil have been proven to boost mood and hold up depression. It contains a high level of tryptophan – an amino acid liable for the production of serotonin. Serotonin, however, plays an important role in regulating behavior alongside applying constructive outcomes on rest, cravings, mood, and pain.

4.   Boosts your mood

Pumpkin seeds are packed with a high level of magnesium which prompts pressure, anxiety alleviation, and a general feeling of quiet. Throughout recent years, as magnesium consumption has plunged, anxiety rates have gone up drastically.

Aside from magnesium, the iron in pumpkin seeds may also work to enhance moods as it is needed for the enzymes responsible for the breakdown of tyrosine and tryptophan to produce dopamine and serotonin.

FINAL WORDS

Pumpkin seeds are packed with nutrients that are highly beneficial to the brain. Aside from mental health, they’ve been proven to boost heart health, provide quality sleep, regulate blood sugar levels and improve fertility. They even possess anti-cancer properties.