Benefits and Uses of Squash Seeds You Must Know
Squash seeds are rich in nutrition and this make them great for your health. They are rich sources of Vitamins B1, C and beta carotene. Minerals like potassium, calcium and iron are also found in it. By having a cup of squash seeds you will get 4 gm of fibre and 3 gm of protein. So, these seeds offer you many benefits. They also have a distinct flavour and have healing properties as well. Squash seeds are grown extensively in Mexico, the United States and China.
You can roast these seeds with some oil and season it with salt and herbs. This will make them tastier.
Benefits of Squash Seeds:
Anti-stress:
Squash seeds are rich sources of glutamate. This is essential for the synthesis of gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA). This is an anti-stress neuron chemical that is found inside the brain. It has the ability to reduce stress, anxiety, irritability and other neurotic problems.
Antimicrobial:
Squash seed extracts and oil are known for their antimicrobial, anti0fungal and anti-viral properties.
Amino acid:
Squash seeds contain proteins – the amino acid tryptophan and glutamate. Tryptophan gets converted into serotonin and niacin. Both these are excellent natural pills.
Antioxidants:
Vitamin E is found in high amounts in squash seed. This is a good antioxidant. It is regarded as a good lipid soluble antioxidant. This makes up the tissue cells from the free radicals during an in injury and maintains the integrity of mucus membrane. It also protects your skin from free radicals.
Arthritis:
Consuming squash seeds is an excellent way to treat arthritis. They have anti-inflammatory properties and this helps in reducing the stiffness, pain and swelling that you experience when you suffer from arthritis. They are safe to consume and do not have any side effects like increased damaging fats, lipids, peroxides which line the joints and may increase the symptoms of arthritis. So, along with medicines, include squash sees also in your diet.
Bone health:
When your body lacks zinc, it can lead to bone fractures. Squash seeds are rich sources of zinc. This helps in increasing the bone density. When there are reduced levels of zinc in the body, you may suffer from the bone disease osteoporosis. This makes the bones of your hip and spine weak. So, include squash sees in your diet to have strong bones.
Cancer prevention:
Being rich in antioxidants, squash seeds are good for preventing cancer. Vitamin C and beta carotene are two antioxidants found in high amounts in these seeds. They can get rid of free radicals and prevent various types of cancer.
Cholesterol:
Squash seeds are high in caloric protein and fat. They are also rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUF). MUF helps in lowering the bad LDL cholesterol and increasing the levels of good HDL cholesterol in the blood. It is also good for preventing coronary artery diseases and strokes. So, to keep your heart healthy, include squash seeds in your regular diet.
Diabetes:
Squash seeds extract is very beneficial for people suffering from diabetes. It can treat diabetes and boost insulin regulation in the diabetic patients. It also helps in maintaining the kidney function in people suffering from diabetes. This decreases the oxidative stress, which has an important part in maintaining the blood sugar levels.
Improves mood:
Consuming squash seeds a natural way to get relief from hot flashes, headaches, joint pain, mood swings and other premenstrual symptoms found in women. If you are a moody person and often feel depressed, then include squash seeds in your daily diet. You can improve your mood. It is also good for lowering the cholesterol level and blood pressure.
Intestines:
If you have intestinal problems, an easy way to tackle them is to consume squash seeds. Ingesting squash seeds is great for curing gastritis. These seeds have dietary fibre, which can digest food quickly. This seed is used by the Native American tribes for getting rid of tapeworm and round worm. Squash seed are also good for proper bowel movement and act as laxatives. It can cure constipation, diarrhoea, cramping and bloating.
L-tryptophan:
Squash seeds are said to contain L-tryptophan. Tryptophan is needed for treating depression. L-tryptophan is and amino acid. It is a vital nutrient and you should take it in moderate levels to remain mentally and physically healthy.
Prostrate health:
Squash deed oil is very beneficial for the prostate health. Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) enlarges the prostate gland. This it does so by stimulating testosterone and dihydro testosterone. Seed oil extracted from squash is also good for slowing down the cell multiplication.
Snacks:
Squash seeds can be had as snack because they are easily available and are highly nutritious. Squash seeds can also be seasoned. You can even bake these seeds and consume them. You can have it between meals instead of having junk food.
Sexual benefits:
Squash seeds have many sexual benefits as well. They are known as the ‘bedroom powerhouse’ because of these properties. They are good sexual stimulants and are prostate friendly and uplifts libido. This helps in maintaining healthy prostate functioning and increasing sexual performance. These seeds contain phosphorous, which is very effective for healthy erections and a strong libido. Zinc present in these seeds helps in maintaining the sex hormone testosterone and production of healthy sperm in men. It controls sperm release in men during urination. It also contains the amino acid myosin, which is needed for muscular contractions and energy.
Weight loss:
Squash seeds are rich sources of fibre and protein. So, consuming them can help in keeping your stomach full for a longer time and keep away the hunger pangs. This way they help you lose weight.
