The Health Benefits Of Pumpkin Seeds by Jane Thurnell-Read

Pumpkin seeds are a great food. There are lots of good reasons to eat them. They are good sources of iron and zinc and of omega-3 fatty acids. Sounds impressive, but what does it mean?

Iron is an important mineral. Symptoms of iron deficiency include tiredness, cracking at corners of the mouth, recurrent mouth ulcers, sore tongue, poor hair growth, brittle nails and generalised itching.

Zinc is a

mineral that is needed in much smaller quantities by the body than iron, but is still vitally important. If youre short of zinc, you may have red, greasy skin on your face, other skin problems, poor hair growth, dandruff, difficulty seeing at night, an aversion to bright lights, brittle nails, white spots on your nails or a craving for chocolate. (Use our zinc test to find out if you're short of zinc.)

Omega 3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory and can be helpful for rheumatoid arthritis and other stiff joint problems. Omega-3 deficiencies can lead to behavioural problems in children, muscle weakness, visual problems.

The easiest way to eat pumpkin seeds is just to eat them! But you can add them to salads (either as they are or dry roast them first in a hot pan) or add them when you make bread. Mmm delicous!

Copyright 2006 Jane Thurnell-Read Online Nutritional Supplements Health Shop