Pumpkin Seeds and Reach for Your Mate Instead of your Plate diet

[Guest guest]

Some of you may remember my latest strategy for losing weight....making love

instead of making yourself a bowl of ice cream when the craving hits you.

Well, I've got a load of pumpkin seeds now and I've discovered many interesting

facts from a herb data web site. So, when you scoop out those pumpkins, don't

throw away those seeds!!!:

People of Germany discovered that raw, hulled pumpkin seeds contain substances

that stimulate sex hormone production. The seeds contain large amounts of zinc,

magnesium, iron, phosphorus, calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin B. So, eating a

handful of pumpkin seeds a day may help prevent impotence.

Bulgarian mountain dwellers, Hungarian Gypsies, Anatolian Turks, Ukrainians, and

Transylvanians all eat pumpkin seeds as part of their everyday diets. Originally

intended to prevent prostate ailments (probably due to the high zinc content),

pumpkin seeds have been found by these people to prevent impotence as well.

Studies performed at Vienna University have revealed that prostatic hypertrophy,

or swelling of the prostate, is almost non- existent among the men of

Transylvania. Extensive research by the Szekler group in the Transylvanian Alps

has shown that this phenomenon can be attributed to the Transylvanian passion

for pumpkin seeds. Pumpkin seeds contain large amounts of magnesium, which

French physicians have proven to be effective in the treatment of prostate

ailments. The seeds are also excellent sources of zinc.

The pumpkin is a symbol of prosperity and fruitfulness in China, even though the

first pumpkins came from India. In both countries, a popular snack is made by

drying pumpkin seeds and dipping them in salt. This snack has gained popularity

in other parts of the world, including the United States. The seeds are highly

nutritious, containing zinc and other minerals that improve vision.

Ethiopians chew pumpkin seeds (which contain fiber) as a natural laxative.

Polish researchers have discovered that the seeds and pulp of deep orange

pumpkins and winter squash contain substances that may inhibit cancer. All

orange and deep yellow fruits and vegetables contain beta carotene, an effective

cancer preventive.

Nutrient Content of 1 Ounce (28 grams) Roasted Pepitas (Pumpkin Seeds)(Unsalted)

Calories 126

Protein 5 g

Saturated Fat 5 g

Cholesterol 0 mg

Carbohydrate 15 g

Calcium 16 mg

Phosphorus 26 mg

Iron 0.9 mg

Sodium 5 mg

Potassium 260 mg

Dietary fiber 10 g

Vitamin A 2 RE

Thiamin 0.01 mg

Riboflavin 0.02 mg

Niacin 0.1 mg

Vitamin C 0 mg