5 Health Benefits Of Pumpkin Everything

Fat

1 cup of roasted pumpkin seeds has almost 50 mg of the omega-3 fat, Alpha Linolenic Acid (ALA). 50mg equals 20-33% (depending on age and sex) of your total daily requirement of ALA. Omega-3 fats play an important role in cell membranes, adding flexibility and fluidity necessary for heart health. We also need omega-3 fats for optimal neuron-to-neuron messaging, which in turn helps optimize mood. Along with the fiber in pumpkin, fat also brings a noticeable contribution to fullness and satiety.

Minerals

1 cup of roasted pumpkin seeds has just over 40% of your daily needs of magnesium and zinc. Magnesium has many bodily functions, including helping to regulate nerve and muscle function. Magnesium also plays a role in regulating blood sugar and blood pressure. Zinc helps with immune function, specifically helping to fight off bacteria and viruses.

Potassium is another mineral found in pumpkin, although in lesser amounts than magnesium and zinc. You’ll get ~15-20% of your daily potassium needs met with 1 cup of canned pumpkin, fresh pumpkin, or pumpkin seeds. Potassium plays a major role in both muscle contraction (thus the emphasis on replenishing depleted electrolytes post exercise) and in blood pressure regulation by countering the effects of sodium.