The Nutritional Powerhouse Pumpkin Seeds
The Nutritional Powerhouse Pumpkin Seeds Pumpkin seeds, often overlooked as mere byproducts of their parent fruit, are a remarkable source of nutrition and health benefits. Known scientifically as Cucurbita pepo, these small, flat, oval seeds are packed with essential nutrients, making them a valuable addition to any diet. In this article, we delve into the nutritional profile, health benefits, and versatile uses of pumpkin seeds. Nutritional Profile Pumpkin seeds are nutrient-dense, offering a rich array of vitamins and minerals. A 1-ounce (28-gram) serving of shelled pumpkin seeds (about a handful) provides: Calories: 151 Protein: 7 grams Fat: 13 grams (mostly healthy fats) Carbohydrates: 5 grams Fiber: 1.7 grams Vitamin K: 18% of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI) Phosphorus: 33% of the RDI Magnesium: 37% of the RDI Iron: 23% of the RDI Zinc: 14% of the RDI Copper: 19% of the RDI These seeds are also a good source of antioxidants, including carotenoids and vitamin E, which pla...