The Health Benefits of Pumpkins Seeds: How to Harvest, Roast & Eat This Healthy Snack by Dawn Taylor

Stop! Before you throw away the pumpkin guts after you carve that jack 'o lantern, make sure to save the seeds. Why? Because it's time to roast them for a delicious, healthy snack.

How healthy are these little oval gems? The benefits are endless according to an article on OrganicFacts.net. Pumpkin seeds may help:

• boost immunity
• boost metabolism
• reduce weight
• uplift mood
• improve sleep
• increase testosterone levels in men
• protect against the progression of cancer and parasites
• eliminate kidney stones
• aid in hair growth
• improve heart health
• treat diabetes
• protect bone health
• faster healing of wounds

How to Get the Pumpkin Seeds

• As you scoop out the inside of the pumpkin, have a large bowl handy. There will be a lot of slime, but in that gooey mess there will be hundreds of seeds. Throw everything into the bowl. Pull out all of the big chunks and pumpkin inside pieces until you are left with seeds. There will still be small strands of pumpkin among the seeds.
  

• With a large strainer, run water over the seeds and pick out the remaining goo. With both hands, dig and turn the seeds while shaking the strainer (like you’re prospecting for gold!) until you have the seeds shiny and (mostly) goo free.

• Lay paper towels over a large area on a counter and pour the seeds there to dry. For quick drying, blot them with paper towels while they are laying flat.

How to Roast the Pumpkin Seeds

1. On a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spread the seeds over the entire pan.
2. Drizzle olive oil over the seeds.
3. Sprinkle salt and pepper over the seeds.
4. Throw in a preheated 375-degree F oven for about 20 minutes. (You can peek on occasion to make sure they aren't getting too dark, but some people like them a little extra crispy.)
5. Let the seeds cool and store in an airtight container or large plastic zipper bag.

Pumpkin seeds are delicious on their own, but also a great addition to salads, soups, or ground up for sauces and spreads.

The content on 30Seconds.com is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice. The information on this site should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, and is not a substitute for professional care. Always consult your personal healthcare provider. The opinions or views expressed on 30Seconds.com do not necessarily represent those of 30Seconds or any of its employees, corporate partners or affiliates.

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