Edible Seeds

They are best known for their concentration of zinc and their use in the treatment and prevention of male prostate problems. Pumpkin seeds have also been used in the treatment of intestinal worms. They are a good source of protein and contain a good balance of the amino acids, though trytophan, methionine, and cysteine are a little lower in concentration than the others. Their fat content, mostly unsaturated, is over 50 percent of the seeds.

Pumpkins seed are also very high in iron as well as calcium and phosphorus, with some magnesium and copper; they also contain vitamin E and essential fatty acids. There is a mix of B vitamins, with niacin being the richest. Pumpkin seeds are usually eaten raw, roasted, of blended into a seed meal and used on other foods. Like pumpkin seeds, most squash seeds are found within the hard vegetable and can be toasted and eaten as well.

Pumpkin seeds are anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, detoxifying, immuno-stimulant. Pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima) seeds are highly nutritious, and a valuable aid in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular, autoimmune and immunodeficiency disorders. The can also benefit the prostate gland.

Sunflower Seeds

Sunflowers are native to South and North America ….Sunflower seeds have been used throughout history to enhance energy, and as a medicine as well. The Indians of the Americas and other herbalists have used sunflower seeds as a diuretic, for constipation, chest pain, or ulcer, to treat worms, and to improve eyesight. More recently, John Douglas, M.D. was quoted in Food and Nutrition (Rodale Press, 1983) as praising the medicinal powers of sunflower seeds. He recommends them to many patients with high blood pressure or cardiovascular problems and occasionally to help reduce allergic reactions, all with good success. He also suggests them as part of a stop-smoking program, having people in the program munch on raw, unshelled, unsalted sunflower seeds, which, in addition to their medicinal properties, gives them something to do with their hands and mouth.

Raw sunflower seeds are probably the best, higher in nutrition than roasted and definitely better than salted seeds. For people with blood pressure problems, sunflower seeds (unsalted!) are very high in potassium and low in sodium, a balance sore needed by most of us these days with so many salty foods available. One cup of sunflower seeds contains more than 1,300 mg. of potassium and only 4 mg. of sodium. This is likely very helpful as a diuretic for people who already take diuretics, to help replace some potassium. The high amount of oil in sunflower seed as polyunsaturated fats, essential linoleic acid, and vitamin E is also helpful in reducing cholesterol levels and improving or preventing cardiovascular disease.

However, sunflower seed are caloric; one half cup of hulled seeds is approximately 400 calories. If we are watching our figures, then we\'ll have to go a little easy on sunflower seeds, but from all other aspects of nutrition, they are a good food. For those who need to gain weight or substitute more vegetable oils for saturated fats, sunflower seeds can be very good. They are about 25 percent protein, have a food fiber content, the best of the seeds, and are richer in the B vitamins also particularly in thiamine, pyridoxine, niacin, and pantothenic acid. With their high potassium and low sodium and with zinc, iron, and calcium all at good levels, sunflower seeds are a very mineral–rich food. The vitamin D that gets stored in these sun-filled seeds helps the utilization of calcium. Copper, manganese, and phosphorus levels are also relatively high; they are lower in magnesium than in calcium, which is different from other seeds.

Sunflower seeds have many other uses besides as an oil or nutritious snack food. They can be sprinkled on salads, are used in baking breads and cookies, and can be baked in vegetable casseroles to add protein, flavor and crunch. …if sunflower seeds are soaked overnight, it makes them more digestible and alkaline-forming.

Sunflower seeds are an antioxidant and nutrient-rich. Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) seeds improve skin health, help regulate blood-fat levels, and aid tissue repair. They may also be beneficial in treating eczema.