Skip the pumpkin spice latte and pick up some Pumpkin Seeds!

Feel more rested, improve your mood, boost immunity and support a healthy heart with one little seed :)

Right now everything is all about pumpkin spice, but we want to remind you about our favorite pumpkin item – seeds! A handful of our Heirloom Pumpkin Seeds contains a wealth of vital nutrients that may be lacking from your diet.

With 42% of your daily Magnesium, 14% daily Iron, 19% daily Zinc, 35% daily Phosphorous, and a host of B-vitamins, protein and potassium, these little green seeds are a BIG nutritional boost!

Fully raw and organic, our Heirloom Pumpkin Seeds retain their vital nutrients that are degraded in roasted or toasted seeds. Plus, pumpkin seeds are non-allergenic – so even if you have a nut allergy you can enjoy them and their beneficial nutrients!

Three Major Benefits of Eating Pumpkin Seeds:

1)  Supports a healthy heart (keeps your blood pumping!)

One serving of pumpkin seeds contains nearly half of your recommended daily amount of magnesium, which contributes to the pumping of your heart and relaxation of your blood vessels. This helps regulate your blood pressure, which can even help improve your mood by helping you reach a calmer state.

In clinical trials, magnesium has been shown to benefit blood pressure and help prevent sudden cardiac arrest, heart attack, and stroke. That’s pretty incredible. Yet an estimated 80 percent of Americans are deficient in this important mineral. (1)

80% of us don’t get enough magnesium, even though it’s vital to having a healthy heart! Luckily, it’s easy to add these tasty seeds to your diet, just snack on a handful during the day and you’re all set!

2) Promotes better sleep (and feeling good!)

Pumpkin seeds are also rich in Tryptophan (the culprit of the post-Thanksgiving dinner snooze). Tryptophan is an amino acid that your body converts into serotonin, which is then converted into melatonin – a.k.a. The Sleep Hormone. Serotonin can also help improve your mood, as it's known for contributing to a feeling of well-being. So, if you’re looking for a more restful sleep, eating pumpkin seeds a few hours before bed can help your brain produce the chemicals it needs to get there! (2)

If you’re not a turkey eater, don’t fret. Pumpkin seeds are one of several vegan sources of tryptophan, along with chia seeds, flax seeds, cashews, and almonds.

3) Maintains a strong immune system (cold & flu season is approaching!)

A rich source of zinc and iron, munching on pumpkin seeds can replenish your body’s level of these important minerals. Getting your daily intake of zinc is helpful in preventing a deficiency, which suppresses your immune function and can be associated with chronic liver disease, chronic renal disease, sickle cell disease, diabetes, malignancy, and other chronic illnesses. (3)

Iron is responsible for carrying oxygen to your muscles and brain, affecting your mental and physical performance. If you don’t get enough iron in your diet, the decreased oxygen in your body can also weaken your immune system. (4)

Having a strong immune system is what helps us fight off common colds, keeping you healthy and active. Fall is here and Winter is approaching, so now is the time to make sure you're keeping your immune system strong!

Sources: 1. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2012; 95(2): 269-270 2. Effect of Pumpkin Seed on Level of Free Radicals, Fahim AT, Agha-AM, Pharmacol Res. 1995) 3. Prasad, A. S. (2003). "Zinc deficiency : Has been known of for 40 years but ignored by global health organisations".British Medical Journal 4. Rouault, Tracey A. (2003). "How Mammals Acquire and Distribute Iron Needed for Oxygen-Based Metabolism"

Sunfood's "Natural Solutions" does not promote or suggest natural cures, natural healing or natural remedies for any disease, disorder or ailment thereof. This information should be treated as educational material gathered and discovered from various studies, clinical trials and customer reviews. It is designed to encourage healthy lifestyles, and independent conclusions in regards to natural products and alternative health choices. It is best to consult with your healthcare practitioner before attempting any form of natural cure, natural healing or natural remedy to any health issues.