Pepitas are a Crunchy Munchy Snack Food full of Nutritional Benefits - NaturalNews.com Pepitas are a Crunchy Munchy Snack Food full of Nutritional Benefits Saturday, February 14, 2009 by: Barbara L. Minton Popular on Facebook 62K EVERYTHING IS RIGGED: Medicine, science, elections, the media, money, education, search engines, social media... you are living in a fabricated fairy tale 40K All-out effort to destroy Trump PROVES he's not part of the establishment... NOT an insider... 'Trump' movement has grown way beyond one man's actions or words 37K Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was just found in 75% of drinking water... the mass chemical suicide of America is under way 36K Electoral victory for Hillary already LOCKED IN via massive bribery... George Soros admits on video... democracy be damned... THEFT of the presidency already complete 35K Chaos will erupt across America in less than 100 days...

no matter who wins the election 27K The defeat of Hillary Clinton just dealt a devastating blow to Monsanto, Big Pharma and the corrupt vaccine industry 23K Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson just sold out to Big Pharma... says children should be forcibly injected with mercury at gunpoint... claims government 'science' overrides medical freedom 23K Facebook goes full ORWELLIAN... now blocking all stories mentioning the keyword phrase 'm-nd-t-ry v-cc-n-t--ns' 20K Hillary the CHEAT! Clinton caught wearing covert earpiece during last night's debate with Trump... brazen dishonesty on display yet again 19K Staged Zika pandemic was engineered by globalist governments to justify the aerial bombardment of awakening populations with toxic chemicals 18K TRUMP MIRACLE... DEPLORABLES TAKE BACK AMERICA...

LEFTISTS TOTAL FREAK OUT 17K Natural News announces economic boycott of CNN corporate sponsors, including GEICO, WellsFargo, Sprint, Dodge and ETrade 16K The defeated left turns to HATE: Liberals unleash beatings, death threats and calls for mass murder of Trump supporters 15K Tweet (NewsTarget) Giving up those delicious salty snack foods is one of the hardest parts of healthy eating, and getting children to give them up is almost impossible. But what if we could replace them with a crunchy, munchy alternative that offered both great taste and great nutrition? Pumpkin seeds, also known as pepitas, have brought a new meaning to snack foods. On their own pepitas are nutty tasting, crunchy, chewy and slightly sweet. When sea salt, herbs or spices are added, they turn into a nutritious snack that would please the biggest junk food addict. Pepitas can be a hulled kernel or an unhulled whole seed that is raw or roasted. Pepitas have liberal usage in Mexican cuisine in such dishes as mole, and are ground for use in green sauces.

In the Southwest and Latin America, pepitas have been eaten since the time of the Aztecs or earlier for their special flavor and health benefits. Pepitas are one of nature's perfect foods Pepitas offer an abundance of nutrients including amino acids, unsaturated fatty acids, and a wealth of minerals such as calcium, potassium, niacin, and phosphorous. They are high in most of the B vitamins, and vitamins C, D, E, and K. They are rich in beta carotene that can be converted into vitamin A as needed by the body, and also rich in the eye protective carotenoid lutein. Snacking on just one handful of pepitas, about one ounce, provides a whopping 9 grams of body building protein, along with manganese, magnesium, phosphorous, iron, copper and zinc. Pepitas offer a wealth of health benefits Pepitas are chocked full of monounsaturated oil that has been shown to interrupt the triggering of prostate cell multiplication by DHT, a product of testosterone conversion. The omega-3 fats found in pepitas are also being studied for their potential prostate benefits.

The significant amounts of carotenoids in pepitas are of interest to researchers because men with higher amounts of caroteoids in their diets have a lowered risk for prostate enlargement. The high zinc content of pumpkin seeds adds to their prostate protective virtues. Another reason for men to eat zinc-rich pepitas is their effect on bone mineral density. Although osteoporosis is usually thought of as a women's disease, it can affect older men, a group that suffers 30 percent of the hip fractures. Pumpkin seeds offer powerful anti-inflammatory properties. The addition of pepitas to the diet was shown to work as well as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in reducing symptoms of inflammation. And they did this without any unwanted side effects or threat to the liver. In fact, pepitas have recently been shown to be protective of the liver. In a recent study reported in the December, 2008 journal Food Chemistry and Toxicology, mice fed a mixture of pumpkin seeds and flax seeds showed their lipid parameters decreased significantly compared to controls. Plasma and liver fatty acid composition showed an increase of alpha linolenic acid and linoleic acid, monounsaturated acids, and a decrease of stearic fatty acids.

Plasma and liver toxins decreased, and the efficiency of their antioxidant defense systems was improved. Phytosterols are compounds found in plants with chemical structures similar to cholesterol. When the diet contains high levels of phytosterols, blood levels of cholesterol are reduced. Phytosterols also enhance the immune system response, and can help reduce the risk of developing certain cancers. They are present in high amounts in seeds and nuts. Pistachio nuts and sunflower seeds are the richest in phytosterols, with pepitas coming in third of all the nuts and seeds usually eaten. The oil in pepitas has an excellent ratio of omega 3 to omega 6 fatty acids. This ratio is important for cellular function and oxygenation. It is also why pepitas make hair glossy, skin clear, and energy levels high. Pepitas are a versatile food Pepitas can be eaten raw, cooked or roasted. Here are a few suggestions: Add pepitas to salads or vegetable dishes to provide some textural variation. Add pepitas to cereal, granola, trail mix, or mix with dried fruits Use pepitas in cookie and muffin recipes. Shred or grind pepitas and add to veggie or meat burgers.

Sprinkle pepitas on pasta dishes. Sprouted or soaked organic pepitas offer best taste and nutrition Like all nuts and seed, pepitas contain phytate, an enzyme inhibitor. Phytate prevents the nut or seed from sprouting prematurely, and makes unsoaked nuts and seeds extremely difficult to digest. Soaking them first replicates what nature does to get the nut or seed ready for germination and the release of the nutrients it contains. When the enzymes in the nut or seed are released, so is the flavor. Soaking makes nuts and seeds taste great. Pepitas for soaking should be organic hulled pumpkin seeds with the shell removed, or a variety called naked seeds, which are actually grown without the shell. These can be bought online or from a health food store. To make soaked pepitas: Step One: Put the pumpkin seeds in a fine mesh colander and rinse them well. Place the rinsed seeds into a wide-mouthed glass jar. Dissolve a pinch of sea salt in water, and pour the water over the seeds, using enough to cover them. Leave in a warm spot for 1 to 2 hours. The salt is needed to help activate enzymes that will then deactivate the enzyme inhibitors.

Step Two: Drain and rinse the seeds well and place them in the jar once again. Cover the jar with a breathable cloth and leave it in a cool, semi-lit location for no more than 8 to 12 hours. Step Three: Rinse the seeds and spread on a clean dry surface or on a mesh drying rack. When they are dry, they are ready to eat or they can be stored in a jar in the refrigerator for the rest of the day. Step Four (for the ultimate in pepitas): After the seeds have been soaked, place them in a dehydrator and dehydrate according to dehydrator directions. Dehydrating does not damage enzymes. Moisture evaporation from food acts as a cooling process and keeps the temperature below the actual air temperature in the dehydrator. In his book Enzyme Nutrition, Dr. Edward Howell explains that because of the difference in food temperature and air temperature, it is safe to dehydrate at settings up to 145 degrees because the temperature of the food will not exceed 118 degrees. Enzymes are most susceptible to damage by high heat while they are in a wet state. This is why cooking is so damaging to enzymes.

Dehydration uses far less heat than cooking or baking. As the food becomes drier, the enzymes become more stable and can withstand temperatures of 118 degrees or higher. Dehydrated pepitas can be kept in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for several weeks. Or do as the Aztecs did, and dry pepitas in the sun. Get creative with pepitas To make a salty, crunch snack food the whole family will love, add extra sea salt to the soaking water and dehydrate the pepitas. Use plastic or paper bags to create snack packs or lunch packs. Add cilantro, jalapeno, lime, garlic, tamari, raw cacoa, or any of the herbs and spices that appeal. Check out the array of already prepared organic sprouted pumpkin seeds Several online retailers that specialize in live foods sell organic sprouted dehydrated pepitas. Many use the term pumpkin seeds. Their crunchy, delicious products are available with or without added salt. Some specialize in dressed up versions with a wealth of flavors, and some offer mixes of pumpkin seeds with other sprouted nuts and seed and as part of trail mixes with dried fruits. Organic sprouted pumpkin seeds are also available at many health food stores.

Sources: Pradeep Chauhan, Health Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds, americanchronical.com. Pumpkin Seeds, whfoods.com. How to Sprout Pumpkin Seeds, ehow.com About the author Barbara is a school psychologist, a published author in the area of personal finance, a breast cancer survivor using "alternative" treatments, a born existentialist, and a student of nature and all things natural. Enjoy groundbreaking health benefits of hydrogen-infused water in your own home! The Echo® Elemonics™ Hydrogen Infusion Machine filters, infuses and elementally balances your drinking water. You'll enjoy all the benefits of hydrogen therapy in each great-tasting, perfectly-filtered cup. No acid/alkaline alterations to your water! Get a free Elemonics Ultra Fine filter (infused with Elemonics minerals) with code 'BonusCartridge'. Offer valid for the month of January while supplies last. Grow Your Own Pepitas with Naked Seeded Pumpkins Posts may contain affiliate links, which allow me to earn a commission to support the site at no extra cost to you. Thank you!

Grow Your Own Pepitas with Naked Seeded Pumpkins October 25, 2016 by Laurie Neverman 20 Comments Are you a fan of pepitas, those tasty little pumpkin seeds sold in the health food stores? Have you ever wondered why the “pumpkin seeds” they sell in the store look so different from home grown pumpkin seeds? This post will show you how to get the best tasting, freshest pepitas you’ve ever eaten – ones that you grow yourself. If you want to grow pepitas at home, it all starts with right pumpkin. File this under “I wish someone would have told me this when I first started gardening”. My mom always raised an assortment of winter squash, as I do, and once in a while we’d save the seeds and toast them. Frankly, I was never a huge fan – way too much roughage – until I discovered – HULLESS PUMPKIN SEEDS! What’s a pepita (hulless pumpkin seed)? Pepitas or hulless pumpkin seeds come from winter (long season) cucurbits (Cucurbita pepo L.

group Pepo, Cucurbitaceae) with seeds that lack a tough outer hull. They are also known as oil seed pumpkins or Styrian pumpkins. These are the pepitas you find in the store (they don’t have a magic hulling process). Instead of the hard white seed coating we see in standard “Halloween pumpkins”, these pumpkins have a very delicate skin on the seed that comes off easily. (Note: These may be a great niche market for small scale organic producers. Check out this article “ Oil Pumpkins: Niche for Organic Producers ” for more information.) Pepitas are loaded with nutrition. Just 1/4 cup (32.25 grams) provides significant amounts of manganese, tryptophan, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, protein, zinc and iron. The World’s Healthiest Foods sites studies that suggest pumpkin seeds may promote prostate health, protect your bones, act as an anti-inflammatory and lower cholesterol. How can I grow pepitas at home? There are several varieties of pumpkins that have hulless seeds.

They include: Kakai Hulless Pumpkin Other varieties are also available – look for the words “hulless”, “naked seed”, “oil seed” or “Styrian” in the description. Cultivate as you would any other winter squash. They may be direct seeded in rich soil in long season areas. Here in the upper Midwest, I typically start them inside in 2-3 inch pots, two to three weeks before planting out in the garden. Do not plant out until all danger of frost is past, unless you give the plants protection. Try not to disturb the roots too much when transplanting, as rough handling will set the plants back. I like to keep the transplants small to avoid them becoming rootbound, which increases the risk of injury. If you’d like amazing detailed pumpkin growing instructions, visit The Pumpkin Nook . Harvest in fall before hard frost (too much cold will damage the pumpkins). For best storage life, wipe off any loose dirt and cure at warm temperatures for about a week (I cure them in my greenhouse ) before moving into cool dry storage (50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit, 60 to 75 percent relative humidity).

Stored like this my pumpkins have lasted into March and April the following spring, so I have months of fresh pumpkin seeds on hand. How do I prepare pepitas? You can either roast or dehydrate your seeds to enhance their munchability. Either way, you first need to hack open the pumpkin and dig out the seedy goodness. Rinse off any fleshy pumpkin goobers. To increase digestibility (via Nourishing Traditions ), soak in salted water at least seven hours or overnight. Drain and pat dry. Note: You can also use these techniques to improve the flavor of raw commercial pepitas , which tend to be rather bland. To Roast Pepitas At this point you may either roast at low heat (under 150°F to preserve maximum nutrient value, no warmer than 250°F) or dehydrate. To oven roast, drizzle lightly with olive oil or sesame oil and toss with seasonings or additional salt, if desired. Toast until crispy, mixing every 15 minutes to half hour. At 250°F it’ll take around 45 minutes to an hour to get them crispy, at 150°F it’ll take 8 to 12 hours.

These should keep for a week or two in a tightly sealed container. To Dehydrate Pepitas To dehydrate, toss seeds with a bit more salt or seasoning, if desired, and dry at less than 150°F until crispy, 8-12 hours. (Don’t add extra oil.) Mix every hour or so. Once dry and crispy, store in a tightly sealed container. (Wide mouth mason jars work great.) The seeds at the top of the post were dehydrated with no extra salt. Warning – These pepitas may be addictive! Personally, I have a hard keeping them in storage once they’re prepared, as they are so tasty! Like most things you grow at home, they seem to me to be just a little fresher and brighter in flavor than their store bought counterparts. You can get quite a few fruits from a hill of pumpkins, but each pumpkin will yield less than a cup of seeds, which is why pepitas are so pricey in the store. The only down side with the oil seed pumpkins is that the flesh isn’t particularly tasty. It tends to be stringy and bland. For most pumpkin recipes, I prefer to use winter squash, as the flesh is denser, smoother and sweeter.

If you want to use the flesh, I suggest using it similarly to large zucchini, as a filler rather than a primary flavor. Chickens love it, too. 😉 If you’ve enjoyed this post, please share the pepita love. 😉 You may also enjoy: Pepitas - Flanigan Farms Did you know... Being plant-based, Pepitas have no cholesterol. Pepitas have an outstanding` amount of the non-essential Glutamic acid. Glutamic acid and Agrinine, a testosterone precursor, seem to play a special role in reproductive health for men, and to some extent for women. Protein content for Pepitas is comparatively high as measured with other nuts and seeds. <img style="float: left;" src="" hspace="10" /> <h1> Pepitas (Pumpkin Seeds)</h1> <h2>Pepitas or Pumpkin Seeds are grown in many parts of the world, including the United States.</h2> <p> They come from a variety of pumpkins and gourds and are sold roasted and salted in the shell as well as peeled. Peeling is a very labor intensive process done only in countries such as Mexico, Central America and China where labor is cheap.

As cheap labor becomes less available in the developing countries, the supply of seeds will be reduced unless a way is found to peel the seeds mechanically. </p> <p> <a href="">Pepitas (Pumpkin Seeds)</a>, <a href="">Pepita Recipes</a>, <a href="">Nut FAQ</a> </p> <img style="float: right;" src="" height="460" hspace="10" vspace="20" width="223" /> <p> </p><h1>Did you know...</h1> <ol> <li>Being plant-based, Pepitas have no cholesterol.</li> <li>Pepitas have an outstanding` amount of the non-essential Glutamic acid. Glutamic acid and Agrinine, a testosterone precursor, seem to play a special role in reproductive health for men, and to some extent for women. </li> <li>Protein content for Pepitas is comparatively high as measured with other nuts and seeds.

</li> </ol> <p></p> © 2015 Flanigan Farms No Shell Raw Pepitas (Pumpkin Seeds) - Nuts.com 129 customer reviews » Put some pep in your step with our raw pepitas! These tasty pumpkin seeds pack an irresistible crunch along with a major health punch. High in protein and healthy fats, pepitas are a good-for-you, satisfying snack. Toss them in salads, mix them in trail mix, or add them to your favorite recipes for a boost of nutrition. You’ll agree that their delicious nutty flavor is simply delightful. What are Pepitas? The name pepita comes from the Mexican Spanish phrase, pepita de calabaza, which translates to “little seed of squash.” Pepitas often refer to the seeds of pumpkins, although they can also come from other varieties of squash. Our raw pepitas are flat, oval-shaped green seeds that are removed from pumpkins and then dried for eating. These are shelled pumpkin seeds, meaning the shell has been removed, so they’re ready to enjoy!

6 Surprising Health Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds These pumpkin seeds may be little, but they sure pack a lot of nutrition, including: 1) Protein: Each one-ounce serving of pepitas provides a whopping ten grams of protein. Talk about an ideal post-workout snack! 2) Dietary Fiber: Pepitas also provide three grams of dietary fiber to support a healthy digestive system. Foods rich in fiber can help lower “LDL” bad cholesterol levels. 3) Minerals: Pumpkin seeds are also a great source of minerals like phosphorus, magnesium and zinc. Phosphorus is important for bone health, magnesium is involved in over 600 chemical reactions in the body and zinc supports immune system health. 4) Iron: A single serving of pepitas provides 15 percent of the recommended daily value for iron. This mineral is important for transporting oxygen-rich red blood cells throughout the body. 5) Essential Fatty Acids: High in plant-based omega-3s (known as alpha-linolenic acid or ALA), pepitas can help lower inflammation levels and offer balance to your diet. 6) Antioxidants: Pumpkin seeds contain numerous compounds with antioxidant capabilities.

One such compound, vitamin E, is available in a wide variety of forms in pumpkin seeds. Vitamin E offers significant protection against free radicals and toxins. 6 Ways To Eat & Enjoy Pepitas 1) Sprinkle on a salad: A handful of crunchy pepitas is a healthy alternative to croutons. 2) Mix in baked goods: Toss pepitas into your next batch of granola bars , muffins, or cookies. 3) Use as a topping: Oatmeal and yogurt are even better with pumpkin seeds on top. 4) Add to dishes: Pepitas are a tasty addition to chicken recipes, or quinoa dishes. 5) Puree for a dip: This pepita salsa recipe is delicious with pita bread or chips. 6) A healthy snack: As you can guess, they’re a great snack on their own or in trail mix! Our Registered Dietitian’s Top Pick Our Registered Dietitian and Health Nut gives raw pepitas a big thumbs up! She loves that they provide a concentrated source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Pepitas are a great addition to a healthy diet because each serving provides vitamin E, B-complex vitamins, copper, manganese, potassium, calcium, and iron.

Her favorite way to enjoy pumpkin seeds is mixed with salads and topped on her morning oatmeal. $6.99 Pumpkin seeds The World's Healthiest Foords are health-promoting foods that can change your life. Watch for the launch of our new WHFoods 7-Day Meal Plan on January 23rd! The George Mateljan Foundation is a not-for-profit foundation with no commercial interests or advertising. Our mission is to help you eat and cook the healthiest way for optimal health. Pumpkin seeds What's New and Beneficial About Pumpkin seeds Pumpkin seeds have long been valued as a source of the mineral zinc, and the World Health Organization recommends their consumption as a good way of obtaining this nutrient. If you want to maximize the amount of zinc that you will be getting from your pumpkin seeds, we recommend that you consider purchasing them in unshelled form. Although recent studies have shown there to be little zinc in the shell itself (the shell is also called the seed coat or husk), there is a very thin layer directly beneath the shell called the endosperm envelope, and it is often pressed up very tightly against the shell. Zinc is especially concentrated in this endosperm envelope.

Because it can be tricky to separate the endosperm envelope from the shell, eating the entire pumpkin seed—shell and all—will ensure that all of the zinc-containing portions of the seed will be consumed. Whole roasted, unshelled pumpkin seeds contain about 10 milligrams of zinc per 3.5 ounces, and shelled roasted pumpkin seeds (which are often referred to pumpkin seed kernels) contain about 7-8 milligrams. So even though the difference is not huge, and even though the seed kernels remain a good source of zinc, you'll be able to increase your zinc intake if you consume the unshelled version. While pumpkin seeds are not a highly rich source of vitamin E in the form of alpha-tocopherol, recent studies have shown that pumpkin seeds provide us with vitamin E in a wide diversity of forms. From any fixed amount of a vitamin, we are likely to get more health benefits when we are provided with that vitamin in all of its different forms. In the case of pumpkin seeds, vitamin E is found in all of the following forms: alpha-tocopherol, gamma-tocopherol, delta-tocopherol, alpha-tocomonoenol, and gamma-tocomonoenol.

These last two forms have only recently been discovered in pumpkin seeds, and their health benefits—including antioxidant benefits—are a topic of current interest in vitamin E research, since their bioavailability might be greater than some of the other vitamin E forms. The bottom line: pumpkin seeds' vitamin E content may bring us more health benefits that we would ordinarily expect due to the diverse forms of vitamin E found in this food. In our Tips for Preparing section, we recommend a roasting time for pumpkin seeds of no more than 15-20 minutes when roasting at home. This recommendation supported by a new study that pinpointed 20 minutes as a threshold time for changes in pumpkin seed fats. In this recent study, pumpkin seeds were roasted in a microwave oven for varying lengths of time, and limited changes in the pumpkin seeds fat were determined to occur under 20 minutes. However, when the seeds were roasted for longer than 20 minutes, a number of unwanted changes in fat structure were determined to occur more frequently.

Pumpkin Seeds, dried, shelled iron 16% This chart graphically details the %DV that a serving of Pumpkin seeds provides for each of the nutrients of which it is a good, very good, or excellent source according to our Food Rating System. Additional information about the amount of these nutrients provided by Pumpkin seeds can be found in the Food Rating System Chart . A link that takes you to the In-Depth Nutritional Profile for Pumpkin seeds, featuring information over 80 nutrients, can be found under the Food Rating System Chart. Health Benefits Antioxidant Support While antioxidant nutrients are found in most WHFoods, it's the diversity of antioxidants in pumpkin seeds that makes them unique in their antioxidant support. Pumpkin seeds contain conventional antioxidant vitamins like vitamin E. However, not only do they contain vitamin E, but they contain it in a wide variety of forms. Alpha-tocopherol, gamma-tocopherol, delta-tocopherol, alpha-tocomonoenol and gamma-tocomonoenol are all forms of vitamin E found in pumpkin seeds.

These last two forms have only recently been discovered, and they are a topic of special interest in vitamin E research, since their bioavailability might be greater than some of the other vitamin E forms. Pumpkin seeds also contain conventional mineral antioxidants like zinc and manganese. Phenolic antioxidants are found in pumpkin seeds in a wide variety of forms, including the phenolic acids hydroxybenzoic, caffeic, coumaric, ferulic, sinapic, protocatechuic, vanillic, and syringic acid. Antioxidant phytonutrients like lignans are also found in pumpkin seeds, including the lignans pinoresinol, medioresinol, and lariciresinol. Interestingly, this diverse mixture of antioxidants in pumpkin seeds may provide them with antioxidant-related properties that are not widely found in food. For example, the pro-oxidant enzyme lipoxygenase (LOX) is known to be inhibited by pumpkin seed extracts, but not due to the presence of any single family of antioxidant nutrients (for example, the phenolic acids described earlier). Instead, the unique diversity of antioxidants in pumpkin seeds is most likely responsible for this effect.

Mineral Support Plants that have a close relationship to the soil are often special sources of mineral nutrients, and pumpkin (and their seeds) are no exception. Our food rating process found pumpkin seeds to be a very good source of the minerals phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, and copper and a good source of the minerals zinc and iron. Pumpkin seeds have long been valued as a special source of the mineral zinc, and the World Health Organization recommends their consumption as a good way of obtaining this nutrient. To get full zinc benefits from your pumpkin seeds, you may want to consume them in unshelled form. Although recent studies have shown there to be little zinc in the shell itself (the shell is also called the seed coat or husk), there is a very thin layer directly beneath the shell called the endosperm envelope, and it is often pressed up very tightly against the seed coat. Zinc is especially concentrated in this endosperm envelope. Because it can be tricky to separate the endosperm envelope from the shell, eating the entire pumpkin seed—shell and all—will ensure that all zinc-containing portions of the seed get consumed.

Whole roasted, unshelled pumpkin seeds contain about 10 milligrams of zinc per 3.5 ounces, and shelled roasted pumpkin seeds (sometimes called pumpkin seed kernels) contain about 7-8 milligrams. So even though the difference is not huge, and even though the kernels still remain a good source of zinc, the unshelled version of this food is going to provide you with the best mineral support with respect to zinc. Other Health Benefits Diabetes Most of the evidence we've seen about pumpkin seeds and prevention or treatment of diabetes has come from animal studies. For this reason, we consider research in this area to be preliminary. However, recent studies on laboratory animals have shown the ability of ground pumpkin seeds, pumpkin seed extracts, and pumpkin seed oil to improve insulin regulation in diabetic animals and to prevent some unwanted consequences of diabetes on kidney function. Decrease in oxidative stress has played a key role in many studies that show benefits of pumpkin seeds for diabetic animals. Antimicrobial Benefits Pumpkin seeds, pumpkin seed extracts, and pumpkin seed oil have long been valued for their anti-microbial benefits, including their anti-fungal and anti-viral properties. Research points to the role of unique proteins in pumpkin seeds as the source of many antimicrobial benefits.

The lignans in pumpkin seeds (including pinoresinol, medioresinol, and lariciresinol) have also been shown to have antimicrobial—and especially anti-viral— properties. Impact of pumpkin seed proteins and pumpkin seed phytonutrients like lignans on the activity of a messaging molecule called interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) is likely to be involved in the antimicrobial benefits associated with this food. Cancer-Related Benefits Because oxidative stress is known to play a role in the development of some cancers, and pumpkin seeds are unique in their composition of antioxidant nutrients, it's not surprising to find some preliminary evidence of decreased cancer risk in association with pumpkin seed intake. However, the antioxidant content of pumpkin seeds has not been the focus of preliminary research in this cancer area. Instead, the research has focused on lignans. Only breast cancer and prostate cancer seem to have received much attention in the research world in connection with pumpkin seed intake, and much of that attention has been limited to the lignan content of pumpkin seeds. To some extent, this same focus on lignans has occurred in research on prostate cancer as well.

For these reasons, we cannot describe the cancer-related benefits of pumpkin seeds as being well-documented in the research, even though pumpkin seeds may eventually be shown to have important health benefits in this area. Possible Benefits for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) Pumpkin seed extracts and oils have long been used in treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is a health problem involving non-cancer enlargement of the prostate gland, and it commonly affects middle-aged and older men in the U.S. Studies have linked different nutrients in pumpkin seeds to their beneficial effects on BPH, including their phytosterols, lignans, and zinc. Among these groups, research on phytosterols is the strongest, and it centers on three phytosterols found in pumpkin seeds: beta-sitosterol, sitostanol, and avenasterol. The phytosterols campesterol, stigmasterol, and campestanol have also been found in pumpkin seeds in some studies. Unfortunately, studies on BPH have typically involved extracts or oils rather than pumpkin seeds themselves. For this reason, it's just not possible to tell whether everyday intake of pumpkin seeds in food form has a beneficial impact on BPH.

Equally impossible to determine is whether intake of pumpkin seeds in food form can lower a man's risk of BPH. We look forward to future studies that will hopefully provide us with answers to those questions. Description Pumpkin seeds—also known as pepitas—are flat, dark green seeds. Some are encased in a yellow-white husk (often called the "shell"), although some varieties of pumpkins produce seeds without shells. Pumpkin seeds have a malleable, chewy texture and a subtly sweet, nutty flavor. While roasted pumpkins seeds are probably best known for their role as a perennial Halloween treat, these seeds are so delicious, and nutritious, that they can be enjoyed throughout the year. In many food markets, pepitas are available in all of the forms described above—raw and shelled, raw and unshelled, roasted and shelled, roasted and unshelled. Like cantaloupe, watermelon, cucumber, and squash, pumpkins and pumpkin seeds belong to the gourd or Cucurbitaceae family. Within this family, the genus Cucurbita contains all of the pumpkins (and their seeds).

The most common species of pumpkin used as a source of pumpkin seeds are Cucurbita pepo, Cucurbita maxima, Cucurbita moschata, and Cucurbita mixta. History Pumpkins, and their seeds, are native to the Americas, and indigenous species are found across North America, South America, and Central America. The word "pepita" is consistent with this heritage, since it comes from Mexico, where the Spanish phrase "pepita de calabaza" means "little seed of squash." Pumpkin seeds were a celebrated food among many Native American tribes, who treasured them both for their dietary and medicinal properties. In South America, the popularity of pumpkin seeds has been traced at least as far back as the Aztec cultures of 1300-1500 AD. From the Americas, the popularity of pumpkin seeds spread to the rest of the globe through trade and exploration over many centuries. In parts of Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean (especially Greece), pumpkin seeds became a standard part of everyday cuisine, and culinary and medical traditions in India and other parts of Asia also incorporated this food into a place of importance.

Today, China produces more pumpkins and pumpkin seeds than any other country. India, Russia, the Ukraine, Mexico, and the U.S. are also major producers of pumpkin and pumpkin seeds. In the U.S., Illinois is the largest producer of pumpkins, followed by California, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and New York. However, pumpkins are now grown commercially in virtually all U.S. states, and over 100,000 acres of U.S. farmland are planted with pumpkins. How to Select and Store Pumpkin seeds are generally available in prepackaged containers as well as bulk bins. Just as with any other food that you may purchase in the bulk section, make sure that the bins containing the pumpkin seeds are covered and that the store has a good product turnover so as to ensure the seeds' maximal freshness. Whether purchasing pumpkin seeds in bulk or in a packaged container, make sure that there is no evidence of moisture or insect damage and that they are not shriveled. If it is possible to smell the pumpkin seeds, do so in order to ensure that they are not rancid or musty.

We recommend that you purchase certified organic raw pumpkin seeds and then light-roast them yourself (see next section on how to do so). By purchasing organic, you will avoid unnecessary exposure to potential contaminants. By purchasing raw, you will be able to control the roasting time and temperature, and avoid unnecessary damage to helpful fats present in the seeds. At the same time, you will be able to bring out the full flavors of the pumpkin seeds through roasting. Pumpkin seeds should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. While they may stay edible for several months, they seem to lose their peak freshness after about one to two months. Tips for Preparing and Cooking Tips for Preparing Pumpkin Seeds While most stores sell pumpkin seeds, it is fun and easy to make your own. To do so, first remove the seeds from the pumpkin's inner cavity and wipe them off with a paper towel if needed to remove excess pulp that may have stuck to them. Spread them out evenly on a paper bag and let them dry out overnight. You can, of course, purchase pumpkin seeds in the store. We would recommend purchasing organic raw pumpkin seeds and then light-roast them yourself.

Place the seeds (whether those you retrieved from the pumpkin or those you bought at the store) in a single layer on a cookie sheet and light roast them in a 160-170°F (about 75°C) oven for 15-20 minutes. This 20-minute roasting limit is important. In a recent study, 20 minutes emerged as a threshold hold time for changes in pumpkin seed fats. When roasted for longer than 20 minutes, a number of unwanted changes in fat structure of pumpkin seeds have been observed by food researchers. Roasting for no longer than 20 minutes will help you avoid these unwanted changes. Interestingly, studies have shown that roasting temperatures of 194°F (90°C) or higher are often required to bring out the full nut-like aromas and flavors in pumpkin seeds. While we do not question this finding, we believe that the unsaturated fats in pumpkin seeds will be better preserved by roasting at this lower temperature—160-170°F (about 75°C)—and that you will still be delighted by the aromas and flavors of the roasted seeds. How to Enjoy Too Much Zinc in Pepitas? - Dr.

Weil Too Much Zinc in Pepitas? 1 min Too Much Zinc in Pepitas? Do pepitas have so much zinc in them that they might predispose to cancer as some recent studies have suggested? – May 9, 2011 Pepitas are pumpkin seeds. They’re eaten as a snack or added to salads for a little crunch. You can find them roasted, raw or salted, in the shell or hulled. Pumpkin seeds contain healthy fats as well as protein, fiber, potassium, iron and zinc . Pumpkin seeds are a good source of zinc , a mineral present in many foods. In the body, zinc helps maintain optimum immune function and wound healing. It is also a component of key enzymes that help preserve vision and protect against age-related vision loss, including macular degeneration. Zinc plays a role in carbohydrate and protein metabolism and may be beneficial as a supplement for people with severe diarrhea, sickle cell anemia, gastric ulcers, and acne. In addition, zinc is vital for normal fetal development and the maturation of sperm.

Pumpkin seeds are one of the best plant sources of zinc (other vegetarian sources include dried beans, garbanzo beans , black-eyed peas , lentils, peas, and whole soy products, whole grains and nuts). However, unless you’re eating an awful lot of them, I doubt that you’re getting too much zinc: 1/4 cup of raw pumpkin seeds gives you 2.57 mg of zinc, about 17 percent of the RDA for healthy adults. If you’re getting too much zinc in your diet, the major concern is that you can deplete your copper stores, as the two minerals compete for absorption into the body. We need small amounts of copper for normal growth and health. Along with iron, copper is required for the formation of red blood cells; it also influences the functioning of the heart and arteries, helps prevent bone defects such as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, and promotes development of healthy connective tissue. Pumpkin seeds and pumpkin seed oil have been studied for prevention and reduction of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), an enlargement of the prostate that commonly affects men as they age. No evidence has linked pumpkin seeds or pumpkin seed oil to protection against prostate cancer.

Low (not high) zinc levels have been associated with several types of cancer, but the evidence isn’t definitive. I wouldn’t worry about the zinc in pepitas. They’re good for you as long as you don’t overdo it. Keep in mind that while they’re a healthy snack, they’re also high in calories: about 160 for one ounce. Andrew Weil, M.D. The difference between pepitas and pumpkin seeds | Tomboy That Wears MakeUp The difference between pepitas and pumpkin seeds Lets not waste anytime here…. As I was making a cucumber, tomato, onion, pepita salad with goddess dressing I thought to myself… What is the difference between pepitas and pumpkin seeds?? Maybe your smarter than thou… but I didn’t know. Thanks to google I discovered that…. Pepitas are pumpkin seeds that are shelled Pumpkin Seeds Fancy shelled pumpkin seeds AKA Pepitas Health benefits of these lil puppies: Pumpkin seeds are a very good source of beta carotene, Omega 3, protein, minerals magnesium and manganese, iron, zinc and copper and vitamin K.

I was sooooo excited to learn that, that I ran downstairs and went on the Eliptical machine and thought of pumpkin seeds the WHOLE TIME. Nothing else. Just Pepitas… Okay! On to the next IMPORTANT topic of the day. I need you to do me a favour… Will you watch this video? It is from our Yellowknife adventure. It’s testament that- YOU CAN DO ANYTHING! The only limits we have are ones that we place on ourselves!! Our next video is going to be on YOGA.. not as adventurous, but I guarantee it will be a smash hit:) We are going to film at Semperviva in Kits! Remember when I did 30 days of yoga in a row there? I better run… but I look forward to catching up tomorrow!! Amen sisters! Be your own hero…. YOU ARE INCREDIBLE…xoxoxo Pepita | Define Pepita at Dictionary.com pepita [puh-pee-tuh, pe-] /pəˈpi tə, pɛ-/ Spell noun 1. the edible seed of a pumpkin or squash, used in cooking and often dried or toasted and eaten as a snack food.

Origin of pepita < American Spanish, Spanish: seed, pip, probably derivative of the same Romance base *pep- as Old French pepin pippin Pepita [puh-pee-tuh, pe-; Spanish pe-pee-tah] /pəˈpi tə, pɛ-; Spanish pɛˈpi tɑ/ Spell

Question: What plant do pepitas come from?
Answer: Pumpkins