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Benefits of Eating Gerbs Pumpkin Seeds (kernels or in-shell doesn’t matter)

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benefits of eating gerbs pumpkin seeds

200 kinds! Yes, you are reading this correctly, there are 200 Varieties of Pumpkins, all yielding different size and tasting seeds!

However, commercially few varieties are farmed and harvested for their seeds. At the maximum, you’ll find a half a dozen or so varieties at stores and garden centers with better luck coming online. Each variety has different characteristics. From massive jumbo world record weighing pumpkins to large pumpkins, medium pumpkins grown for their flesh/meat, small pumpkins, and decorative miniature pumpkins. Colors range all over the spectrum, including many shapes and sizes.

Pumpkin seeds have been consumed for many years and show no sign of going anywhere anytime soon. Pumpkins themselves are thought to have first been discovered in North America and were widely used by Native Americans. Actual pumpkin seeds have been found in Mexico and date back as far as 7000 B.C. Pumpkin seeds have been eaten throughout history for sustenance and medicinal purposes too. For example, pumpkin seeds were given to sick people as a means to expel parasitic worms and intestinal parasites from the body. As a result, they were listed as an antiparasitic in the United States Pharmacopoeia from 1863 to 1936. Today, some of the largest producers in the world include Mexico, the United States, China and New Zealand (https://www.jcsqualityfoods.com.au/)

in shell pumpkin seeds

Nutrients per ounce (28 grams) Gerbs Pumpkin Seeds

  • Calories- 125 (523kJ)
  • Carbohydrates- 15.0 grams
  • Fat- 5.4 grams
  • Protein- 7 grams
  • Vitamin A – 17.4 IU
  • Vit. C – 0.1 mg
  • Niacin – 0.1 mg
  • Folate – 2.5 mcg
  • Minerals – Calcium – 15.4 mg
  • Iron – 0.9 mg
  • Magnesium – 73.4 mg
  • Phosphorus – 25.8 mg
  • Potassium – 257 mg
  • Sodium – 5 mg
  • Zinc – 2.9 mg
  • Copper – 0.2 mg
  • Manganese – 0.1 mg

Gerbs Pumpkin Seeds build strong bones

Gerbs Pumpkin Seeds build strong bones

Being highly rich in magnesium and calcium, pumpkin seeds help maintain healthy bones. Magnesium is good for growth and strength of bones.  It has been observed that people with ample amounts of Magnesium in their diet tend to have a higher density of minerals in their bones. This helps to avoid risks like bone fractures and osteoporosis.

Gerbs Pumpkin Seeds Packed with Powerful Antioxidant

Gerbs Pumpkin Seeds Packed with Powerful Antioxidant

Pumpkin seeds have great antioxidant potential due to the presence of Vitamin E and carotenoids. These antioxidants help in reducing inflammation and also protect our body from damage caused by free radicals. Thus, they provide us with protection from innumerable diseases.

Cardio-protective elements in Gerbs Pumpkin Seeds

Cardio-protective elements in Gerbs Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds are very good for the health of our heart. Antioxidants in them protect our heart from various disorders. Magnesium in pumpkin seeds helps to lower our blood pressure. Magnesium also lowers bad cholesterol (LDL ) levels and triglycerides. This reduces the risk of heart diseases. Fiber present in pumpkin seeds also reduces cholesterol levels, thus protecting our heart.

Gerbs Pumpkin Seeds Help in Management of Diabetes

Gerbs Pumpkin Seeds Help in Management of Diabetes

Pumpkin seeds are rich in magnesium. Magnesium helps to lower blood sugar levels which is beneficial for people with diabetes mellitus. What is diabetes mellitus? Diabetes mellitus, commonly known as diabetes, refers to a group of metabolic disorders that affects how our body uses blood sugar or glucose. Since pumpkin seeds prove to be useful in the management of diabetes, they can be included in your Diabetes Diet Plan.

Gerbs Pumpkin Seeds daily Immunity Booster

Gerbs Pumpkin Seeds daily Immunity Booster

Pumpkin seeds are good for our immune system due to the presence of vitamin E and zinc. Vitamin E enhances immune responses and protects against several infectious diseases. It is also a powerful antioxidant and prevents free radicals from damaging healthy cells in our body. Zinc protects our body from inflammation, allergies and invading pathogens, thus preventing infections, and increasing overall immunity. Pumpkin seeds exhibit antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiviral properties.

Gerbs Pumpkin Seeds can Improve Quality of Sleep

Gerbs Pumpkin Seeds can Improve Quality of Sleep

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that cannot be produced by the human body and must be obtained through your diet, primarily from animal or plant based protein sources. Amino acid tryptophan present in pumpkin seeds is good for sleep. It is a precursor to serotonin and melatonin. Both serotonin and melatonin help to induce sleep.

Eating Gerbs Whole Pumpkin Seeds Daily are Good for Weight Loss

Eating Gerbs Whole Pumpkin Seeds Daily are Good for Weight Loss

Pumpkin seeds are rich in proteins and fiber. They make us feel full for a long time, reduce our food intake, and finally reduce the number of calories consumed. This helps in reduction of weight.

Pumpkin Seeds are Good for Prostate Health

Pumpkin Seeds are Good for Prostate Health

Consumption of pumpkin seeds improves the symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia ( BPH ). Pumpkin seeds are rich in zinc. Zinc reduces the chances of prostate cancer. There is also limited data that suggests Pumpkin Seed oil may help to treat and prevent urinary diseases/disorders.

Pumpkin Seeds can Improve the Quality of Sperm

Pumpkin Seeds can Improve the Quality of Sperm

Pumpkin seeds are rich in zinc. Zinc improves fertility in men. Zinc therapy improves sperm quality with increases in sperm density, progressive motility and improved conception and pregnancy outcome. It increases the levels of testosterone and also the quality and quantity of sperms.

Daily consumption of Pumpkin Seeds shown to be Good during Pregnancy

Daily consumption of Pumpkin Seeds shown to be Good during Pregnancy

Pumpkin seeds contain a good amount of zinc. Zinc boosts immunity and helps in healthy growth of the baby. It is beneficial to consume zinc-rich foods in pregnancy. Poor maternal zinc status has been associated with fetal loss, congenital malformations, intrauterine growth retardation, reduced birth weight, prolonged labor and preterm or post-term deliveries.

Gerbs pumpkin seeds nutritional benefits

Gerbs Cinnamon Sugar Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

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Gerbs Cinnamon Sugar Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Ingredients

2 cups Gerbs Raw Whole Pumpkin Seeds. Traditional or jumbo work fine, you can also substitute Gerbs Raw Pumpkin Kernels

Gerbs raw whole pumpkin seeds

2 tablespoons pressed Pumpkin Seed Oil (substitute sunflower oil)

1/2 cup powdered Sugar

1/3 cup Wild Clover Honey

1/2 tsp. powdered Sea Salt

1/2 tsp. Freshly ground Cinnamon

Cleaning Seeds from a Whole Pumpkin

Cleaning Seeds from a Whole Pumpkin

Obviously, this step is only possible in the Fall when Whole Pumpkins are plentiful at local farms and grocery stores. Luckily Gerbs has you covered; we offer raw/dried Whole & Kernel pumpkin seeds 365 a year! But if you have a few hours of time to kill, and perhaps some young helping hands to help scoop and clean, this step can be a wonderful kid friendly activity to make some lasting memories. Mom or Dad, cut a large circular hole in the middle of a medium sized pumpkins, you will find that some pumpkins have more seeds than others.  Have the little ones scoop out the inside pulp and seeds with a spoon into a large stainless bowl, but obviously fingers work the best. Then use running water and a strainer to separate the seeds from all the pumpkin strands and bits; and finally give the pumpkin seeds a nice wash & fully dry to remove the sugary gooey syrup, that will cause the seeds to burn in the oven.

Roasting Pumpkin Seed Instructions

Roasting Pumpkin Seed Instructions

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.

Add Pumpkin Seeds to a large ungreased baking sheet (non-stick preferable) in a single layer (important step for the seeds to get brown & crispy).

Roast for 25 minutes, move & mix seeds around and roast for another 10 minutes. Helpful Tip: There are over 200 varieties of Whole Pumpkin, you can also roast any seed from winter squash, not just pumpkin.

Remove baking sheet and set onto rack to cool

In a small bowl: add pumpkin oil, powdered sugar and honey & mix. Microwave for 30 seconds, remove and whisk until smooth, add salt and cinnamon microwave for additional 30 seconds.

add pumpkin oil in bowl

Place warm seeds into large bowl and pour cinnamon sugar mixture over the top and mix thoroughly.

Call in the family, trust us these seeds are amazing when warm!

Storing Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Storing Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Allow the seeds to cool completely before storing. Roasted pumpkin seeds can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature, in a cool dark setting like a kitchen cabinet for up to two weeks or in the fridge for up to two months.

Many Flavor Options with Roasted Pumpkin Seed

The plain roasted pumpkin seed recipe allows for countless post flavor combinations, we have tried savory batches, spicy jerk flavors, buffalo and ranch kinds or simple garlic parmesan batches, the options are endless!

Many Flavor Options with Roasted Pumpkin Seed

Allergy Friendly Snacks and Tips to Help Get Rid of a Headache or Migraine Attack

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migraine relief

If you’re living with migraine, you probably know that certain foods and drinks can trigger an attack. But even though it’s important to know what to avoid, focusing on the foods to add to your diet matters, too: It may help reduce the number or severity of migraine attacks or other types of headaches.

“Food really is the first medicine,” says Wynne Brown, MD, the medical director of integrative medicine at Wake Forest Baptist Health in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. “When you’re trying to manage migraine, what you eat — and when you eat — can make all the difference,” she says.

Being open to change in your diet is a good start, says Dr. Brown. “Often, we can get in a rut and eat the same things over and over. By adding different fresh fruits and vegetables to our diet, we can reap benefits in terms of water content as well as vitamins and minerals,” she says.

A diet with a variety of good foods will make a big difference both in migraine management and overall health and may improve imbalances that contribute to headaches, says Brown.

If you’re looking for ways to change your diet to better manage your migraine, here are some expert tips on the foods and drinks to help you on your journey.

7 all-natural allergy friendly snacks to get rid of a headache or migraine attack

“Food really is the first medicine,” says Wynne Brown, MD, the medical director of integrative medicine at Wake Forest Baptist Health in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. “When you’re trying to manage migraine, what you eat — and when you eat — can make all the difference,” she says.

 

Gerbs Banana Chips

Gerbs banana chips

Looking for something quick and easy that could help stave off a migraine attack or an episode of hypoglycemia, which could lead to a headache? Reach for a banana or some Gerbs Sweet Banana Chips or Unsweetened Chips rather than highly processed foods like granola bars or candy, suggests Brown.

“Bananas are a great food for quick energy recovery, and they’re high in magnesium, which can be helpful when people have headaches,” she says.

Bananas are about 74 percent water, so there are hydration benefits as well, Brown says.

Gerbs Pumpkin, Flax and Chia Seeds

Gerbs Pumpkin, Flax and Chia Seeds

Magnesium deficiency is one of the most common nutritional causes of persistent or cluster headaches, says Sarah Thomsen Ferreira, RD, MPH, a registered dietitian with Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Functional Medicine in Ohio.

“Prioritizing ample amounts of magnesium-rich foods daily is one of the best ways to keep these headaches at bay,” Ferreira says.

Gerbs Flax seeds, whole and kernel pumpkin seeds, and chia seeds are all good sources of magnesium, says Ferreira. Pumpkin seeds are also high in fiber, preventing the constipation that sometimes comes with migraine. Cashews are high in magnesium, too, she says.

Chocolate Can Ease a Caffeine Withdrawal Headache

Chocolate Can Ease a Caffeine Withdrawal Headache

Everyone wants to hear that Gerbs chocolate can help a caffeine withdrawal headache, says Brown with a laugh. “Some people believe chocolate is a food group all its own,” she says.

According to ConsumerLab.com, an independent company that tests health and nutrition products, most dark chocolates have about 40 to 50 milligrams of caffeine per 1½ ounce serving, which is about the same amount you would get in a cup of green tea and about half the amount in a cup of regular brewed coffee. So depending on the person, a serving of dark chocolate might be enough to ease a caffeine withdrawal headache.

Dark chocolate is also a good source of magnesium, according to the Cleveland Clinic. 

Berries May Relieve Sinus Pressure

Berries May Relieve Sinus PressureGerbs Strawberries May Relieve Sinus Pressure

“Eating things that are high in antioxidants can help to relieve sinus pressure over time,” says Brown. Gerbs Blueberries, Gerbs strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries are all good choices.

Smaller fruits tend to have more exposure to pesticides, and so Brown recommends getting organic berries whenever possible.

stress management

Manage stress

Stress and migraines often go hand in hand. You can’t avoid daily stress, but you can keep it under control to help manage your migraines:

  • Simplify your life. Don’t look for ways to squeeze more activities or chores into the day. Instead, find a way to leave some things out.

  • Manage your time wisely. Update your to-do list every day — both at work and at home. Delegate what you can, and divide large projects into manageable chunks.

  • Take a break. If you feel overwhelmed, a few slow stretches or a quick walk may renew your energy for the task at hand.

  • Adjust your attitude. Stay positive. If you find yourself thinking, “This can’t be done,” switch gears. Think instead, “This will be tough. But I can make it work.”

  • Enjoy yourself. Find time to do something you enjoy for at least 15 minutes every day. It could be playing a game, having coffee with a friend or pursuing a hobby. Doing something you enjoy is a natural way to combat stress.

  • Relax. Deep breathing from your diaphragm can help you relax. Focus on inhaling and exhaling slowly and deeply for at least 10 minutes every day. It may also help to consciously relax your muscles, one group at a time. When you’re done, sit quietly for a minute or two.

keep a migraine diary

A diary may help you determine what triggers your migraines. Note when your migraines start, what you were doing at the time, how long they last and what, if anything, provides relief.

 

Until recently, avoiding migraine triggers was considered the best advice. But new research suggests this may actually increase sensitivity to potential triggers.

 

A more useful approach may be to gradually expose yourself to triggers, and learn to cope with these headache triggers by using behavioral management techniques. These may include identifying and challenging negative thoughts, relaxation training, and stress reduction. More research is needed to understand if and how this approach is more effective in managing migraines.