By Umar Nsubuga
The next time you prepare a pumpkin, remember to keep the seeds. Never throw them away because they are highly nutritious.
Sharon Naluwende, a nutritionist at Mulago Hospital, says pumpkin seeds are one of the most nutritious parts of this food, yet people do not seem to realise that.
She says these seeds are rich in minerals that help build the body. “Pumpkin seeds contain zinc, phosphorous and manganese which are crucial to our normal body functioning,” she says.
She explains that zinc found in cells throughout the body, plays an important role in preserving our immune system. Other important nutrients found in the seeds include; magnesium (47%), tryptophan-the amino acids that create proteins (53.1%), copper (21.5%), protein (19.5%) and iron (15.7%).
Nuruh Nalwanga, a senior nursing officer at Kawempe Hospital, says the crunchy pumpkin seeds contain about 559 calories per 100g.
These seeds are not just important for nutrition, they also have medicinal values.
According to online sources, pumpkin seeds also promote prostate health. “Components in pumpkin seed oil appear able to interrupt the triggering of prostate cell multiplication by testosterone.”
The seeds could also help in bone protection and anti-inflammatory complications among other health difficulties. Pumpkin seed oil extracts (usually very useful in making dietary supplements) are very useful to the body.
They are also highly recommended for diabetic patients as well as those with a high blood pressure.
How to prepare pumpkin seeds
Gladys Kintu, a nutritionist, says pumpkin seeds can be washed, dried under the sun and later roasted for eating.
She says the roasted seeds can be eaten as a snack. She notes that some people crash the roadted seeds and form powder which they add to their sauce. Pumpkin seeds give sauce a cranky taste.
You might also opt not to scrap out the seeds when preparing the pumpkin for steaming. When it is ready, remove the seeds and eat them.
Because pumpkin seeds are highly portable and require no refrigeration, they make an excellent snack one can carry along wherever they go.
