Saving the environment through what we eat series: 6. Pumpkin seeds

One of the first and best ways to help the environment is to go vegan. What you put in your body is not only critical to living a healthy life but can be critical to save the planet too. Let's have a look at pumpkin seeds.

I just adore pumpkin seeds. These flat, oval seeds are packed with healthiness and a super snack that can easily be incorporated in your diet. And I suggest you do!

But don't make a mistake, the husk-less green seeds you find in your favourite grocery store are not actually from pumpkins, they are specifically cultivated. The seeds are nutrient-rich, with especially high content of protein, dietary fibre and numerous micro-nutrients. They also contain a lot of anti-oxidants to improve your health. But what exactly does it improve?

1. It is great for your immune system. Pumpkin seeds are high in zinc something you definitely need more of if you are on a plant-based diet.

2. Heart and liver-health. Pumpkin seeds, rich in healthy fats, antioxidants and fibres, may provide benefits for heart and liver health, particularly when mixed with flax seeds.

3. Restful sleep. Pumpkin seeds are a rich source of tryptophan, an amino acid that your body converts into serotonin, which in turn is converted into melatonin, the "sleep hormone." Eating pumpkin seeds a few hours before bed, may be especially beneficial to help promote a restful night's sleep.

4. Anti-inflammatory benefits.It works as well as some arthritis medicines without the side effects.

5. It is good for your bones. Pumpkin seeds are a good source of magnesium, which is important for bone formation. High magnesium intake is associated with a greater bone density and has been shown to decrease the risk of osteoporosis.

6. Diabetes. It helps protect against type 2 diabetes. Low magnesium levels can impair insulin secretion and lower insulin sensitivity and pumpkin seeds can help with this deficiency.

Toast them, roast them, eat them raw, sprinkle them over your salad, use them as garnish for your pasta or soup, put them in cookies and granola bars, add them to your muffin mix or overnight oats. The options are endless but whatever you do - EAT THEM!!


**Saving the environment through what we eat series was written to inspire people to change their eating habits in order to save the environment and the world we live in from climate change. Eating more plant-based foods can stop deforestation, soil degradation and greenhouse gas emissions, help slow climate change and secure global food supply.