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Carving a jack-o’-lantern can be a messy business, but it pays off in the end. Not only do you come away with a cool decoration to put out on the porch—you also get the makings of a healthy snack. Pumpkin seeds are delicious and easy to prepare, and they’re loaded with nutrition that has real benefits.
If you’re going to pick out a pumpkin and carve it, you may as well save the seeds inside and get your full money’s worth. After you’ve hollowed out your pumpkin, you’ll have a large number of seeds ready for snacking (after a little bit of cleaning, anyway). The fact that they’re a byproduct of a fall pastime is an added bonus.
Pumpkin seeds are a versatile snack option. You can eat them raw, but they’re also very tasty if you bake or roast them. While they’re plenty flavorful, you can jazz up the taste of pumpkin seeds by tossing them in light oil and your seasonings of choice. Pumpkin seeds also make a great addition to healthy snacks and meals like granola and salad and can be used as a garnish for dishes.
Pumpkin seeds have a similar nutritional profile to nuts and legumes, which means they’re a good source of heart-healthy fats, protein, and fiber. Pumpkin seeds are also loaded with vitamins and minerals, including copper, iron, magnesium, and zinc.
Because they’re so nutrient-dense, pumpkin seeds offer up impressive health benefits with prolonged snacking. The nutrition that pumpkin seeds provide can be connected with perks like a stronger immune system, better heart health, improved sleep, and a lower risk of joint problems and inflammation
Turn over a new leaf in Rochelle, IL, this fall and kick off new healthy lifestyle habits. Wills Chiropractic can help—we offer services ranging from chiropractic care to acupuncture to personal training. Schedule an appointment and, together, we’ll help get you started on an exciting new path to better health.
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