Verified on 03/31/2024 by Alexane Flament, Editor
They can be added to a salad, soup, yogurt or even eaten as a snack.
Easy to consume and rich in good nutrients, pumpkin seeds are little consumed in France. Zoom in on this underrated superfood!
An excellent source of protein and fiber
Pumpkin seeds are rich in protein.
“For 100 grams of seeds, you have 20 grams of protein. For comparison, chicken contains 25 grams of protein per 100 grams“, reveals Dr Jimmy Mohamed.
They are also rich in fiber. However, we know that fiber improves transit and increases feeling of fullness. So don’t be afraid of gaining weight by eating pumpkin seeds!
They are rich in good fats
Pumpkin seeds contain unsaturated fatty acids, known for their protective effect against certain cardiovascular diseases. These small seeds are particularly rich in omega 3 and omega 6.
Consume pumpkin seeds to improve our mood?
It may seem surprising, but you can improve your mood through nutrition.
Some foods, such as pumpkin seeds, contain tryptophanan amino acid precursor to serotonin, a substance that improves sleep and therefore can have a positive effect on our mood.
Lentils, dark chocolate and even eggs contain tryptophan. If you consume it at the end of the day, you put all the chances on your side to fall asleep well in the evening.
What nutrients to improve our mood?
Recent studies have shown that a deficiency in certain nutrients can increase the risk of depression. Thus, having good intakes of vitamines B and D, in omega 3 and minerals could help improve our mood.
To B vitamins
Depression has been linked to vitamin deficiency in the B family (B6, B12, folic acid). These vitamins are particularly present in leafy vegetables.
Vitamin D
Anxiety and fatigue may be linked to vitamin D deficiency. This vitamin is found in fatty fish (sardines, salmon, mackerel), milk and even enriched orange juice.
The skin produces vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. You can therefore take small doses of vitamin D by exposing yourself to the sun without sunscreen (10 minutes a few times a week).
In some cases, supplementation may be necessary. Talk to your doctor.
The minerals
Calcium, iron, magnesium, selenium and zinc may help prevent or alleviate symptoms of depression.
Omega-3 fatty acids
These fatty acids could help fight depression. They are found in particular in fish such as tuna, salmon and sardines, but also in fish oil supplements.
Journalist
March 31, 2024, at 6:10 a.m.
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