In the amount of two tablespoons of peeled pumpkin seeds - about 30 g, can be found 125 calories, 15 g of carbohydrates, including 0 g of sugar and 5 g of fiber, and 5 g of protein. This amount of seeds satisfies 5% of the body's daily need for iron . Pumpkin seeds are also a source of magnesium , zinc , copper and selenium.
Due to its high content of magnesium - 74 mg in two tablespoons, the consumption of this amount of pumpkin seeds provides ¼ of the recommended daily dose of the substance.
Magnesium plays an important role in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body, including the absorption of food and the synthesis of fatty acids and proteins . Magnesium is involved in neuromuscular transmission and activity, as well as in muscle relaxation.
Magnesium deficiency, a condition that is particularly common in the elderly, has been linked to insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, coronary heart disease and osteoporosis .
The element is also important for bone formation . Higher amounts in the body are associated with increased bone density and are effective in reducing the risk of osteoporosis in the postmenopausal period in women.
According to researchers, taking every 100 mg of magnesium per day reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by about 15%. The low magnesium levels in the body can damage the synthesis of insulin and decreased insulin sensitivity.
Pumpkin seeds are also rich in beneficial omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids , as well as antioxidants and fiber . The combination of these substances has been shown to be beneficial for heart and liver health.