A Natural Way to Prevent Wrinkles and Boost Your Health with Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkins seeds also known as pepitas have numerous benefits to reduce wrinkle and rejuvenate your skin. They are rich in amino acids, Omega-3 oils, minerals and vitamins that are not only great for your skin but also improve and repair body functions. Pumpkin seeds are not only a tasty snack but also a healthy snack to add to your diet or even to your beauty regimen.

photo courtesy of wikipedia Commons

Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds for Your Skin

·        Pumpkin seeds contain alpha hydroxyl acids which is a main ingredient in anti-wrinkle creams. They rejuvenate the skin by removing dead skin cells and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

·        Beta-carotenoids in pumpkin seeds are converted into vitamin A carotenoids in the body which is an antioxidant that protects the skin from free radical damage reducing wrinkles and thus aging.

·        Sodium hyaluronate and fatty acids found in pumpkin seeds help hydrate and moisturize the skin reducing wrinkles and slowing down the effects of aging.

·        Pumpkin seeds are loaded with zinc and copper that helps prevent acne by regulating excessive oil production and repairing inflamed tissues.

Health Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds

1.      A handful pumpkin seed is rich in magnesium, which is important for physiological functions such as creation of ATP to boost the energy molecules of the body, pumping of the heart, proper formation of the teeth and bones as well as synthesis of RNA and DNA.

2.      Zinc in pumpkin seeds improve immunity, cell growth and division, eye and skin care health ( reducing appearance of wrinkles), insulin regulators and male sexual functions (especially prostrate health, boosting sperm count and sex drive).

3.      Pumpkin seeds are a great source of alpha-linolenic acid or ALA which the body converts into essential omega-3 fats EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid)and DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) whose anti-inflammation properties help with asthma, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular diseases, ADHD and autoimmune diseases. They also have been associated with fetal development.

4.      Weight loss; The Zinc in pumpkin seeds helps your body produce and increase the development of lean muscles at the same time burn fat.

5.      Postmenopausal women benefit from pumpkin seed oils which are rich in phytoestrogens which leads to increase in good “HDL” cholesterol, decreasing blood pressure, hot flashes, headaches and other menopausal symptoms.

6.      For a good night’s sleep the amino acids in pumpkin seeds namely tryptophan is converted into serotonin then melatonin which is a sleep hormone. Eating pumpkin seeds a few hours before bedtime with a fruit (mainly banana, mangoes, cherries or any fruit rich in carbohydrate for the best effect) will give you a peaceful night’s sleep.

7.      Beta-carotene in pumpkin seeds is also anti-inflammatory. You could avoid all the side effects associated with anti-inflammatory drugs by use pumpkin seeds instead.

How to extract Pumpkin Seeds From a Pumpkin

Step 1: Use a spoon to remove the seeds from inside the pumpkin. A spoon with a sharp edge will make your job much easier.

Step 2: Then place the seeds in a strainer and rinse under a tap, at the same time separating the seeds from the orange strands.

Step 3: Once you have extracted the seeds you can choose to leave them out to dry on a dry strainer or just fry them with a teaspoon of oil until they turn brown. Then they are now ready to eat. Enjoy!

How to Make a Pumpkin Extract Face Mask

A face mask is a great way to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and at the same time toning your skin complexion.

Ingredients:

·        1 tea spoon honey.

·        2 tea spoons of pumpkin seed powder. After extracting the seed and drying them you can grind them into a powder using a grinder or mortar and pestle.

·        2 table spoons of yogurt rich in Probiotics.

·        3 drops of lemon

Mix the above ingredients well and apply to face. Leave on for 10 to 15 minutes then wash off the mask with lukewarm water. To reduce the appearance of wrinkles repeat once a week for best results.