Pumpkin seeds Nutrition facts

Pumpkin seeds

Fruit pumpkin is grown usually as a field-vegetable crop. However, in some parts of Central Europe (Styrian province in Austria, Slovenia, and Hungary), they are being cultivated exclusively for their kernels at a commercial scale as a major oilseed crop.
Normally, pumpkin fruit is allowed to mature completely in order to gather good-quality kernels. Each fruit may contain up to 250 g cream-white seeds located at its central hollow cavity entangled in mesh-like fibrils.
Pumpkin seeds are semi-flat, feature a typical ovoid shape with a conical tip. Inside, edible, olive-green kernels are sweet, buttery in texture, and nutty in flavor. Pepitas are enjoyed as a snack and added to desserts and savory dishes.
Research studies suggest that some chemical compounds in the pumpkin seeds possess DHEA (Di-hydro-epi-androstenedione) hormone-blocking actions at the receptor levels. Exposure to high DHEA levels may lead to gonadal tumors. Thus, these seeds may cut the risk of prostate and ovarian cancers in humans.
In addition, experimental studies suggest that certain phytochemical compounds in pumpkin seed oil may have a role in the prevention of diabetic nephropathy (diabetic kidney disease).