Can you eat raw pumpkin seeds? (7 health benefits)
By
Dr Andrei da Silva Alexandre (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Andrei da Silva Alexandre PhD is a Bachelor of Biotechnology with expertise in Bioprospecting and Chemistry of Natural Products, Isolation and Identification of Secondary Metabolites from Plants and Microorganisms, and Antimicrobials. He writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Andrei da Silva Alexandre’s Highlights:
- Research Collaborator at the Laboratory of Bioprospecting and Biotechnology of the National Institute of Amazonian Research/ Brazil
- PhD in Biotechnology with a focus on Phytochemistry at the Federal University of Amazonas/ Brazil
- Master’s degree in Biotechnology and Natural Resources at the University of Amazonas State/ Brazil
- Bachelor of Biotechnology at the Federal University of Amazonas/ Brazil
Professional Experience:
Dr Andrei da Silva Alexandre has been working for more than 10 years in the area of Biotechnology and Chemistry of Natural Products.
During his master’s degree he developed research that studied the production of secondary metabolites from endophytic fungi, aiming to isolate and identify substances against pathogenic microorganisms, using analytical techniques such as Chromatography, NMR and Mass Spectrometry.
In his PhD thesis Dr Andrei da Silva Alexandre isolated and identified bioactive substances from plant extracts using analytical techniques, against pathogenic bacteria.
Finally, Dr Andrei da Alexandre has already co-directed undergraduate students in scientific initiation projects. He also participates as a reviewer of scientific articles in international journals.
- 2016, Bachelor in Biotechnology at the Federal University of Amazonas, Brazil
- 2018, Master in Biotechnology and Natural Resources at the University of Amazonas State, Brazil
- 2023, PhD in Biotechnology at the Federal University of Amazonas, Brazil
The main publications of Dr. Anny Manrich are:
Articles
Alexandre, A. S.; Fachin-Espinar, M. T.; Nunez, C. V. Triterpenos, esteroides e fenólico isolados de Minquartia guianensis Aubl (Coulaceae) e atividade antibacteriana. (2023). Concilium, 23, 3, 883-895.
Alexandre, A. S., Rocha, W. C. Perfil cromatográfico por TLC do óleo e dos extratos das folhas e caule de andiroba, Carapa guianensis Aubl. (2017). Scientia Amazonia, 6, 2, 117-125.
Book
Alexandre, A. S. Perfil cromatográfico da Andiroba: análise por CCD do óleo e dos extratos orgânicos de folhas e caule. 1. ed. Riga: Novas Edições Acadêmicas, 2018. 52p .
Conference Papers
Alexandre, A. S., Nunez, C. V. Triterpenos do extrato metanólico dos galhos de Minquartia Guianensis Aubl. (Coulaceae). In Livro de Resumos: 3º SIMPÓSIO REGIONAL NORTE DE FARMACOGNOSIA, INPA, 2021.
Albuquerque, F. H. S. ; Meliciano, N. V.; Alexandre, A. S. Frequência relativa dos grupos sanguíneos ABO e Rh da população do município de Coari-Am.. In: 11º Congresso Brasileiro de Saúde Coletiva, 2015, Goiânia. Anais do 11º Congresso Brasileiro de Saúde Coletiva, 2015.
You can view some of Dr Andrei’s work below and links to her professional profile.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrei-alexandre/
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Andrei-Alexandre
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=YT4sTmsAAAAJ&hl=pt-BR
Orcid: https://orcid.org/my-orcid?orcid=0000-0001-7789-3714
In this brief article, we are going to answer the question “Can you eat raw pumpkin seeds?”, and we will discuss the benefits and side effects of consuming raw pumpkin seeds, and how you can safely eat them.
Can you eat raw pumpkin seeds?
Yes, you can eat raw pumpkin seeds, they are small-shelled seeds, healthy and full of nutrients. Usually, the shells are cracked open to eat the seeds inside (1,2).
The ones available in the market are without the shell. However, the seeds that you take out of pumpkin have a shell around them and these seeds are roasted to get a better taste and to easily remove the shell (2).
These seeds could be eaten whole with the shell, too. Shells are high in fibre and should not be eaten by people with digestive problems as the shelled seeds are hard to digest.
What are the health benefits of raw pumpkin seeds?
Pumpkin seeds are a good source of various nutrients, proteins, and fibres. Omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants grant enormous health benefits. Unshelled seeds are also an excellent source of minerals like magnesium and zinc (1,2).
Improve prostate
According to studies, eating pumpkin seeds can help to reduce symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition in which the prostate gland enlarges (3,4).
Colon Health
The seeds of pumpkin are also high in a very crucial carbohydrate, fibres. They promote better digestion and gut health. They may suppress blood glucose, as they are the type of carbs that are excreted instead of getting absorbed (1).
Lower blood pressure
A few studies have indicated that pumpkin seeds may be beneficial in lowering high blood pressure due to the presence of healthy fatty acids and antioxidants (1).
They may decrease circulating high-density lipoprotein and prevent various heart complications (1).
Improve sleep quality
Pumpkin seeds are a natural source of tryptophan, which is an amino acid that promotes sleep. To improve your sleep, you need to consume 1 g of tryptophan daily. So, you can incorporate pumpkin seeds into your daily diet, this might help in increased intake of tryptophan (2,5).
Mitigate inflammation
Raw pumpkin seeds are rich in magnesium, folate, vitamin E, and K. They are a significant factor in lowering inflammatory reactions. Less inflammation promotes better health (2).
Source of magnesium
Pumpkin seeds are high in magnesium and are considered one of the best natural sources. Magnesium promotes a healthy heart and bones (1,2).
Hair growth
Pumpkin seed oil is beneficial in promoting hair growth. Several studies performed on males with baldness showed a positive response. Minerals such as zinc and magnesium, present in pumpkin seed oil, are responsible for hair growth (1,6).
What are the side effects of raw pumpkin seeds?
Pumpkin seeds are usually safe to eat. However, since they are high in fibre, eating the seeds in large amounts or excessively can cause gastrointestinal discomfort, bloating, and diarrhoea (13).
Additionally, pumpkin seeds contain phytic acid, an anti-nutrient that can hinder the absorption of minerals like iron and zinc, leading to potential mineral deficiencies over time (7).
Some people may be allergic to pumpkin seeds, especially individuals with nut or seed allergies (8).
Inspect your pumpkin seeds before consuming them to avoid microbial contamination (9).
Does the nutritional value of raw pumpkin seeds change after cooking?
Yes. The process of cooking, especially roasting, can lead to changes in the composition of pumpkin seeds (10).
Cooking can cause some loss of heat-sensitive nutrients like vitamin C, especially if you overcook or roast at high temperatures (10,11).
However, cooking can also enhance the bioavailability of certain nutrients, for instance, making the seed’s protein and fat more digestible (10,11).
How can you safely eat raw pumpkin seeds?
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To safely eat raw pumpkin seeds, check them for signs of spoilage.
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Wash the seeds under running water to remove any dirt (12).
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You can safely eat the seeds raw, but roasting them at low temperatures can improve their digestibility and reduce the risk of hazardous pathogens (11).
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Store the pumpkin seeds in an air container in a cool, dry place or freeze at -18 °C to maintain their freshness and prevent spoilage, this way you can use them after (14).
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we answered the question “Can you eat raw pumpkin seeds?” and we also discussed the benefits and side effects of eating raw pumpkin seeds, and how you can safely eat them.
References
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References
1.-
Dotto JM, Chacha JS. The potential of pumpkin seeds as a functional food ingredient: A review. Scientific African, 2020, 10, e00575.
2.-
Hussain A, et al. A Comprehensive review of functional ingredients, especially bioactive compounds present in pumpkin peel, flesh and seeds, and their health benefits. Food Chemistry Advances, 2022, 1, 100067.
3.-
Damiano R, Cai T, Fornara P, Franzese CA, Leonardi R, Mirone V. The role of Cucurbita pepo in the management of patients affected by lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia: A narrative review. Arch Ital Urol Androl, 2016, 4;88(2):136-43.
4.-
Vahlensieck W, Theurer C, Pfitzer E, Patz B, Banik N, Engelmann U. Effects of pumpkin seed in men with lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia in the one-year, randomized, placebo-controlled GRANU study. Urol Int. 2015;94(3):286-95.
5.-
Halson SL. Sleep in elite athletes and nutritional interventions to enhance sleep. Sports Med. 2014, 44, 13-23.
6.-
Cho YH, et al. Effect of pumpkin seed oil on hair growth in men with androgenetic alopecia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine, 2014.
7.-
Petroski W, Minich DM. Is There Such a Thing as “Anti-Nutrients”? A Narrative Review of Perceived Problematic Plant Compounds. Nutrients. 2020, 24;12(10):2929.
8.-
Julia Gawryjołek MD, et al. Anaphylaxis after consumption of pumpkin seeds in a 2-y-old child tolerant to its pulp: A case study. Nutrition, 2021, 89, 111272.
9.-
Weidenb̈rner M. Pumpkin seeds – The mycobiota and potential mycotoxins. European Food Res and Tech, 212(3):279-281.
10.-
Fabbri ADT, Crosby GA. A review of the impact of preparation and cooking on the nutritional quality of vegetables and legumes. Int J Gast and Food Sci, 2016, 3, 2-11.
11.-
Lee S, Choi Y, Jeong HS, Lee J, Sung J. Effect of different cooking methods on the content of vitamins and true retention in selected vegetables. Food Sci Biotechnol. 2017, 12;27(2):333-342.
12.-
Zander A, Bunning M. Guide to Washing Fresh Produce. Colorado State University, 2010.
13.-
Oniță-Mîndrican CB, Ziani K, Mititelu M, et al. Therapeutic Benefits and Dietary Restrictions of Fiber Intake: A State of the Art Review. Nutrients. 2022, 26;14(13):2641.
14.-
Ribeiro COF, et al. Freezing, cooling and storage of pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Dusch) seeds produced in biodynamic system. African J Agri Res, 2017, 12(45), 3244-3251.
