Can Lower Risk of Some Cancers
Diet plans including pumpkin seeds have been linked to a reduced risk of certain types of cancers, such as lung, prostate, breast, colon, and stomach cancers. [7] Large observational studies have found that eating pumpkin seeds may help reduce the likelihood of developing breast cancer in postmenopausal women. [8] Further studies have hinted that lignans present in pumpkin seeds may play key roles in the prevention and treatment of breast cancer. [9]
Vitro studies [10] have suggested that supplements containing pumpkin seeds could help inhibit the growth of prostate cancer cells. [11]
Can Help Naturally Lower Blood Sugar
Pumpkin seeds can be useful in helping diabetic people regulate blood sugar. Studies in animals have confirmed the effectiveness of pumpkin seeds in lowering blood sugar. Pumpkin seeds can also help reduce the risk of developing other diabetes complications. [12]
Research has shown that using pumpkin juice and pumpkin seed powder can reduce the level of blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. [13]
The potency of pumpkin seeds in treating diabetic people is believed to be because of their high magnesium content. A large observational study discovered that magnesium-rich diets were associated with a 34 percent reduced risk of type 2 diabetes in women and 33 percent in men. [14]
Diabetic people are also prone to suffer from hypoglycemia, a condition where the blood sugar levels drop far below normal. Due to this, pumpkin seeds should be consumed in moderation by diabetic people on insulin medication. Do not take pumpkin seeds while you’re hypoglycemic as it may worsen your situation.