Health Benefits of Squash Seeds

Scientific name:  Cucurbita Maxima
Other Names: Chilacayote, Acorn Squash, Butternut Squash, Field Pumpkin, Fig-leaf Gourd, Pepo, Pumpkin, Squash, Yellow Summer Squash, Zucchini
Part used: seeds

Origins & Properties

Cucurbita maxima, one of at least five species of cultivated squash, is one of the most diverse domesticated species.

This species originated in South America from the wild Cucurbita Andreana over 4000 years ago.

Pumpkin seeds, seed oil, and pumpkin pulp have been evaluated in limited clinical trials for medicinal actions, including anthelmintic, hypotensive, and hypoglycemic activity.

Common Uses

The extracts are used for managing symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia and anxiety-related disorders, although limited clinical trial information is available.

The pumpkin seed oil has been used in salad dressing, ice cream, and other food products and is believed to benefit people at risk of BPH, irritable bowel syndrome, high cholesterol, and certain parasitic infestations too.

Benefits

• Arthritis: Helpful to treat arthritis
• Increase bone density: A good source of zinc that increases bone density
• Digestion: Helpful to treat intestinal problems like gastritis
• Anti-depressant: Contains L-tryptophan that treats depression
• Prostate health: Has positive effects on prostate health

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