Organic pumpkin seed protein powder is now recognized as a “Super Food”. Beyond an excellent source of protein, it contains phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, zinc, copper, iron, antioxidants, vitamin K, omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids and a number of plant sterols. It contains 18 amino acids and can be used as a protein replacement. Pumpkin seeds have been a favorite in Eastern Europe and India for centuries and becoming popular in the United States. If you’re looking for an all vegetarian source of protein Omega Nutrition has what you are looking for.

For those of you who are currently using whey protein powder but looking for a vegetarian source, look no further. Pumpkin seed protein powder has a pleasant taste, mixes well, and provides all the protein you need. If you’re looking to build lean muscle, burn more calories by increasing resting metabolic rate, maintain a healthy weight, and boost energy levels, pumpkin seed protein powder was made to order. This product is all vegetarian, certified organic and kosher, no soy, gluten, or dairy and has a nutty flavor. This powder easily mixes in hot or cold liquids and can be added to cereals, bread recipes and even put in smoothies. The pumpkin seeds are processed at a low temperature without light exposure, heat, or oxygen during the grinding process.

Pumpkin Seed Benefits

Although pumpkin seeds are not high in vitamin E content, they do contain different vitamin E forms which are a current topic in vitamin E research. Pumpkin seeds contain alpha-tocopherol, gamma-tocopherol, delta-tocopherol, alpha-tocomonoenol, and gamma tocomonoenol. Alpha and gamma tocomonoenol have been reported to have high bioavailability. All vitamin Es ares known to be a powerful antioxidants that are lipid soluble. Pumpkin seeds also contain most of the vitamin Bs as well as C, D, and K. Vitamin D and K are important for maintaining healthy bone and Vitamin K is also important in the blood clotting process. Pumpkin seeds contain a number of phenols that have powerful antioxidant properties which include: hydroxybenzoic acid, caffeic acid, coumaric acid, ferulic acid, sinapic acid, protocatechuic acid, and syringic acid. Lignans are also present which include pinoresinol, medioresinol, and lariciresinol. Lignans are polyphenols with antioxidant properties.

Pumpkin seeds contain a number of minerals including calcium, copper, iron, manganese, selenium, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc. Interestingly, the World Health Organization recommends pumpkin seeds as a good source of zinc. Zinc is highly concentrated in the endosperm layer just beneath the shell. Zinc is important in protein synthesis. Keep in mind that 1 ounce or 28 grams of raw seeds contains 9 grams of protein, only 4 grams of carbohydrate, and 1 gram of dietary fiber. So, about 1/3 of the seed is comprised of protein. If you are a vegetarian, this seed is an excellent source of protein to add to your diet.

Basic research (animal studies) indicate that pumpkin seeds and their extracts are beneficial in regulating glucose metabolism in diabetes as well as protect kidney function. Phenolic antioxidant activity has also been found to be beneficial in diabetic animals by decreasing oxidative stress. The lignans present have been shown to carry antimicrobial activity that affects a messaging molecule known as interferon gamma (IFN-gamma). IFN-gamma is a cytokine or messenger molecule important for immunity. This molecule works against viral and intracellular bacterial functions. It has the ability to inhibit viral replication directly. This molecule is made by white blood cells known as natural killer (NK) cells.

Pumpkin seed extracts and oils have found to be useful in enlarged prostates and bladder problems. These seeds contain delta-7-sterine which is a steroid. This molecule is known to compete with dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The hormone DHT tends to accumulate in the prostate gland causing prostate cells to proliferate in turn causing the prostate to get bigger. Delta-7-sterine reduces cell proliferation by blocking DHT decreasing prostate size. This is a common problem in middle aged men that is uncomfortable and generates urinary problems. The phytosterols, lignans, and zinc have been found to ease prostate enlargement as well. Delta-7-sterine blocks DHT binding to hair follicles as well, preventing the hair from falling out.

Pumpkin seeds contain fair amounts of the amino acid L-tryptophan which is the precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin. Serotonin is known as the “feel good” neurotransmitter. Low levels of serotonin have been associated with depression. Some studies suggest that increased intake of L-tryptophan is beneficial in patients who have depression. Additionally, serotonin can in turn be converted into melatonin. Melatonin is produced by the pineal gland in the brain and is responsible for preparing you for sleep. Pumpkin seeds have been reported to improve the quality of sleep. Not only do pumpkin seeds contain L-tryptophan, they contain an unusual amino acid known as cucurbitacin. This amino acid is reported to be able to paralyze intestinal parasites such as tapeworms as well as aid in expelling them.

Pumpkin seeds contain omega-3,6,9 fatty acids which are important for memory and learning, cardiovascular health, joint health, skin and hair. Fatty acids are major components of the cell membrane important for maintaining cell integrity, import/export of molecules, and cell signaling.

Organic pumpkin seed protein powder is full of nutrition. This protein powder contains 18 amino acids including the unusual amino acid cucurbitacin (tapeworm killer and expeller). Pumpkin seed also contains a fair amount of L-tryptophan which is an important precursor to the neurotransmitters serotonin and melatonin. Serotonin promotes a sense of well-being and melatonin promotes healthy sleep states. This protein powder contains a number of minerals which include calcium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, iron, manganese, magnesium, and selenium. All are important for running metabolic pathways. Vitamins D and K support bone health and vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that is lipid soluble, Vitamin K is also important for the mechanism of blood clotting. A number of phenols and polyphenols take on the role of powerful antioxidants that defend against oxidative stress and keep metabolic pathways running smoothly as well as acting as anti-aging agents. Antioxidants provide for longevity. Lignans (another form of antioxidants) have the ability to activate interferons that have antimicrobial activity. The steroid delta-7-sterine inhibits the activity of DHT decreasing prostate growth common in middle-aged men and delta-7-sterine also prevents hair loss due to DHT.

There is no doubt that organic pumpkin seed protein powder has many health benefits. If you are currently using an animal source of protein such as whey protein powder and want to go vegetarian/vegan consider organic pumpkin seed protein powder by Omega Nutrition. This protein powder has a nutty flavor that mixes well with hot or cold beverages and can be added to baked goods and cereals. If you’re interested in increasing resting metabolic rate, build lean muscle, increase energy levels and burn calories, pumpkin seed protein powder is the way to go.

Suggested Reading:

Omega Nutrition: Pumpkin Seed Protein Powder!

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=82 (pumpkin seeds)

http://fitnesscop.blogspot.com/2012/11/pumpkin-seeds-whats-new-and-beneficial.html

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=nutrientprofile&dbid=117 (pumpkins seed nutrient analysis)