Sprouted Pumpkin Seeds

When we think of pumpkins, we usually think of all things fall: pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin pies and pumpkin candles. What we often overlook are the sprouted pumpkin seeds! And we need to eat these year round!

All pumpkin seeds are full of nutrients, but sprouted pumpkin seeds takes the nutritional value to the next level. The sprouting process takes what is already an amazing superfood and helps your body to absorb more of those nutrients.

Why eat pumpkin seeds?

Not only are they delicious, but they have so many health benefits and disease preventing potential!

• Keep you satisfied longer. The protein and healthy fats in pumpkin seeds can be such a satisfying food that can help prevent cravings and overeating later!
• Increase energy. You can improve energy levels by getting adequate vitamins and minerals, and pumpkin seeds are a good source of iron, zinc, magnesium, phosphorous and manganese.
• Immune system boost. The zinc content in these seeds may help strengthen your immune system and prevent those pesky viruses…and who doesn’t want that?
• Healthy skin. Zinc is also important for keeping the cell walls in your skin strong and may protect against UV damage.
• Disease prevention. Pumpkin seeds have many nutrients that can be protective against diseases such as heart disease, cancer, high blood pressure and others.
• Hormone balance. Not only can pumpkin seeds be part of a healthy diet that prevents insulin resistance, but they also may help keep other hormones in balance. Read more about hormone balancing superfoods here! If you want some quick and easy recipes for smoothies that incorporate pumpkin seeds, sign up for the FREE hormone balancing smoothies guide below!

Why sprouted?

Sprouting occurs when a seed begins to germinate and it grows little roots. As this happens, some of the phytic acid is broken down, which helps our bodies to digest and use the nutrients better and more easily.

When seeds have been sprouted, they are an even better choice than regular pumpkin seeds. The sprouting process increases nutritional bioavailability. This means that your body may be better able to absorb the nutrients in the seeds.

How should I eat sprouted pumpkin seeds?

They are a versatile food that can be used in many ways, but I’ll give you some quick and easy ideas for incorporating them into your daily routine!

Eat them by themselves.

I know this is self-explanatory, but this is one of my favorite ways to eat them. I sometimes measure a 1/4 cup of sprouted pumpkin seeds and put in a ziplock bag. I love to eat throughout the day with fruit.

Put them in a granola or trail mix.

If you are needing a quick, convenient snack (or even breakfast!) make some homemade granola or trail mix with sprouted pumpkin seeds. This adds a delicious crunch and is a good way to get protein in!

Add to a salad.

I love to have something crunch in my salad, and this is an easy way to add more nutrition and crunch to the salad.

Add to a smoothie.

By adding these seeds to a smoothie, you are automatically adding protein and fiber. Added bonus: the vitamin C in fruit can help you absorb the iron in the sprouted pumpkin seeds!

Energy bites.

My kids love energy bites. Who am I kidding? I do too! Such a fun, delicious treat that can pack a powerful nutrition punch in each bite. Use pumpkin seeds and you can even sneak them into your kids’ snacks!

Where can I buy sprouted pumpkin seeds?

Most grocery stores sell pumpkin seeds, but it can be a little tricky to find the sprouted pumpkin seeds. I buy mine at Costco for a great price, but they are available at some specialty stores and health food stores.

You can buy the same ones I get at Costco also on Amazon. What I love about these is that there are only 2 ingredients: organic sprouted pumpkin seeds and sea salt.

Incorporate these pumpkin seeds into your daily routine and feel better with every bite! Get creative and find new ways to add to your favorite recipes for an added boost of nutrition.