Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) leads to a hormonal imbalance and affects women of reproductive age. Quite a common complication, PCOS has been brought into mainstream discussion over the recent past, and women have been more forthcoming while talking about it. Once concern is always to do with the diet that a woman with PCOS must consume to manage the condition better. And an expert suggests pumpkin seeds should be the go-to superfood!
Avinash Rajapet, Program Director and Head Trainer at Fitbee, shares what makes them vital for women battling PCOS.
What are Pumpkin seeds?
Pumpkin seeds are flat, edible, egg-shaped seeds also known as Pepita, a Mexican Spanish term. They have a white layer on the outside but the seeds are light green on the inside. They are considered wholesome and highly nutritive!
They date back to the ancient Greeks and Native Americans, so they’ve been around a long time! Once removed from the flesh of a pumpkin, you can rinse and roast them for further consumption.
Pumpkin seeds and PCOS
Pumpkin seeds are the PCOS diet’s nutritional powerhouse in a tiny package!
These seeds are highly nourishing and have been given the tag of a superfood for women, and especially beneficial for those with conditions like PCOS.
PCOS brings its own set of diet restrictions for women trying to beat the condition but including these pumpkin seeds in their diet during those times of hormonal imbalances can help improve health.
The benefits of this superfood for women with PCOS are:
- Helps reduce hair loss
- Contains essential fatty acids
- Helps reduce cholesterol
- Since they are a rich source of magnesium, they are excellent for bone formation.
- Decreases the risk of osteoporosis in women after their menopause
- Apart from this, they are a natural source of tryptophan, an amino acid that helps to improve sleep patterns.
Women with PCOS can have a spoonful before going to bed for better sleep!
How to include Pumpkin seeds in your diet?
There are many ways in which you can include them in your diet. You can eat them raw or roasted!
Quantity to eat? Only a spoonful, no more!
Ways to include it in your diet:
- Just sprinkle them on your salads and soups or blend them into your smoothie.
- You can also mix them in your oatmeal or puddings.
- You can either garnish them on top of your shakes or just grind them in your sauces and chutneys.
This way you can benefit the most from this superfood!
