Pumpkin Seeds

Delicious warming soup for colder days.

Warming and comforting soup made with super nutritious sweet potatoes providing you with lots of vitamins. Perfect for winter days lunches and dinners.

Forget not, waste not… turn leftover pumpkin seeds into a delicious treat! Lets give 'em pumpkin to talk about.

Looking for the best Pumpkin Seed recipe ever? Look no further! Seriously this Roasted Pumpkin Seed recipe can’t get any tastier! Every time you get your hands on a pumpkin all you are going to want to make are these roasted seeds. Scary good!

Everyone knows that seeds are one of the healthiest ingredients you can incorporate into your diet, but people often underestimate exactly how significant their health benefits can be. Each seed looks and tastes different, so it shouldn’t be any surprise that their nutritional profiles are just as diverse. In this article we’ll break down some of the best seeds you can include in your diet, as well as how you could cook with them. It’s also important to note that we can’t mention every single type of seed here, so don’t be afraid to venture outside of this list and really experiment in the world of seeds. Chia Seeds Organic chia seeds are one of the world's most popular superfoods, so it makes sense that they’d be on this list. Chia seeds are small edible seeds from the mint family originating from South America, where they have been cultivated dating all the way back to the Aztec Empire. Chia seeds are unique mainly because of their status as a complete protein, meaning they contain all nine essential amino acids that the body needs but cannot produce on its own. Complete proteins can be quite hard to find outside of animal sources, so chia seeds are naturally a great choice for vegans or those on plant based diets. Chia seeds are also incredibly high in fibre, with just two tablespoons providing nearly 10 grams of dietary fibre. Being high in fibre means that chia seeds are a great way to improve digestion, but crucially also heart health. As chia seeds reduce the amount of bad cholesterol in our bodies, they simultaneously increase the amount of good cholesterol that lowers the risk of heart disease. How to use chia seeds: Chia seeds are fairly versatile, but they are most commonly used in drinks, puddings and salads. There is significant debate (particularly amongst healthy eaters) as to whether it is best to soak chia seeds before eating them or not, but really it depends on personal preference. While soaking chia seeds can make them more easily digestible, and therefore slightly more nutritious, it also removes their crunchy texture. If you’re making chia pudding or looking to bulk out a smoothie then it’s best to soak your chia seeds, but if you’re looking to use them to add some extra texture to a salad then you’re better off simply sprinkling them on top. Flaxseed/LinseedFlaxseed (also known as linseed) comes in two varieties, gold and brown, and while they have pretty much identical nutritional profiles, golden flaxseed has a slightly richer taste. Flaxseed is a severely underrated ingredient, and really should be considered a superfood in its own right, rich in protein, fibre and omega 3 fatty acids, it is a great all rounder. Crucially flaxseed is both gluten free and vegan, which makes it a must have for either of those diets, primarily for its high protein and linoleic acid content. Linoleic acid is a type of omega six fatty acid, which can be incredibly difficult to find outside of oily fish, not only is it great for maintaining healthy skin, but also for lowering cholesterol and improving insulin sensitivity. How to use flaxseedFlaxseed has a very subtle flavour, so it can easily be paired with sweet or savoury recipes, or simply mixed with water and enjoyed on its own. However it is important to increase your water intake as you begin to incorporate flaxseed into your diet to avoid dehydration and digestive issues. Pumpkin seedsOrganic pumpkin seeds are a great way to boost the nutrition of your diet without too much hassle, they can be enjoyed as a snack on their own, or sprinkled into salads, soups and curries. Pumpkin seeds are not only convenient, but also highly nutritious. Like chia seeds and flaxseed, pumpkin seeds are rich in healthy fatty acids, protein and vitamin E. Vitamin E is tremendously important to the development of healthy skin, hair and most importantly eyesight. Pumpkin seeds also contain an abundance of antioxidants, and have been found to improve heart health, as well as potentially lowering the risk of cancer while also improving bladder health. Sesame seeds are a pretty common household ingredient, but their staggering nutritional content and health benefits are often forgotten. Typically a staple in Asian and South American cooking, sesame seeds have a mild slightly sweet flavour, and are great in both sweet and savoury cooking. Sesame seeds have a lot of benefits in common with the seeds we’ve already discussed (primarily omega fatty acids and vitamin E), but they are unique in having an exceptionally high amount of zinc. Zinc may not sound like an important nutrient for the body, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Zinc plays a vital role in the immune system, wound healing, and even protein synthesis, so it is incredibly important to make sure your body gets enough of it. How to use sesame seedsSesame seeds can be sprinkled into savoury dishes, either raw or toasted, and it’s subtle sweet flavour works particularly well in Asian dishes, but they can also be used to make tahini. Tahini is a type of paste traditionally used in Middle Eastern cuisine, acting as a base for dips like hummus and baba ganoush, or used in baking to improve a dish’s nutritional content, and add a natural sweetness. Why you should start making seeds a part of your daily diet: The health benefits we’ve outlined above should already peak the interest of anyone looking to live a healthier life, but also for anyone seeking new recipes, flavours and culinary adventures. Not only does each type of seed have a different health benefit, they also all have a wide multitude of uses, and can really help make your cooking more varied than it ever has been before. Once you start using seeds in your recipes you’ll find it hard to stop, whether you’re looking to add some texture to a dish or drink, or simply trying to bring out some rich (but healthy) flavours, seeds can do it all.

Nutrients are the building blocks for health, whether that's making sure your bones are strong or your heart is healthy, they are crucial to a long and healthy life. It can seem difficult to make sure your diet is loaded with enough nutrients to really feel the benefits but eating healthily has never been easier, and these powerful wholefoods are a great way to start improving the nutritional content of your cooking. Lentils Lentils should be a staple of any healthy diet, however their high protein and iron content make them particularly crucial to those on a vegetarian or vegan diet. Not only are lentils packed full of protein and vitamins, they are also high in fibre but low in fat and calories making them a great wholefood for those looking to manage their weight. As well as their health benefits lentils are an incredibly versatile legume, they are a widely used ingredient in Indian, Greek and Mediterranean cooking while also being a great meat substitute in plant based dishes. To prepare lentils, simply soak in water for 20 minutes, then boil them in fresh water for 10 minutes, before simmering them for 30 minutes. Quinoa Quinoa is perhaps one of the best known wholefoods in the world and with good reason. Despite technically being classed as seed, quinoa is a wholegrain that originates from the Andes Mountains, where it has been a staple of South American cuisine for the last 5000 years. Quinoa is a complete protein, which essentially means that one serving contains all 9 amino acids that humans can’t produce on their own. As well as being protein dense quinoa is a great source of iron, magnesium, potassium, vitamin E and fibre. Because of its many incredible health benefits quinoa is a great addition to pretty much any diet, but in particular it is an easy way for those on a low gluten or vegan diet to make sure they get enough protein. Quinoa is best used as an alternative to rice or couscous, and it is incredibly easy to prepare, simply add quinoa to a pan with water, bring it to a boil and then simmer for around 15 minutes before draining, then fluff with a fork and enjoy. Chickpeas Chickpeas (also known as garbanzo beans) are one of the healthiest beans you can introduce into your diet. Originally from the Mediterranean and the Middle East, chickpeas are now a staple in cuisines all over the world, primarily for their versatility and significant nutritional content. Like most beans chickpeas are high in both fibre and protein, however uniquely they also contain vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C, D and E as well as iron, zinc, potassium and calcium. Chickpeas have a wide range of uses, but they are especially important in making hummus and falafels, or as a meat substitute for those on a plant based diet. To prepare fresh chickpeas simply soak them overnight in water and then drain, rinse and boil for approximately 30 minutes. Pumpkin Seeds Pumpkin seeds are one of the healthiest seeds you can incorporate effortlessly into your diet. By eating them straight from the bag or sprinkling them straight into your cooking you can obtain a huge amount of nutrients and antioxidants from pumpkin seeds. Pumpkin seeds are high in fibre, which is great for boosting digestive health, but also rich in protein and vitamin E. As well as their high nutritional content pumpkin seeds contain a multitude of antioxidants to keep your body healthy. Pumpkin seeds also make for a perfect snack in between meals, as their fatty acids provide slow releasing energy to keep you feeling fuller for longer. Almonds Almonds are one of the most widely consumed nuts in the world, mainly due to their unique slightly sweet flavour and sheer number of uses, but they also have countless health benefits. Almonds have a very high concentration of fatty acids that are vital for promoting healthy skin and hair, as well as this almonds contain 2 nutrients crucial for brain health, Riboflavin and L Carnitine both of which can be very hard to obtain from other foods. Alongside their high fibre and protein content, the regular consumption of almonds has also been shown to help maintain a healthy cholesterol level. Organic Pitted Prunes Prunes are one of the best dried fruits in regard to their nutritional content, and if pitted are even easier to enjoy. Prunes are dried plums, and are best known for their benefits to digestive health, they have a subtle sweet taste and a slight chewy texture but their incredible nutritional content is often overlooked. Not only are prunes famously packed with fibre, they also have an abundance of vitamins and minerals including potassium, iron and vitamin K which is needed for blood clotting to help heal wounds. Golden Linseed/Flaxseed Flaxseed comes in two varieties, gold and brown and while they differ very little nutritionally golden flaxseed has a slightly more rich taste. Flaxseed is most commonly used in baking to bind ingredients as an egg alternative, it is also a superfood in its own right. High in wheat free fibre and protein, flaxseed is a great alternative for those trying to cut down on gluten. Flaxseed is also an amazing source of omega 3 fatty acids, including Alpha Linolenic Acid, which can otherwise be very hard to obtain for those on a vegetarian diet. Flaxseed can be sprinkled into both sweet and savoury dishes, or even mixed with water and enjoyed on their own. It is however important to note that as you increase your intake of flaxseed, you should also increase your water intake to around 8-10 cups per day. Oats Oats are naturally gluten free, high in fibre and protein, with an abundance of B vitamins and a slow releasing energy source, making them a truly one of a kind wholefood. The high amount of soluble and insoluble fibre in oats allows them to both lower cholesterol and aid digestion. Not only do oats contain vitamins B1 and 2, they also provide the hard to obtain beta-glucan which is amazing for heart health. Alongside the countless health benefits, oats also have a very low glycemic index and so their energy is released slowly throughout the day, which makes them very useful for managing appetite and assisting in weight loss. Oats are also very simple to prepare, simply add double the amount of water/cream to oats and cook for 8 minutes. These wholefoods are just some of the incredible ingredients you should be keeping in your pantry, and thousands more are waiting for you to discover. Whether you are using them to cook with or just as a healthy snack, it is never too late to make great long lasting changes to your diet and you’ll be feeling the difference in no time. All of these amazing nutritious foods have countless uses, perfect for aspiring chefs, bakers or those who just want to live a cleaner healthier life.

Easy and healthy ways to increase your magnesium intake Why is magnesium so important? Magnesium is an essential nutrient responsible for the correct functioning of your body. It can help improve your mood, boost mental health and performance, combat depression, raise energy levels, regulate blood sugar, and even improve your sleep. What are they symptoms of magnesium deficiency? The symptoms of magnesium deficiency include: insomnia, anxiety, muscle spasms, restless leg syndrome, nausea, low blood pressure, confusion and irritability. These symptoms usually indicate an underlying health condition like thyroid imbalance, gastrointestinal diseases, pancreatitis, diabetes and kidney disease. How do you get 100% of magnesium daily? There are many magnesium supplements available on the market, but you can get it naturally from eating more healthy foods. In fact, most people get magnesium from a healthy, balanced diet. If you are concerned about a magnesium deficiency, you may consider increasing magnesium consumption by incorporating more magnesium-rich foods into your diet. Whole foods rich in magnesium The diets rich in whole foods like nuts, seeds, legumes, whole grains, leafy greens, and healthy fats will provide you with enough magnesium to keep your body healthy. Among those, nuts, seeds, whole grains and leafy greens have the highest magnesium content. Here's a list of ingredients which are a good source of magnesium per 100g: Nuts: Almonds: 268 mg Peanuts: 168 mg Brazil nuts: 376 mg Cashews: 251 mg Peanut butter (100% peanuts, smooth): 154 mg Seeds: Pumpkin seeds (dried): 592 mg Flaxseed: 392 mg Chia seeds: 335 mg Whole grains: Quinoa: 64 mg Brown rice (cooked): 43 mg Whole-wheat bread (1 slice): 23 mg Legumes: Edamame: 224 mg Black beans: 172 mg Chick Peas: 115 mg Black-eyed peas: 60 mg Vegetables and fruits: Spinach, boiled: 157 mg (1 cup). Avocado: 58 mg (1 medium seize). Kale: 33 mg Banana: 32 mg (1 medium size). Swiss chard: 29 mg (1 cup). Broccoli: 21 mg/100g Plant-based staples: Tofu: 74 mg Soy milk: 61 mg Dark chocolate: 65 mg What is Magnesium water?

Don’t be fooled, although they may be small in size, seeds are anything but small when it comes to their nutritional value! Eating more of them has been shown to provide a wide range of health benefits. What’s more, they are extremely easy to incorporate into your diet, whether as a tasty snack or as addition to many different recipes. Seeds are great sources of plant-based, healthy fats, fibre and minerals. They also contain healthy monounsaturated fats, polyunsaturated fats and many important vitamins and antioxidants. Carry on reading to discover why you need to be adding more seeds to your diet, today! Chia Seeds Chia seeds are often labelled as being a superfood – and with good reason! They are packed full of fibre, protein, and many important nutrients and antioxidants. Antioxidants benefit human health by neutralizing reactive molecules known as free radicals, which can contribute to aging and diseases. They are also one of the richest plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids which are important for healthy brain function. One 30g serving contains approximately 5g of omega 3s! Chia seeds are incredibly easy to add to your diet, as they’re ready to eat and have a very subtle flavour. Sprinkle them over smoothies, porridge and yoghurt, or mix them into recipes such as bread and muffins. Want to read more about the health benefits of chia seeds? Check out Are Chia Seeds Good for You? Sesame Seeds Sesame seeds are very small seeds that grow in pods on the Sesamum indicum plant. Their oil content is one of the highest of any seed. You can purchase them hulled or Unhulled and they are grown in a variety of colours. Not only are Sesame seeds a good source of minerals and fibre, they’re also high in selenium, an antioxidant shown to decrease the risk of chronic disease. There is a compound found in sesame seeds called Sesamin, that may help reduce joint pain and improve arthritis of the knee due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Sesame seeds can be eaten raw, or if you’re wanting to bring out more of their natural nutty flavour you can bake or toast them. Perhaps most commonly known as a topping on burger buns, bagels and breadsticks, sesame seeds can actually be used in a variety of ways. They can also be tossed into salads, juices, soups or turned into Tahini, which is also known as sesame seed paste. Pumpkin Seeds Probably one of the most popular edible seed varieties around are Pumpkin seeds. Consuming just a small quantity of them can provide you with a substantial amount of magnesium, zinc, healthy fats and antioxidants. Other health benefits they may include are improved heart health, lower blood sugar and possibly aiding in better sleep. They are very versatile, you can eat them raw, salted, roast them, or bake them! Besides eating them on their own as a snack, they can also be incorporated into many meals. Try sprinkling them over your yogurt, cereal or incorporate them into smoothie mixtures. They can also be added to most baked goods. For a more in depth look at the advantages of adding pumpkin seeds to your diet, have a read of our article Pumpkin Seeds a Trick or a Treat? Hemp Seeds Hemp seeds are small brown seeds which originate from the hemp plant, they can be purchased either in a whole or shelled varieties. Hemp seeds are a great source of vitamin E and potassium. They also have the most protein of all the seeds and are rich in healthy omega-6 and omega-3 fats. As hemp seeds are one of the few plants that is a complete protein source, they contain all nine essential amino acids. This makes hemp seeds a valuable addition to any vegetarian or vegan diet. They can be added to soups, stews and salads or used to make hummus and dips. As they have a slightly nutty flavour, they can be used in place of nuts in many recipes like baked goods or energy bars. Hemp seeds can even be turned into hemp milk, which is a great dairy-free alternative to milk. Poppy Seeds Poppy seeds are a type of oilseed that is taken from the opium poppy plant. The seeds can be used whole or ground into meal as an ingredient in many foods, they can also be pressed to make poppyseed oil. Poppy seeds have quite a unique, aromatic flavour that works well in both sweet and savoury dishes. Add them to baked goods such as muffins, scones and cakes or on top of bread and pastries. They can also be sprinkled over vegetables and added to salad dressings for some extra crunch. Like most of the seeds on this list, poppy seeds are high in fibre, plant fats, and various other nutrients. Poppy seeds are especially rich in manganese, which is a trace element that is vital for blood clotting along with bone health. Manganese also aids your body in utilizing amino acids, carbs, and fats.

With autumn well underway, most of us will have noticed the tell signs of the season. What with all different shaped pumpkins and gourds filling up the market stalls, to the colourful change of leaves flooding the streets and the return of the ever-famous pumpkin spice latte. October is here, and we intend to deliver the same ambience it provides us all. That being said, read on for the five benefits pumpkin seeds can provide you this spooky season. May Help Improve Sleep A lesser-known benefit of Pumpkin Seeds is their ability to aid with sleep! Pumpkin Seeds are a natural source of tryptophan. Tryptophan is an amino acid that may help boost sleep. The mineral zinc also present in Pumpkin Seeds helps convert the tryptophan into serotonin, which is then changed into melatonin, the sleep hormone. Further, pumpkin seeds are a great source of the mineral magnesium. Proper magnesium levels are known to be associated with better sleep quality as well. Small studies have found taking a magnesium supplement boosted sleep quality and total sleep time in people with low magnesium levels. Pumpkin Seeds Boost Hormone Levels Pumpkin Seeds are used in Seed Cycling; an alternative medicine practice believed to aid in regulating reproductive hormones. As mentioned above, Pumpkin Seeds provide a high content of the nutrient zinc. Zinc has an impact on several different areas of your body. This includes the reproductive system and pituitary glands. Zinc is essential in the production of progesterone; it increases the production of FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone). The stimulation of FSH causes ovulation, leading to the production of progesterone. Its health benefits include helping regulate periods, easing symptoms of menopause, reducing acne, endometriosis, treating polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), infertility, fatigue, and mood swings. Seeds are rich in essential nutrients and fatty acids such as selenium and zinc, which are vital for the creation of healthy hormones. May Boost Heart Health Pumpkin seeds are an excellent source of magnesium, zinc, antioxidants, and fatty acids, which may help boost heart health. Animal studies have shown Pumpkin Seed oil may reduce high blood pressure and high LDP, Low-density lipoprotein. Also known as ‘bad’ cholesterol. These are two of the most important risk factors for heart disease. Some other studies suggest that pumpkins’ ability to increase the generation of nitric oxide in the body may be responsible for the positive effects on heart health. Nitric oxide is beneficial as it helps boos the expansion of blood vessels. This expansion helps improve blood flow and reduces the risk of plaque growth in arteries. They are Easy to Add to Your Diet If you’re looking to experience the benefits of pumpkin seeds, they’re easy enough to incorporate into your diet. Pumpkin Seeds are a popular snack often eaten either raw, roasted, salted, or unsalted. Besides eating them on their own, Pumpkin Seeds can be added to smoothies, Greek yoghurt and fruit. They can also be incorporated by adding them into meals by sprinkling them into salads, soups or cereals. Some people use pumpkin seeds in baking as an ingredient for sweet or savoury bread and cakes. However, as with many seeds and nuts, they contain phytic acid, which can reduce the bioavailability of some nutrients you eat. If you eat seeds and nuts regularly, you may want to soak or sprout them to reduce their phytic acid content. Roasting them may help as well. Rich in Antioxidants Pumpkin seeds are an excellent source of antioxidants. Antioxidants can help rid the ‘free radicals in the body that may cause damage to cells. Pumpkin Seeds contain several antioxidants such as vitamin E and carotenoids. Antioxidants may aid in the reduction of inflammation, consuming antioxidant-rich foods can help protect against many diseases. Pumpkin Seeds are known to be suitable for the immune system due to the presence of vitamin E and zinc. Vitamin E enhances the body's immune response and helps protect against infectious diseases. While zinc protects our bodies from inflammation, invading pathogens, and allergies. Thereby helping prevent infections and boosting overall immunity. Pumpkin Seeds also exhibit antiviral, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties. Treats on Treats Pumpkin Seeds are a highly nutritious, antioxidant-packed, healthful snack. Adding them to your diet may help solve deficiencies and may aid against various health problems. Further, their rich nutrient profile brings other health benefits in tow, such as improved immune function, boosted energy, and mood. The best part of it all is they can easily be added to your diet, allowing you to reap many benefits and positive effects. Pumpkin Seeds have been thoroughly checked and inspected; Pumpkin Seeds have been found to be… a healthful and delicious TREAT!

If you’re carving a Jack-O-Lantern this year, take advantage of all the goodness inside! Pumpkin seeds are an excellent source of antioxidants. They help rid the body of ‘free radicals’ which cause damage to cells. Pumpkin Seeds contain antioxidants vitamin E, zinc, copper, manganese and carotenoids. Antioxidants may aid in the reduction of inflammation, consuming antioxidant-rich foods can help protect against many diseases. Vitamin E enhances the body's immune response and helps protect against infectious diseases. While zinc protects our bodies from inflammation, invading pathogens, and allergies. Thereby helping prevent infections and boosting overall immunity. Follow these super easy step-by-step instructions, and you’ll be rewarded with a special and delicious treat, no trickery involved. How to Roast Pumpkin Seeds Whether you’re carving spooky pumpkin faces for Halloween or making homemade pumpkin puree from scratch, don’t forget to save the edible seeds inside! This healthy snack recipe is easy to make at home and a fun little project to get the kids involved. Step 1: Remove & Rinse Using a large spoon remove the entangled raw seeds, inside pulp, and stringy fibres, from the pumpkin. The seeds from carving pumpkins and pie pumpkins are edible. You'll get different amounts of seeds depending on the size of your pumpkin. Place all your seeds in a sieve and rinse out any extra gunk or stringy bits from your seeds. Step 2: Dry Ensure your seeds are thoroughly dried up. Use a kitchen towel or roll. This will help your seeds become nice and crispy when being roasted in the oven. If they aren't dried thoroughly the excess moisture will build up in the oven and prolong cooking time. Step 3: Seasoning Toss the now dried seeds in a bowl with olive oil and salt. Make sure to spread out the seeds on the baking tray, this will ensure even roasting throughout. Step 4: Roasting Roast the seeds at a moderate heat of about 177ºC for about 10-15 minutes. Check on the seeds every few minutes to toss them around, this promotes even roasting. When the seeds have gained a golden brown colour, they're ready to be removed from the heat. Easy peasy. What are The Benefits of Roasting Pumpkin Seeds? - Easy, hassle-free snack -Roasted Pumpkin seeds are more healthful than its RAW counterpart. This is due to the high levels of phytic acid present in Pumpkin seeds. Phytic acid binds to minerals before these can be absorbed by the body including calcium, iron, zinc and manganese. -Deliciously versatile, Pumpkin Seeds can be seasoned with all different kinds of spices creating unique and flavourful combinations.