· Pumpkin seedsbenefits include potentially lowering your risk of cancer and diabetes, improving prostate health and fertility, supporting heart health and immunity, and reducing inflammation. Pumpkin seeds are highly nutritious and may be associated with health benefits, including improved fertility, better heart health, and enhanced blood sugar control.Pumpkin seeds may be small, but they’re packed full of valuable nutrients.Eating only a small amount of them can provide you with a substantial quantity of healthy fats, magnesium, and zinc.Because of this, pumpkin seeds have been associated with several health benefits, including improved heart health, prostate health, and protection against certain cancers.What’s more, these seeds can be easily incorporated into your diet.Here are the top 11 health benefits of pumpkin seeds that are supported by science.See full list on healthline.comPumpkin seeds are also known as “pepitas,” a Mexican Spanish term.Unlike the hard white seeds from a carving pumpkin, most pumpkin seeds bought at the supermarket don’t have a shell.These shell-free seeds are green, flat, and oval.1 ounce (oz), or 28 grams (g), of shell-free pumpkin seeds has roughly 160 calories, which are mainly from fat and protein (1).In addition, a 1-oz (28-g) serving contains the following nutrients (1):•Carbs: 3 gSee full list on healthline.comPumpkin seeds are rich in antioxidants like flavonoids and phenolic acids. They also contain small amounts of vitamin E and carotenoids (2).Antioxidants can reduce inflammation and protect your cells from harmful free radicals. For this reason, consuming foods rich in antioxidants can help protect against many diseases (3).It’s thought that the high levels of antioxidants in pumpkins seeds are partly responsible for their positive effects on health.In one older study, pumpkin seed oil reduced inflammation in rats with arthritis without side effects, whereas animals given an anti-inflammatory drug experienced adverse effects (4).summaryPumpkin seeds are full of antioxidants that may help protect against disease and reduce inflammation.See full list on healthline.comSome research suggests that pumpkin seeds may contain plant compounds that could help protect against cancer growth (5).In fact, a 2012 observational study found that eating pumpkin seeds was associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women (6).Other older studies suggest that the lignans in pumpkin seeds may play a key role in preventing and treating breast cancer (7).Furthermore, one test-tube study found that pumpkin seed extract had the potential to slow down the growth and spread of prostate cancer cells (8).summarySome evidence suggests that pumpkin seeds may help prevent certain types of cancer.See full list on healthline.comPumpkin seeds may help relieve symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition in which the prostate gland enlarges, causing problems with urination.Several studies in humans found that eating these seeds reduced symptoms associated with BPH (9, 10).In a 2021 study, pumpkin seed oil consumption was able to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life in 73 people with BPH. Additionally, though pumpkin seed oil was not as effective as a prescription medication, it was associated with fewer negative side effects (11).Further research suggests that taking pumpkin seeds or their products as supplements can help treat symptoms of an overactive bladder.One older study in 45 people with overactive bladders found that taking 10 g of pumpkin seed oil extract daily improved urinary function (12).summarySee full list on healthline.comPumpkin seeds are one of the best natural sources of magnesium, a mineral that is often lacking in the diets of many Western populations.In the United States, around 48% of adults have a magnesium intake below the recommended daily amount (13).Magnesium is needed for more than 600 chemical reactions in your body. Adequate levels of magnesium are also important for (14, 15, 16, 17, 18):•controlling blood pressure•reducing heart disease risk•forming and maintaining healthy bonesSee full list on healthline.comPumpkin seeds are a good source of antioxidants, magnesium, zinc, and unsaturated fats, all of which may help keep your heart healthy (1).Human and animal studies have also shown that pumpkin seed oil may reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels, two important risk factors for heart disease (19, 20).One older, 12-week study in 35 postmenopausal women found that pumpkin seed oil supplements reduced diastolic blood pressure by 7% and increased HDL (good) cholesterol levels by 16% (21).Other research suggests that pumpkins’ ability to increase nitric oxide generation in your body may be responsible for its positive effects on heart health (5).Nitric oxide helps expand blood vessels, improving blood flow and reducing the risk of plaque growth in your arteries (22).summarySee full list on healthline.comSome older animal studies have shown that pumpkin, pumpkin seeds, pumpkin seed powder, and pumpkin juice can reduce blood sugar (23, 24).One study in healthy adults found that those who consumed meals containing 65 g (about 2 oz) of pumpkin seeds had lower blood sugar levels after a high carb meal (25).Interestingly, the high magnesium content of pumpkin seeds may be responsible for its positive effect on diabetes.One large observational study found that people who consumed the highest amount of magnesium had a 15% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes than those who consumed the lowest amount over a 28-year period (26).Still, more research is needed to confirm these beneficial effects of pumpkin seeds on blood sugar levels.summarySee full list on healthline.comPumpkin seeds are a great source of dietary fiber. In fact, shelled seeds provide 1.7 g of fiber in a single 1-oz (28-g) serving (1).A diet high in fiber can promote good digestive health (27).In addition, high fiber diets have been associated with a reduced risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity (28).summarySee full list on healthline.comLow zinc levels are associated with reduced sperm quality and an increased risk of infertility in males (29).Since pumpkin seeds are a rich source of zinc, they may improve sperm quality.Interestingly, evidence from one animal study found that supplementing with pumpkin seed oil and vitamin E improved sperm quality and reproductive performance in roosters (30).Pumpkin seeds are also high in antioxidants and other nutrients that can contribute to healthy testosterone levels and improve overall health (31).Together, all these factors may benefit fertility levels and reproductive function, especially in males.summarySee full list on healthline.comNov 6, 2025 · Pumpkin seeds support heart health, blood sugar balance, better sleep and hormone function. They’re rich in magnesium, zinc, protein, fiber and healthy fats—all in a small serving. Enjoy them in oatmeal, salads, smoothies or baked goods—or snack on them roasted. · We asked dietitians and nutritionists to unpack everything you need to know about pumpkin seeds, from their dietary benefits to potential health risks. · Nutritionists share seven key health benefits of pumpkin seeds. Also, tips for eating them raw or roasted and how many you need to eat to get the benefits. · Find out what nutrients are in pumpkin seeds and learn how they can help with everything from blood sugar control to better sleep. What are some benefits of pumpkin seeds?Pumpkin seed are rich in fiber, so they increase the feeling of satiety, causing a decrease in food consumption during the day and favoring weight loss. They are also an excellent source of protein that can be included in the diet when the goal is to increase muscle mass.Can pumpkin seeds help slow the growth of cancer?Laboratory studies show pumpkin seeds can stop the growth of breast and prostate cancer cells. They also induce apoptosis or cancer cell death. These effects are largely attributed to pumpkin seeds’ high antioxidant activity, but much more research is needed to study a broader range of cancers.Do pumpkin seeds contain antioxidants?Pumpkin seeds are rich in many antioxidants, which protect our cells from disease-causing damage and reduce inflammation in our bodies. They’re also a great source of dietary fiber, which can enhance this effect. Studies show that pumpkin seeds’ anti-inflammatory abilities can help maintain good function in the liver, bladder, bowel, and joints. · Pumpkin seed oil for face benefits even when used topically, aiding in improved skin hydration, reduced inflammation, and better skin elasticity. Many people with dry or sensitive skin find it calming and non-irritating. · Pumpkin seeds support heart health, blood sugar balance, better sleep and hormone function. They’re rich in magnesium, zinc, protein, fiber and healthy fats—all in a small serving. Enjoy them in oatmeal, salads, smoothies or baked goods—or snack on them roasted. · We asked dietitians and nutritionists to unpack everything you need to know about pumpkin seeds, from their dietary benefits to potential health risks. · Nutritionists share seven key health benefits of pumpkin seeds. Also, tips for eating them raw or roasted and how many you need to eat to get the benefits. · Find out what nutrients are in pumpkin seeds and learn how they can help with everything from blood sugar control to better sleep. · Pumpkin seed oil for face benefits even when used topically, aiding in improved skin hydration, reduced inflammation, and better skin elasticity. Many people with dry or sensitive skin find it calming and non-irritating.
