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Pumpkin seeds are a snack that can support your brain health. Pumpkin seeds are rich in antioxidants, as well as minerals such as iron, zinc, magnesium, and also alpha-linolenic acid, which is the plant form of omega-3 fatty acid.
The brain is not exempt from inflammation and the negative effects of oxidation, therefore can benefit from the antioxidants. Inflammation and oxidative stress that are often increased in people experiencing mood disorders such as anxiety and depression.
Pumpkin seeds are one of the favorite foods to help with anxiety from the clinical psychologist and nutritionist, Nicole Beurkens.
Magnesium
Dr. Uma Naidoo, Director of p Nutritional psychiatrist at Massachusetts General Hospital explains through Harvard Health that foods rich in magnesium can help you feel calmer. “Stress can also deplete our magnesium levels.”
Magnesium helps regulate muscle and system function nervous system, blood sugar levels and blood pressure.
Zinc
Zinc supports the immune system and the body needs it to make proteins and DNA. Zinc deficiency can cause a reduction in concentration levels. Some studies have associated low levels of a zinc with anxiety.
Iron
Iron is necessary to make hemoglobin and thus oxygen reaches different parts of the body. Your body also requires iron to make hormones and connective tissue. Iron deficiency is the cause of anemia , with symptoms such as tiredness , forgetfulness and concentration.
Current research reveals that people with a low iron level, even without becoming anemic, show a much higher probability of being depressed than those with a normal iron state.
Omega 3
A meta-analysis of 19 clinical trials indicate that improvement in anxiety symptoms was associated with treatment with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids compared to use of placebos. Although it should be mentioned that it is mainly omega-3 EPA and DHA, which are found in fish and shellfish, so sometimes They are called marine omega-3s.
For its minerals and omega-3 Beurkens points out through Mind Body Green that pumpkin seeds “They are a real powerhouse in terms of brain function.”
Pumpkin seeds can also help you fall asleep and sleep better as s are a good source of tryptophan, zinc, and magnesium, all of which help promote good sleep.
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