Online Pumpkin Seed Recipes create a Healthy & Tasty Snack

As you gather to carve your pumpkins into Jack-O-Lanterns for Halloween, consider saving the seeds as they can be turned into a healthy and very tasty snack. Using a variety of free Pumpkin seed recipes found online makes baking a pumpkin seed snack fast and easy.

The health benefits of pumpkin seeds are many, and they are much more tasty than sunflower seed – and don’t have the messy shells to deal with. A quick online search for “pumpkin seed recipes” will come back with thousands of great results – and we will look at a few.


RECIPES
Most varieties are based on roasted or toasted pumpkin seed recipes. One of the easiest that we found was from allrecipes.com. A very basic recipe, which could be used as the basis for a number of variations, its only ingredients are: 1 ½ cups of raw pumpkins seeds, 2 teaspoons of melted butter (or olive oil as a healthier option), and a pinch of salt.

Next, simply toss seeds in a bowl with the salt and butter (or oil). Then spread the seeds on a baking sheet and bake for about 45 minutes or until golden brown, at 300 degrees F (100 degrees C).

This basic recipe can be altered to suit your taste by simply adding in another spice like: cinnamon, garlic powder, cajun seasoning, buffalo seasoning, or even some cayenne pepper for a stronger kick.

HEALTH BENEFITS
As for the health benefits associated with baked or roasted pumpkin seeds they are many. In fact, according to one report, a quarter cup of pumpkin seeds contains nearly half of the recommended daily amount of magnesium.

This Magnesium is necessary for a wide range of vitally important physiological functions, including the creation of ATP (adenosine triphosphate, the energy molecules of your body), the synthesis of RNA and DNA, the pumping of your heart, proper bone and tooth formation, relaxation of your blood vessels, and proper bowel function.

The Pumpkin seeds are also a great source of Zinc, Omega-3, and tryptophan. All of these contribute to better more restful sleep, Anti-Inflammatory Benefits, Heart and Liver Health, Anti-Diabetic Effects, Prostate Health, Immune Support and much more.