AYURVEDIC FOODS

Pumpkin Seeds Benefits (According to Ayurveda)

How Does This Ayurvedic Food Improve Wellness?

CLINICAL AYURVEDIC REVIEW

Recipes with Pumpkin Seeds: Roasted Pumpkin Seeds with Raisins & Chipotle
Recipes with Pumpkin Seeds: Roasted Pumpkin Seeds with Raisins & Chipotle
Pumpkin seeds are warming, sweet, heavy, oily and blood building. In fact, if you puree them into a butter, the oil that separates out is blood red. Building your blood generally boosts your umph and your digestion. Also known as pepitas, pumpkin seeds are a great snack for a person trying to lose weight as they abate hunger. While they are heavy, oily and satisfying, they are also easy to digest and have been shown to regulate insulin levels.

These little green treats are a rich source of minerals such as phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, and copper, zinc and iron. They contain vitamin E in a variety of forms which is part of what makes them antioxidant. Pumpkin seeds have been traditionally used to kill worms as they are anti-microbial, anti-fungal and anti-viral. They have also proved useful in treating Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and regular consumption may be helpful in preventing the condition.

Cooking Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds are delicious lightly salted and roasted, perhaps with a touch of maple syrup. They may be curried and eaten as a snack with spices such as coriander or blends like garam masala. Try them roasted in olive oil with raisins, chipotle, cumin and a pinch of salt. Pumpkin seeds are a popular addition atop salads, in sauteed vegetable dishes, and in granola recipes. They are popular, every day food item in Latin American, Greek and other eastern European cultures.

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Are Pumpkin Seeds Good for My Ayurvedic Diet?

Find out by taking this free, easy quiz. You'll learn your body type, and whether 'Pumpkin Seeds' is a good fit. Complete the basic quiz in 1 minute, or go deeper with additional quizzes at your own leisure to learn more about your body.

Take the Quiz

AYURVEDA'S GUIDE TO VITALITY & WHOLESOME NOURISHMENT

Your Ayurvedic diet is tailored to your individual body and your specific imbalances. With an Ayurvedic diet you feel joy and satisfaction because what you are eating truly nourishes and balances you. Disease results from diets and lifestyles that are incompatible with your nature. By eating a personalized diet matched to your body, you experience optimal health. See How it Works.
SERVING SIZE: 2 1/2 tbsp
SPECIES: Cucurbita pepo

EAT IN: SPRING

Metabolic Nature of Pumpkin Seeds

See a complete list of all biocharacteristics.
TASTES
Taste Help

The 6 Tastes

Taste is used to sense the most basic properties and effects of food. Each taste has a specific medicinal effect on your body. Cravings for food with certain tastes indicate your body is craving specific medicinal results from food. Taste is experienced on the tongue and represents your body's reaction to foods. Sweet taste causes physical satisfaction and attraction whereas bitter taste causes discomfort and aversion. Kapha should use less sweet taste while Vata and Pitta would benefit from using more sweet taste. One of the first signs of illness is that your taste and appetite for food changes. The six tastes are sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, and astringent. Do you crave foods with any of the tastes below?

Learn More

BITTER

ABOUT BITTER BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Bitter taste has cholagogue action - it is cold, clear, light, and stimulating. It increases digestive enzymes, laxative, and drying.

LEARN MORE ABOUT BITTER

DOSHAS
Dosha Help

The Three Doshas / Body Types

According to the biocharacteristic theory of medicine, people tend to get sick, over and over again, due to habitual causes and imbalances that are unique to the person. Your body type summarizes this tendency, showing you the 'type' of conditions and imbalances that frequently challenge your health & wellness. Using body type, you can also identify remedies likely to improve your strength and resiliency. Your body type identifies physical and mental characteristics as well as your personal strengths and weaknesses. The calculation of your body type is based on your medical history.

The 3 functional body types (doshas), are Catabolic (Vata), Metabolic (Pitta), and Anabolic (Kapha). Catabolic individuals tend to break down body mass into energy. They are easily stimulated, hyperactive, underweight and dry. Metabolic individuals tend to burn or use energy. They tend to be rosy-cheeked, easily irritated, focused, driven, and easily inflamed. Anabolic individuals tend to store energy as body mass. If they store too much energy, they could gain weight easily and have congestion. Anabolic people tend to be stable and grounded.

Learn More

PACIFIES
Kapha pacifying Pitta pacifying Vata pacifying
HAS THE FOLLOWING
Subtaste:
Crunchy

CRUNCHY

Makes an audible noise when you eat them. Can provide fun texture variation.

SEE ALL 'CRUNCHY' FOODS / HERBS


Tissue (dhatu):
Blood Plasma Lymph

BLOOD-PLASMA-LYMPH

Plasma (Rasa Dhatu) includes plasma, white blood cells, and lymph.

SEE ALL 'BLOOD-PLASMA-LYMPH' FOODS / HERBS


Family: Cucurbitaceae
HERBAL ACTIONS
(see all)

Medicinal Benefits, Uses & Herbal Actions of Pumpkin Seeds
Help
Experiences are Personal
Experiences vary according to the person and constitution. Individual results may vary. The list of herbal-actions below has not be approved by the FDA and should not be used to treat a medical condition.

Appetite Suppressant

APPETITE-SUPPRESSANT

Suppresses hunger without causing weight gain.

SEE ALL 'APPETITE-SUPPRESSANT' FOODS / HERBS

Anthelminthic

STRONG ANTHELMINTHIC

Kills parasitic worms (hookworms, tapeworms, roundworms, etc).

SEE ALL 'ANTHELMINTHIC' FOODS / HERBS

,
Antimicrobial

ANTIMICROBIAL

An agent that kills microorganisms or inhibits their growth. Antimicrobial is an umbrella term that can be broken down into specific categories of target microorganism, such as anti-bacterials, fungals, and virals.

SEE ALL 'ANTIMICROBIAL' FOODS / HERBS

Antioxidant

ANTIOXIDANT

An antioxidant is a molecule that inhibits oxidation. Oxidation is a chemical reaction that can produce free radicals that lead to a chain reaction causing damage or death to cells. Antioxidants terminate these oxidation reactions.

SEE ALL 'ANTIOXIDANT' FOODS / HERBS

Diuretic

DIURETIC

Herbs that promote urine formation, thereby flushing the kidneys and urinary tract while eliminating any excess water retention. As diuretics reduce water retention, they are often used to reduce blood pressure.

SEE ALL 'DIURETIC' FOODS / HERBS

Lowers Blood Sugar

LOWERS-BLOOD-SUGAR

An herb that lowers blood sugar.

SEE ALL 'LOWERS-BLOOD-SUGAR' FOODS / HERBS

Antiandrogen

ANTIANDROGEN

Reduces androgen (testosterone), which can reduce excess growth, drive, and libido. Reduces skin oiliness. Helpful for prostate enlargement.

SEE ALL 'ANTIANDROGEN' FOODS / HERBS

Constituents:
Alpha Linolenic Acid, Essential Fatty Acids, Fats,
Iron

IRON

Iron is necessary for the transport of oxygen in red blood cells.

SEE ALL 'IRON' FOODS / HERBS

,
Magnesium

MAGNESIUM

Helps muscles relax. Laxative.

SEE ALL 'MAGNESIUM' FOODS / HERBS

, Phosphorous, Protein, Zinc

Foods with a Similar Nature to Pumpkin Seeds

Dandelion Leaves

Dandelion Leaves has these Actions in Common

Appetite-suppressant, Antimicrobial, Diuretic, Antioxidant, Lowers-blood-sugar

LEARN MORE

Turmeric Root (Fresh)

Turmeric Root (Fresh) has these Actions in Common

Anthelminthic, Antioxidant, Antiandrogen, Lowers-blood-sugar, Antimicrobial

LEARN MORE

Turmeric

Turmeric has these Actions in Common

Antiandrogen, Lowers-blood-sugar, Antimicrobial, Anthelminthic, Antioxidant

LEARN MORE

Cranberry

Cranberry has these Actions in Common

Antioxidant, Diuretic, Antimicrobial, Lowers-blood-sugar

LEARN MORE

Hibiscus

Hibiscus has these Actions in Common

Antioxidant, Lowers-blood-sugar, Appetite-suppressant, Diuretic

LEARN MORE

Prunes (dried)

Prunes (dried) has these Actions in Common

Diuretic, Antioxidant, Appetite-suppressant

LEARN MORE

Brussels sprouts

Brussels sprouts has these Actions in Common

Appetite-suppressant, Lowers-blood-sugar, Antioxidant

LEARN MORE

Artichoke Hearts

Artichoke Hearts has these Actions in Common

Lowers-blood-sugar, Appetite-suppressant, Diuretic

LEARN MORE

Artichoke

Artichoke has these Actions in Common

Diuretic, Lowers-blood-sugar, Appetite-suppressant

LEARN MORE

Watermelon

Watermelon has these Actions in Common

Antioxidant, Diuretic, Lowers-blood-sugar

LEARN MORE

Herb Supplements with a Similar Nature to Pumpkin Seeds

Vidanga

Vidanga has these Actions in Common

Antimicrobial, Diuretic, Lowers-blood-sugar, Anthelminthic, Antiandrogen

LEARN MORE

Neem Leaf

Neem Leaf has these Actions in Common

Lowers-blood-sugar, Anthelminthic, Antimicrobial, Diuretic

LEARN MORE

Bhringaraj

Bhringaraj has these Actions in Common

Diuretic, Lowers-blood-sugar, Anthelminthic, Antimicrobial

LEARN MORE

Punarnava

Punarnava has these Actions in Common

Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Diuretic, Lowers-blood-sugar

LEARN MORE

Juniper Berry

Juniper Berry has these Actions in Common

Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Diuretic

LEARN MORE

Kutaja Bark

Kutaja Bark has these Actions in Common

Anthelminthic, Antimicrobial, Diuretic

LEARN MORE

Agrimony

Agrimony has these Actions in Common

Diuretic, Antioxidant, Appetite-suppressant

LEARN MORE

Dandelion Root

Dandelion Root has these Actions in Common

Lowers-blood-sugar, Antimicrobial, Diuretic

LEARN MORE

Vasaka / Vasa

Vasaka / Vasa has these Actions in Common

Antimicrobial, Diuretic, Lowers-blood-sugar

LEARN MORE

Milk Thistle

Milk Thistle has these Actions in Common

Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Diuretic

LEARN MORE

Amritarishta (Amrutharishtam)

Amritarishta (Amrutharishtam) has these Actions in Common

Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Diuretic

LEARN MORE

Impact of Pumpkin Seeds

In each clinical research trial below, students from the Joyful Belly School of Ayurveda ate the selected food for 3 days and reported the pharmacological effects. See other clinical research trials for diet & herbs at Joyful Belly.

TEMPERATURE/CIRCULATION

How did Pumpkin Seeds affect your temperature?

1
3
18
12
0
Much colderSlightly colderSameSlightly warmerMuch warmer
Total Responses: 34 Study ID:29 (2020-11-17 - 2020-12-27)

How did Pumpkin Seeds affect your sweat quantity?

1
3
25
5
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 34 Study ID:29 (2020-11-17 - 2020-12-27)

How did Pumpkin Seeds affect the color of your tongue body?

5
6
1
22
PalerRedderBluerNo Change
Total Responses: 34 Study ID:29 (2020-11-17 - 2020-12-27)

How did Pumpkin Seeds affect your appetite/hunger?

7
10
10
5
2
Much less hungrySlightly less hungrySameSlightly hungrierMuch hungrier
Total Responses: 34 Study ID:29 (2020-11-17 - 2020-12-27)

How did Pumpkin Seeds affect your digestion speed?

0
8
15
10
1
Much fasterSlightly fasterSameSlightly slowerMuch slower
Total Responses: 34 Study ID:29 (2020-11-17 - 2020-12-27)

TOXINS

How did Pumpkin Seeds affect the amount of gas & bloating?

2
4
16
10
2
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 34 Study ID:29 (2020-11-17 - 2020-12-27)

How did Pumpkin Seeds affect your stool smell?

0
4
23
6
1
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 34 Study ID:29 (2020-11-17 - 2020-12-27)

Tongue: How did Pumpkin Seeds affect the thickness & size of your tongue coating?

0
8
17
8
1
Much smallerSlightly lessSameSlightly larger coatingMuch larger
Total Responses: 34 Study ID:29 (2020-11-17 - 2020-12-27)

How did Pumpkin Seeds affect the color of your tongue coating?

2
0
3
10
19
YellowerBrownerGrayerWhiterNo Change
Total Responses: 34 Study ID:29 (2020-11-17 - 2020-12-27)

How did Pumpkin Seeds affect your urine smell?

0
2
31
1
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 34 Study ID:29 (2020-11-17 - 2020-12-27)

How did Pumpkin Seeds affect the amount of bubbles in your urine?

1
2
27
4
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMany more
Total Responses: 34 Study ID:29 (2020-11-17 - 2020-12-27)

How did Pumpkin Seeds affect your sweat smell?

0
4
27
2
1
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 34 Study ID:29 (2020-11-17 - 2020-12-27)

HYDRATION

How did Pumpkin Seeds affect your urine frequency/quantity?

1
7
19
7
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 34 Study ID:29 (2020-11-17 - 2020-12-27)

How did Pumpkin Seeds affect the cracks on your tongue?

0
3
25
5
1
Larger/longer/more cracksSlightly moreSameSlightly less/smaller/shorterMuch less
Total Responses: 34 Study ID:29 (2020-11-17 - 2020-12-27)

NERVOUS-SYSTEM

How did Pumpkin Seeds affect your energy levels?

0
7
11
16
0
Much less energySlightly lessSameSlightly more energyMuch more
Total Responses: 34 Study ID:29 (2020-11-17 - 2020-12-27)

How did Pumpkin Seeds affect your muscle tension?

1
7
18
8
0
Much less tensionSlightly lessSameSlightly more tensionMuch more
Total Responses: 34 Study ID:29 (2020-11-17 - 2020-12-27)

How did Pumpkin Seeds affect your anxiety?

4
4
22
4
0
Much less anxietySlightly lessSameSlightly more anxietyMuch more
Total Responses: 34 Study ID:29 (2020-11-17 - 2020-12-27)

How did Pumpkin Seeds affect the stillness of your tongue?

7
25
2
More stillNo ChangeMore Trembling / Jittery
Total Responses: 34 Study ID:29 (2020-11-17 - 2020-12-27)

DIGESTION

How did Pumpkin Seeds affect the amount of gas & bloating?

2
4
16
10
2
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 34 Study ID:29 (2020-11-17 - 2020-12-27)

How did Pumpkin Seeds affect your appetite/hunger?

7
10
10
5
2
Much less hungrySlightly less hungrySameSlightly hungrierMuch hungrier
Total Responses: 34 Study ID:29 (2020-11-17 - 2020-12-27)

How did Pumpkin Seeds affect your digestion speed?

0
8
15
10
1
Much fasterSlightly fasterSameSlightly slowerMuch slower
Total Responses: 34 Study ID:29 (2020-11-17 - 2020-12-27)

TONGUE

How did Pumpkin Seeds affect the cracks on your tongue?

0
3
25
5
1
Larger/longer/more cracksSlightly moreSameSlightly less/smaller/shorterMuch less
Total Responses: 34 Study ID:29 (2020-11-17 - 2020-12-27)

Tongue: How did Pumpkin Seeds affect the thickness & size of your tongue coating?

0
8
17
8
1
Much smallerSlightly lessSameSlightly larger coatingMuch larger
Total Responses: 34 Study ID:29 (2020-11-17 - 2020-12-27)

How did Pumpkin Seeds affect the color of your tongue body?

5
6
1
22
PalerRedderBluerNo Change
Total Responses: 34 Study ID:29 (2020-11-17 - 2020-12-27)

How did Pumpkin Seeds affect the stillness of your tongue?

7
25
2
More stillNo ChangeMore Trembling / Jittery
Total Responses: 34 Study ID:29 (2020-11-17 - 2020-12-27)

How did Pumpkin Seeds affect the color of your tongue coating?

2
0
3
10
19
YellowerBrownerGrayerWhiterNo Change
Total Responses: 34 Study ID:29 (2020-11-17 - 2020-12-27)

STOOL

How did Pumpkin Seeds affect your stool smell?

0
4
23
6
1
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 34 Study ID:29 (2020-11-17 - 2020-12-27)

How did Pumpkin Seeds affect your stool consistency?

1
13
8
9
3
Much softerSlightly softerSameSlightly harderMuch harder
Total Responses: 34 Study ID:29 (2020-11-17 - 2020-12-27)

How did Pumpkin Seeds affect your stool frequency/quantity?

1
4
21
8
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 34 Study ID:29 (2020-11-17 - 2020-12-27)

How did Pumpkin Seeds affect your stool color?

4
3
7
1
19
More yellowMore grayMore greenMore orangeSame
Total Responses: 34 Study ID:29 (2020-11-17 - 2020-12-27)

How did Pumpkin Seeds affect your stool lightness?

0
13
15
5
1
Much lighterSlightly lighterSameSlightly darkerMuch darker
Total Responses: 34 Study ID:29 (2020-11-17 - 2020-12-27)

URINE

How did Pumpkin Seeds affect your urine frequency/quantity?

1
7
19
7
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 34 Study ID:29 (2020-11-17 - 2020-12-27)

How did Pumpkin Seeds affect the amount of bubbles in your urine?

1
2
27
4
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMany more
Total Responses: 34 Study ID:29 (2020-11-17 - 2020-12-27)

How did Pumpkin Seeds affect your urine clarity?

4
26
4
More cloudySameMore clear
Total Responses: 34 Study ID:29 (2020-11-17 - 2020-12-27)

How did Pumpkin Seeds affect your urine smell?

0
2
31
1
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 34 Study ID:29 (2020-11-17 - 2020-12-27)

How did Pumpkin Seeds affect your urine lightness?

0
5
22
7
0
Much lighterSlightly lighterSameSlightly DarkerMuch Darker
Total Responses: 34 Study ID:29 (2020-11-17 - 2020-12-27)

SWEAT

How did Pumpkin Seeds affect your sweat smell?

0
4
27
2
1
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 34 Study ID:29 (2020-11-17 - 2020-12-27)

How did Pumpkin Seeds affect your sweat quantity?

1
3
25
5
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 34 Study ID:29 (2020-11-17 - 2020-12-27)

SYSTEMIC

How did Pumpkin Seeds affect your anxiety?

4
4
22
4
0
Much less anxietySlightly lessSameSlightly more anxietyMuch more
Total Responses: 34 Study ID:29 (2020-11-17 - 2020-12-27)

How did Pumpkin Seeds affect your temperature?

1
3
18
12
0
Much colderSlightly colderSameSlightly warmerMuch warmer
Total Responses: 34 Study ID:29 (2020-11-17 - 2020-12-27)

How did Pumpkin Seeds affect your energy levels?

0
7
11
16
0
Much less energySlightly lessSameSlightly more energyMuch more
Total Responses: 34 Study ID:29 (2020-11-17 - 2020-12-27)

How did Pumpkin Seeds affect your muscle tension?

1
7
18
8
0
Much less tensionSlightly lessSameSlightly more tensionMuch more
Total Responses: 34 Study ID:29 (2020-11-17 - 2020-12-27)


Joyful Belly is a recognized school of biocharacteristics medicine.

TRADITIONALLY INDICATED FOR THESE SYMPTOMS

Pumpkin Seeds may be beneficial for these symptoms. The suitability of any food for a condition is highly dependent on the individual. Please see your doctor before using this food to treat a medical condition.

HOW DOES EATING AYURVEDICALLY MAKE YOU FEEL?

Eating Ayurvedically makes you feel nourished and energized. Food digests with ease when right for your body type (dosha). Healthy digestion is seen as the cornerstone of well-being in Ayurveda. Healthy digestion generally prevents illness. If you do get sick, a strong digestive fire reduces the severity of illness and increases your resilience. It also improves your mood. Once you begin eating Ayurvedically, you will feel refreshed, vital and strong.

Clinical Tools & Resources

Give smart recommendations to your clients and improve efficiency in your clinic with these tools.
About John Joseph Immel

About the Author

John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a healthy diet and lifestyle with Ayurveda biocharacteristics. His approach to Ayurveda is clinical, yet exudes an ease which many find enjoyable and insightful. John also directs Joyful Belly's School of Ayurveda, offering professional clinical training in Ayurveda for over 15 years.

John's interest in Ayurveda and specialization in digestive tract pathology was inspired by a complex digestive disorder acquired from years of international travel, as well as public service work in South Asia. John's commitment to the detailed study of digestive disorders reflects his zeal to get down to the roots of the problem. His hope and belief in the capacity of each & every client to improve their quality of life is nothing short of a personal passion. John's creativity in the kitchen and delight in cooking for others comes from his family oriented upbringing. In addition to his certification in Ayurveda, John holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University.

John enjoys sharing Ayurveda within the context of his Catholic roots, and finds Ayurveda gives him an opportunity to participate in the healing mission of the Church. Jesus expressed God's love by feeding and healing the sick. That kindness is the fundamental ministry of Ayurveda as well. Outside of work, John enjoys spending time with his wife and 7 kids, and pursuing his love of theology, philosophy, and language.

Read more

Comments & Impressions of 'Pumpkin Seeds'

Do you like 'pumpkin seeds'? Why or why not? What makes it unique? Is there something else you'd like to know about 'pumpkin seeds'?

full start reviewfull start reviewfull start reviewfull start reviewfull start review(5.00 out of 5 stars) 1 rating, 547 likes
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Hello, I was wondering, would there be a difference between the effects of regular pumpkin seeds (referred to as "Pepitas") and the Austrian pumpkin seeds? I ask because it seems that I react to the Austrian ones (itchiness; looser stools). Thank you.
- Jess, Allen park, MI , 07-01-12 (Reply)

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