Pumpkin Seeds: This Halloween Goodie Actually Helps You Lose Weight!

Three Strategies to Minimize the Health Effects of Halloween Treats

As Halloween approaches, we conjure up images of candy, candy, and more candy. But amidst this holiday of sugary snacks, there is a healthy treat you can dish up that actually helps you lose weight. This delectable treat is proudly displayed in most homes, yet often unseen. This treat is frequently discarded while carving the annual Jack-o-lantern. Have you guessed it yet?

It's the pumpkin seed! Pumpkin seeds provide more magnesium than virtually any other food. Magnesium is an essential mineral that is depleted by stress. Not surprisingly, deficiency is very common. Low magnesium levels contribute to a multitude of health problems including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Asthma, High Blood Pressure, Heart Failure, Heart Attacks, Childhood Behavioral Disorders, Tooth Decay, Anxiety, Depression, Irritability, Muscle Spasms, Restless Leg Syndrome, and Obesity. Magnesium is also known to protect the brain from the toxic effects of heavy metals such as lead or mercury.

So before you throw away those Halloween pumpkins, scoop out the seeds, roast them in the oven, and share them with your loved ones. Pumpkin seeds are a great addition to granola or your morning cereal. I keep a jar in my refrigerator and add them to my yogurt each morning.

If you are concerned about any of the medical conditions listed above and aren't overjoyed at the prospect of eating pumpkin seeds, you can obtain magnesium from other food sources such as green, leafy vegetables. (Although the pumpkin seeds far exceed other food sources in quantity of magnesium.) Another way to obtain this nutrient, which is one of the most frequent nutrient deficiencies in Americans, is to take a relaxing bath in Epsom salts, which contain magnesium. (Remember that many medications such as nitroglycerine, estrogen, and nicotine are administered in patches because the skin absorbs the substance and deposits it into the blood stream for use within the body) If you prefer supplements, try magnesium citrate, which is easier to absorb than other forms of magnesium. Too much magnesium is rarely dangerous; it causes loose bowel movements.