Organic Pumpkin Seed Protein Powder

Organic Pumpkin Seed Protein Powder

For years, it’s felt like the humble pumpkin has been a vegetable only really focused on and given the attention it deserves, in the Fall months from September through to November. Even then, primarily it’s only been used to carve scary faces into for Halloween, or used by franchise coffee shops to make pumpkin spice flavoured beverages.

Pumpkins themselves are tasty and delicious, yet ironically much of their health benefits are found in the very things that you scoop out and throw away when you’re hollowing out your pumpkin before carving it for Halloween. Yes, we are of course talking about the pumpkin seeds.

Pumpkin seeds are rich in minerals, they offer great texture to dishes, they’re a convenient snack, and they are surprisingly rich in protein. So high in protein in fact, that they’re used to create a pumpkin seed protein powder that’s ideal for plant-based dieters.

Here’s a quick overview of what pumpkin seed protein powder is and what makes it so beneficial.

What is organic pumpkin seed protein powder?

Organic pumpkin seed protein powder is a relatively new plant-based protein powder supplement that is taking the plant-based community by storm.

As the name implies, the powder is made from the seeds of organic pumpkins.

The seeds come from pumpkins that are members of the Cucurbitaceae family and are related to members of the squash, gourd, cucumber, zucchini, and watermelon families. The seeds are taken from pumpkins which have been grown organically, they’re dried, and they are then ground into a very fine powder.

The high concentrations of pumpkin seeds provides a surprisingly high amount of protein, and by toasting the seeds, this actually increases their natural antioxidant content. The powder is packaged and can then be added to smoothies, shakes, soups, stews, baked dishes, and a whole lot more besides.

For people who cannot, or who will not, consume animal-derived protein sources, organic pumpkin seed powder is a wonderful source of plant-based protein that is rich in amino acids, protein, vitamins, minerals, and other natural goodness.

Who is it for?

Put very simply, organic pumpkin seed protein powder is for anybody and everybody, providing they can consume pumpkins and their seeds.

Primarily however, this product is marketed with plant-based dieters in mind, due to the fact that it is of course a plant-based protein source.

Organic pumpkin seed protein powder is great for vegans for example, as it allows them to increase their protein intakes without consuming animal-derived protein sources.

While bodybuilders, athletes, and people looking to increase their muscle mass would be particularly impressed with this product, in truth it is suitable for everybody. We all need protein as it is vital for muscle growth and recovery, along with cellular health and function. Plant-based dieters, and even vegetarians for that matter, sometimes struggle to get enough protein in their diets which is why pumpkin seed protein powder is so useful.

What are the benefits of pumpkin seed protein?

Pumpkins are packed full of nutrients, so of course they are considered to be extremely beneficial for our health and wellbeing. But just how beneficial are they really?

Here’s a look at several of the main benefits of supplementing with pumpkin seed protein.

High in protein

Of course this goes without saying, but one of the most prominent health benefits of pumpkin seed protein is of course the fact that pumpkin seed protein is packed full of, well, protein.

Protein is one of three essential macronutrients along with fat and carbohydrates, and it plays key roles in numerous physiological processes required for living. Some of the main benefits of protein however, are the fact that it assists with the growth and repair of muscle tissue, and that it also is required for our cells to function correctly as part of everyday life.

Plant-based protein

It isn’t just the fact that it is a high quality source of protein that makes pumpkin seed protein so beneficial, but also the fact that It’s a high quality source of plant-based protein.

As it is plant-based, this means it does not come from animals or animal-derived ingredients and that it can therefor be consumed by people following a plant-based diet. Many vegans are choosing to supplement with this particular source of protein, and rightly so.

Complete protein source

But wait, we aren’t quite yet done looking at the high protein benefits of pumpkin seeds, we also need to talk about the amino acids.

In the human body, there are nine amino acids required, that the body cannot produce naturally. These are known as essential amino acids and they must come from dietary sources such as whole foods or supplements.

In particular, pumpkin seeds contain arginine, leucine, and lysine. Leucine in particular, plays a vital role in protein synthesis, which is one reason why so many plant-based bodybuilders use this particular supplement.

Can assist with sleep

If you struggle to sleep at night, adding pumpkin seed protein powder to your diet could be an incredibly smart decision to make.

Pumpkin seeds are packed full of essential minerals, including iron. Numerous studies have linked iron deficiencies with insomnia, as well as many other health issues. Therefore, consuming foods rich in iron, such as pumpkin seed protein powder, is a great way of increasing your iron intakes.

A 30 gram serving of pumpkin seed protein powder will provide you with 8% of your recommended daily intake of iron. For optimal results, studies have found that vitamin C can increase iron uptakes by the body, so try combining the two. Pumpkins themselves are a great source of vitamins A and C, so why not eat pumpkins as well as the seeds?

Convenient

As with other protein supplements, another reason why they are often considered to be so popular is down to their convenience.

If you are a plant-based dieter especially, it can be tricky to get enough protein in your diet. With organic pumpkin seed powder, you literally open the bag, add a scoop of the powder to the liquid of your choosing, give it a mix, and you’re all set.

Other benefits include:

• May reduce blood pressure
• Rich in minerals
• High vitamin content
• May strengthen the immune system
• Complete protein source
• Plant-based protein source
• May boost energy levels
• May improve quality of sleep

Is pumpkin seed powder good for you?

Yes, pumpkin seed protein powder is extremely good for you.

As you can see from the benefits previously listed, organic pumpkin seed powder is loaded full of natural goodness and is a very healthy protein supplement with very few, if any, drawbacks at all.

Not only is it good for you, it is recommended that you consume it daily as part of a balanced diet, plant-based or not.

Is pumpkin seed powder good for weight loss?

Yes.

If you’re looking to lose weight, adding pumpkin seed protein powder to your everyday diet is a great way to consume more protein.

Pumpkin seed protein is high in protein and low in calories, carbohydrates and fat, and is therefore fantastic for weight loss.

Should you drink protein shakes every day?

Yes.

We need protein every day in order for our bodies to function at their best. Without enough protein in our diets, our health will deteriorate, and our bodies will suffer.

Consuming high amounts of protein each day through whole foods is very tricky. This is where protein powder supplements become so useful. A protein powder can provide upwards of 20 g of protein per serving, helping you to reach your daily macro targets.

While a protein shake or two each day can be beneficial, you should always prioritize whole foods. Never skip meals in place of protein supplements, and never try to meet daily macro requirements for protein through supplements alone.

How much pumpkin seed powder should you take daily?

The answer to this question will vary depending on your goals, your age, your gender, your shape, your size, your genetics, and your activity levels. An 85-year old 120-pound woman for example, is not going to require as much pumpkin seed protein powder each day as a 35-year old 280-pound bodybuilding male.

To be very general however, if you aim for 0.8-1 grams per kilogram of body weight per day, along with a minimum of 3 healthy, balanced, whole food meals each day, you should certainly find yourself on the right track.

Is pumpkin seed powder a complete protein?

Yes.

In order for something to be a complete protein source, it must contain all nine essential amino acids required by the human body. These amino acids are:

• Histidine
• Leucine
• Isoleucine
• Valine
• Methionine
• Phenylalanine
• Tryptophan
• Threonine
• Lysine

As previously mentioned when we were talking about the health benefits of organic pumpkin seed protein powder pumpkin seeds do indeed contain all nine essential amino acids, and they are therefore considered a complete protein source.

This means that, yes, pumpkin seed protein powder is indeed classed as a complete protein source.

Is pumpkin seed powder easy to digest?

Yes, pumpkin seed protein powder is generally considered easy to digest for most people and it is free from common allergens like gluten, soy, and dairy, making it a good option for those with food sensitivities.

Is pumpkin seed powder better than hemp protein?

Pumpkin seed protein powder is certainly different to hemp protein powder, in that it contains different minerals, different ratios of amino acids, and has a much different taste and flavour.

Answering this question is impossible because there is no right or wrong answer. It would be like trying to answer the question of whether cats are better than dogs. Both are great, and both offer their own benefits.

Who should not drink protein shakes?

Unless you have any specific allergies or intolerances, there is no reason why you shouldn’t consume a protein shake.

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or on prescription medication, you should always check with your doctor first to ensure you can consume a protein supplement. Other than that however, you should be good to go.

Are there any side effects of pumpkin seed protein powder?

As far as we are aware, as long as you consume the supplement as instructed, there shouldn’t be any side effects associated with this supplement.

Speak to your doctor before using any new supplements, and if you do notice any possible side effects or symptoms of an allergic reaction, discontinue use immediately and seek medical assistance.

PN Health Product Policy

Plain Nutrition is committed to providing protein powders, collagen powders and superfood powders that adhere to our Plain Nutrition Health Product Policy which means that all of our products be:

• Simple – minimal to no extra ingredients and absolutely never any additives, thickening agents, binding agents, preservatives, artificial flavours, colours, fillers, sugars or sugar alcohols
• Only natural ingredients
• Low calorie & nutritionally balanced
• Easy to digest and metabolize
• Free of chemical residues, organic-preservatives, and solvents
• Ultra-low or non-detectable sources of heavy metal contamination (arsenic, cadmium, mercury, lead, chromium)
• Free of primary allergens

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