By Jenny Hills, Nutritionist and Medical Writer | January 28, 2019 | Food & Nutrition
Pumpkin seeds (also known as pepitas) are a valuable source of vitamins and minerals that support overall health. You can enjoy them raw or roasted as a nutritious snack, sprinkle them over salads, or add them to smoothies. Pepitas offer numerous health benefits, including supporting heart health, promoting better sleep, and helping manage blood sugar levels.
Pumpkin seeds are especially nutritious because they are a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids. They also provide a good amount of fiber and are rich in important minerals that the body needs to function properly.
Pumpkin seed oil (PSO) also offers many scientifically supported health benefits. Thanks to its high antioxidant content, pumpkin seed oil may help lower blood pressure, support heart health, improve bladder function, and even promote hair growth.
What’s the Difference Between Pepitas and Pumpkin Seeds?
Pepitas and pumpkin seeds are essentially the same. Pepitas are pumpkin seeds with the outer shell removed. In Spanish, pepita literally means “little seed of squash.”
Some pumpkin varieties naturally produce shell-less seeds, which are also called pepitas.
While you can eat whole pumpkin seeds with their shells, the shelled version is more commonly sold in supermarkets because it is easier to eat.
