Does the thought of snacking on a handful of pumpkin seeds leaves you feeling so bored? Well, it only means that you are missing out on the health benefits offered by pumpkin seeds — there are so many of them!
Luckily, this article will help change the way you look at pumpkin seeds because it will teach you how to make salt and vinegar pumpkin seeds that are a delight to munch on whenever it’s time for you to watch your favorite TV show or read you newly bought paperback novel.
Before we take a look at the said recipe, let us first devote a little of our time to knowing pumpkin seeds.
Whenever you crack open a pumpkin seed, you give yourself the opportunity to become a healthier version of you. Even though a pumpkin seed is very tiny, it is actually big in nutrients. Don’t want to believe it? Then check out the following health benefits that pumpkin seeds are known to offer:
Increased immunity
Pumpkin seeds are actually very rich in zinc, a nutrient with amazing antioxidant properties. By regularly including zinc-containing pumpkin seeds in your diet, you can considerably lower your risk of going down with the common cold and flu.
Healthier heart
We all know that mackerel, herring, salmon, tuna and other oily types of fish are rich in heart-friendly omega-3 fatty acids. Did you know that you can also obtain those beneficial fats from pumpkin seeds? So if you love your ticker, have a handful of pumpkin seeds regularly.
Lifted mood
Another nutrient that can be obtained from pumpkin seeds is magnesium, which is known as a very good fighter of mild depression. Nutrition experts say that there are so many other perks that magnesium brings, including lowered blood pressure and stronger bones.
Alleviated insomnia
If you constantly find yourself wide awake at night, it’s a wonderful idea for you to consider snacking on some pumpkin seeds. It’s for the fact that they are rich in tryptophan, an amino acid that is ultimately converted into melatonin which is known as the sleep hormone.
Reduced inflammation
Pumpkin seeds are also loaded with anti-inflammatory compounds, and that’s why throwing some of them into your diet can help reduce joint pain and inflammation. There are many other health problems that are inflammatory in nature, and pumpkin seeds may help prevent them.
There are so many other health benefits that pumpkin seeds offer, but this article is written to let you know how easy it is to turn boring pumpkin seeds into delightful-to-eat salt and vinegar pumpkin seeds. Let’s get started!
Ingredients:
1 cup of raw pumpkin seeds
1 cup of water
1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon of canola oil
1 teaspoon of finely-ground sea salt
Directions:
-Place raw pumpkin seeds in a colander and wash them thoroughly under running water.
-Allow to drain very well.
-In the meantime, get the oven preheated to 200°C, which is equivalent to 400°F.
-Reach for a large saucepan and combine apple cider vinegar and water. Add pumpkin seeds, too.
-Bring to a boil. Once boiling, switch to low heat and let simmer for about 10 minutes.
-Afterwards, carefully strain and allow pumpkin seeds to drain very well.
-Grab a large baking sheet and line it with parchment paper.
-Spread pumpkin seeds across the baking sheet and stash in the oven.
-Bake for about 30 to 40 minutes.
-Once or twice throughout the baking time, shake the sheet to ensure even cooking of the pumpkin seeds.
-Take the baking sheet out of the oven. Crank up the oven to 375°C or 700°F.
-In a large mixing bowl, combine pumpkin seeds, canola oil and parmesan cheese. Mix very well.
-Spread the pumpkin seeds once more on the baking sheet and cook for another 20 to 25 minutes.
-Shake the baking sheet once or twice throughout the baking time.
-Allow salt and vinegar pumpkin seeds to cool and transfer to an airtight container.
