It contains only organic pumpkin seeds, pumpkin oil, and sea salt!
Native to the Americas, pumpkin seeds have excellent anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral properties, which strengthen immunity and promote prostate, ovarian, and breast health. The pumpkin seed endosperm is a rich source of manganese, phosphorus, copper, magnesium, zinc, protein (including tryptophan), iron, and fiber. It also provides a wide variety of the different forms of vitamin E and other diverse antioxidants, such as phenolics and phytonutrients like lignans.
This diverse mixture of nutrients and antioxidants inhibits the pro-oxidant enzyme lipoxygenase (LOX), decreasing oxidative stress in diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and arthritis. It also promotes RNA and DNA synthesis, proper bone and tooth formation, and healthy heart, kidney, and bowel function.
Pumpkin seeds are also a source of phytosterols, which may support bladder and prostate health. Phytosterols are plant sterols, structurally similar to cholesterol, and act in the intestine to lower cholesterol absorption.
Native American tribes treasured pumpkin seeds for their dietary and medicinal properties, especially during pregnancy. Pumpkin seeds became a standard in E. Europe and Mediterranean cuisine. India and other parts of Asia also incorporated them into culinary and medical traditions.
Today, China is the largest producer of pumpkin seeds. Additional producers are India, Russia, Ukraine, Mexico, and the USA.
AVOID musty, yellow, or brown seeds, which are rancid. Roasting the seeds for more than 20 minutes damages their fats. Fresh, raw green seeds are best. Refrigerate them in a light-protected container.
Flax seeds, also known as linseeds, come from the flowering plant (Linum usitatissimum-“meaning the most useful”) in the family of Linaceae. They are grown and cultivated in temperate climate regions as a food and fiber crop. They have been around since the beginning of civilization and are one of the world’s oldest crops.
Flax seeds produce the textile linen. Flax seed, or linseed oil, has been highly valued for centuries for its health-protective properties. Of its two types — brown and gold — brown is more beneficial in omega 3 EFAs.
Flax seeds are nutrient-dense with protein, B vitamins, and minerals. Flax seeds are also a rich source of fiber, lignans, and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), better known as omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFA).
Studies have shown that ALA in flax seeds prevents cholesterol buildup in the blood vessels of the heart, reduces inflammation in the arteries, reduces tumor growth, and lowers the risk of heart attack and stroke. A recent review of observational data concluded that ALA had heart health benefits comparable to EPA and DHA, two of the more well-known omega-3 EFAs.
The lignans in flax seeds are plant compounds with antioxidant and estrogen properties that help improve health. Flax seeds contain 800 times more lignans than other plant foods, which also help to reduce the risk of breast, prostate, colon, skin, and other cancers.
Additional plant compounds in flax seeds are p-coumaric acid (a polyphenol), ferulic acid (an antioxidant), and cyanogenic glycosides (that can impair thyroid function in some people).
One tablespoon of whole flax seeds contains 3 grams of fiber, both soluble (20-40% and insoluble (60-80%). When fermented by the bacteria in the bowels, it bulks up, which causes more water to bind to the stools to improve bowel movements. Flax seed consumption also improves digestion and lowers/balances cholesterol levels by binding to bile salts, which are pulled from the blood and transported to the liver for excretion.
According to a Canadian study, consuming 30 g of flax seeds daily for six months can lower blood pressure. In turn, this can reduce the risk of dying from stroke by 10% and from heart disease by 7%.
Along with having anti-fungal properties, flax seeds are rich in the amino acids arginine, aspartic acid, and glutamic acid, which help improve immune function, lower cholesterol, and prevent tumors.
Flax seeds are also beneficial in helping to lower blood sugar, prevent type 2 diabetes due to their insoluble fiber, and slow digestion, which staves off hunger by triggering hormones that control appetite and provide a feeling of fullness.