Cucurbita pepo
Description and Characteristics
Pumpkin seed protein is a true nutritional powerhouse in green powder form. It is made by cold-pressing and gently drying defatted pumpkin seeds, preserving their rich vitamin and mineral content along with a subtly nutty flavor. Naturally gluten-free, lactose-free, and ideal for plant-based or elimination diets.
What sets it apart? Not just its high protein content (up to 65%) but also its wealth of zinc, magnesium, iron, potassium, and healthy fats – a potent blend supporting total-body wellness. Its mild taste makes it a perfect fit for both savory dishes and sweet recipes.
Health Benefits
- Strengthens the immune system with zinc and antioxidants
- Helps stabilize blood sugar – beneficial for insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes
- Supports hormonal balance and prostate health
- Soothes inflammation in the gut – ideal for leaky gut syndrome
- Supports mental clarity and nervous system regeneration – helpful in ADHD
- Promotes heart health thanks to plant sterols
- Naturally rich in tryptophan – aids mood and sleep quality
Uses in Cooking, Herbal Medicine, Cosmetics, and Gardening
In the kitchen:
Perfect for smoothies, veggie spreads, creamy soups, muffins, energy bites, or as a thickener in sauces and vegan patties.
In herbal medicine:
Traditionally used as a natural dewormer and bladder tonic. The protein version offers these benefits in a more concentrated and easy-to-digest form.
In cosmetics:
Thanks to its zinc, magnesium, and vitamin E, it supports skin healing, strengthens hair, and helps prevent nail breakage. Common in masks and nourishing balms.
In the garden:
Pumpkins improve soil structure and fertility. Their leaves and pulp make great compost, and the leftover seeds can even be used as a mineral-rich fertilizer.
Nutritional Profile (per 100 g)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~400 kcal |
| Protein | 60–65 g |
| Fat | 10–12 g (unsaturated) |
| Carbohydrates | 8–10 g |
| Fiber | 5–7 g |
| Zinc | 7–8 mg |
| Magnesium | 500–550 mg |
| Iron | 8–12 mg |
| Potassium | 1000–1200 mg |
| Tryptophan | ~600 mg |
Did You Know…
In ancient Mexico, pumpkin seeds were called the “seeds of the gods” and worn as amulets to protect against disease and evil spirits.
Even today, pumpkin seeds remain one of the rare natural sources of tryptophan, the amino acid that helps produce serotonin – your “feel-good” hormone. This makes them great for people with mood swings or sleep issues.
How to Eat It and What to Pair It With
Best ways to enjoy:
- In a smoothie with banana, plant milk, and cocoa
- Stirred into warm oatmeal with cinnamon and dried plums
- As a base for homemade pesto or roasted eggplant dip
- With roasted pumpkin, turmeric, and black pepper for better zinc absorption
- Blended with hemp and chia proteins for a more complete amino acid profile
Healthy Recipe: Pumpkin Power Spread
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup pumpkin seed protein
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– A handful of wild garlic (or arugula)
– 1 tbsp lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Blend all ingredients until smooth. Use as a dip for raw vegetables or a spread on gluten-free bread. A simple, powerful immune and nervous system booster!
Where It Grows and How It’s Made
Pumpkins are cultivated globally – from North America and Central Europe to India. Pumpkin seed protein is produced by cold-pressing seeds for oil, then finely milling the remaining seed cake. This gentle, solvent-free method keeps it clean and sustainable.
Your Turn
Is your daily protein as supportive of your immune system, mood, and hormones as this humble green seed?
Tags:
Cucurbita pepo
Description and Characteristics
Pumpkin seed protein is a true nutritional powerhouse in green powder form. It is made by cold-pressing and gently drying defatted pumpkin seeds, preserving their rich vitamin and mineral content along with a subtly nutty flavor. Naturally gluten-free, lactose-free, and ideal for plant-based or elimination diets.
What sets it apart? Not just its high protein content (up to 65%) but also its wealth of zinc, magnesium, iron, potassium, and healthy fats – a potent blend supporting total-body wellness. Its mild taste makes it a perfect fit for both savory dishes and sweet recipes.
Health Benefits
- Strengthens the immune system with zinc and antioxidants
- Helps stabilize blood sugar – beneficial for insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes
- Supports hormonal balance and prostate health
- Soothes inflammation in the gut – ideal for leaky gut syndrome
- Supports mental clarity and nervous system regeneration – helpful in ADHD
- Promotes heart health thanks to plant sterols
- Naturally rich in tryptophan – aids mood and sleep quality
Uses in Cooking, Herbal Medicine, Cosmetics, and Gardening
In the kitchen:
Perfect for smoothies, veggie spreads, creamy soups, muffins, energy bites, or as a thickener in sauces and vegan patties.
In herbal medicine:
Traditionally used as a natural dewormer and bladder tonic. The protein version offers these benefits in a more concentrated and easy-to-digest form.
In cosmetics:
Thanks to its zinc, magnesium, and vitamin E, it supports skin healing, strengthens hair, and helps prevent nail breakage. Common in masks and nourishing balms.
In the garden:
Pumpkins improve soil structure and fertility. Their leaves and pulp make great compost, and the leftover seeds can even be used as a mineral-rich fertilizer.
Nutritional Profile (per 100 g)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~400 kcal |
| Protein | 60–65 g |
| Fat | 10–12 g (unsaturated) |
| Carbohydrates | 8–10 g |
| Fiber | 5–7 g |
| Zinc | 7–8 mg |
| Magnesium | 500–550 mg |
| Iron | 8–12 mg |
| Potassium | 1000–1200 mg |
| Tryptophan | ~600 mg |
Did You Know…
In ancient Mexico, pumpkin seeds were called the “seeds of the gods” and worn as amulets to protect against disease and evil spirits.
Even today, pumpkin seeds remain one of the rare natural sources of tryptophan, the amino acid that helps produce serotonin – your “feel-good” hormone. This makes them great for people with mood swings or sleep issues.
How to Eat It and What to Pair It With
Best ways to enjoy:
- In a smoothie with banana, plant milk, and cocoa
- Stirred into warm oatmeal with cinnamon and dried plums
- As a base for homemade pesto or roasted eggplant dip
- With roasted pumpkin, turmeric, and black pepper for better zinc absorption
- Blended with hemp and chia proteins for a more complete amino acid profile
Healthy Recipe: Pumpkin Power Spread
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup pumpkin seed protein
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– A handful of wild garlic (or arugula)
– 1 tbsp lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Blend all ingredients until smooth. Use as a dip for raw vegetables or a spread on gluten-free bread. A simple, powerful immune and nervous system booster!
Where It Grows and How It’s Made
Pumpkins are cultivated globally – from North America and Central Europe to India. Pumpkin seed protein is produced by cold-pressing seeds for oil, then finely milling the remaining seed cake. This gentle, solvent-free method keeps it clean and sustainable.
Your Turn
Is your daily protein as supportive of your immune system, mood, and hormones as this humble green seed?
