How Many Calories In Pumpkin Seeds?

(February 22, 2011)

Introduction: Pumpkins are a perennial vegetable which are grown around the year and this makes the seeds easily available too. Pumpkins should be eaten when they are mature and not when they are wrinkled and/or bruised. A rich source of antioxidants, this inexpensive vegetable, has several health benefits and can be cooked in many different ways to suit each palette. This vegetable which is rich in omega 3 fatty acids is also low in calories.

How many calories in pumpkin seeds

Nutrition pumpkin seeds

The pumpkin seeds are a rich source of fiber and also fatty acids which are mono-unsaturated which are good for the heart. The seeds contain proteins and vitamin A apart from antioxidants but have zero cholesterol. They are also a rich source of tryptophan which is an amino acid which the brain converts to GABA.

Calories in raw pumpkin seeds
The calories in raw pumpkin seeds are less than 200 in a quarter cup of seeds. However, it is the protein content, minerals and the omega 3 antioxidants which count in it making it a very healthy vegetable. The vegetable itself is low in calorie count and is rich in dietary fiber but has no cholesterol or fat at all. It is highly recommended by dieticians for people who are on a weight loss diet or for those who want to bring down their cholesterol.  This vegetable is a storehouse of vitamins E, C, A and also several of the B group vitamins. This makes the pumpkin a highly nutritious vegetable which should be included regularly in one’s menu.

Calories in baked pumpkin seeds
Calories in baked pumpkin seeds are just about two in each seed. However, this is when there is no butter or salt added to them as this would increase the calories count to a lot more. If you are eating pumpkin seeds as a healthy food then it is best to avoid adding anything else to it but to eat it as it is which is either roasted or baked.

Carbohydrates pumpkin seeds
Carbohydrates in pumpkin seeds are low and that is why they are included in the list of healthy snacks. The net carbs which are carbohydrates without the fiber content are low in pumpkin seeds though the calories are high. This is a healthy snack because of the high content of nutrients in it and not because it is low in fat content. To get the full benefit of the seeds as a health food it is best to avoid the oil roasted ones.