Without pumpkin seeds, the list of nutritious seeds is lacking. They are rich in nutrients like iron, zinc, and fiber, all of which are good for the body. They might aid in wound healing and the avoidance of constipation. However, consuming too many of them can be detrimental and there are some disadvantages of eating pumpkin seeds you should know.
They might cause weight gain and digestive problems if consumed in excess. Additionally, before including these seeds into their regular diet, persons with specific medical concerns, such as hypotension, should exercise caution.
Pumpkin Seeds
The South American native pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo) is currently grown all over the world. Medicine is made from the seed and its oil. 
Pumpkin seed contains compounds that stimulate urine, which may help reduce discomfort in the prostate and bladder. Certain substances may also lessen prostatic edema. Both the fruit and seed of the pumpkin are frequently utilized in cuisine.
Pumpkin is frequently used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It is also claimed to treat balding, urinary tract infections, and a host of other ailments, but there isn’t any solid scientific proof for these additional uses.
Here are some of the disadvantages of eating pumpkin seeds you should know:
Digestive Problems
If the seeds are eaten in excessive amounts, they may cause stomach discomfort. They contain a lot of fiber. According to the USDA, 100 grams of these seeds contain 18.5 grams of fiber.
Gas And Bloating
The fiber content of pumpkin seeds is 0.9 grams per 1-ounce (oz) portion of shelled seeds. Consuming the same quantity of pumpkin seeds in their shell results in even higher fiber intake, with each serving containing 2 grams of fiber.
Among the various advantages that fiber offers are blood sugar regulation, cholesterol reduction, regularity, and assistance in reaching a healthy weight.
However, dyspepsia can also result from consuming meals high in fiber. In other words, eating a handful (or several) of high-fiber pumpkin seeds may cause you to feel bloated, gassy, and flatulent, as well as overall experience GI discomfort.
This is the reason: One kind of carbohydrate that your body can’t completely digest is fiber. In contrast to other carbohydrates (such as rice, flour, and so on), fiber does not degrade into glucose. Rather, it passes through your big intestine, where microorganisms break down the undigested fiber and emit a variety of gases.
Eating pumpkin seeds can also cause constipation; while consuming a lot of fiber might cause loose stools, it can also have the opposite effect and temporarily clog you up. Similar to diarrhea, fiber can both contribute to the issue and possibly be a helpful remedy.
Gaining Weight
Are you attempting to get back in shape or do you wish to fight the bulge? Then, you have to limit your intake of seeds. This is because the seeds are high in calories and might lead you to gain weight if consumed in excess. Therefore, especially when on a diet, be careful not to consume more than the recommended amount.
It’s simple to become distracted by the amount of pumpkin seeds you’re eating.
A serving size of 1 ounce of shelled pumpkin seeds contains 151 calories, so you can inadvertently consume more calories than you realize. Roasted pumpkin seeds from the store may also include a lot of salt.
Choose alternatives that are unsalted or perhaps mildly salted, or prepare your own! Though you may find the texture unappealing, remember that you can consume the pumpkin seed shell. Furthermore, a large portion of the fiber is found there, thus overeating the shell may cause some gastrointestinal issues.
Unsafe for low blood pressure patients
Pumpkin seeds are an antioxidant and can help drop blood pressure, so if you currently have hypotension, you can stop eating them. If you want to eat these seeds, speak with a specialist before choosing them.
Not suitable for children
Because pumpkin seeds are high in fatty acids and fiber, giving children more than is advised can cause diarrhea and stomach discomfort. They are also a choking threat due to their small size. As a result, you should exercise extreme caution while giving these seeds to children.
Particular Care and Caution
- When consumed orally: Eating pumpkin with food is probably safe. In small doses, pumpkin seeds or pumpkin seed oil may be safe to consume. Although they are uncommon, side effects from pumpkin products could include nausea, diarrhea, and upset stomach. Additionally, some people may experience allergic reactions, redness, and itching.
- When rubbed upon the skin: Not enough trustworthy information is available to determine the safety of pumpkin seed oil or any potential negative effects.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Insufficient trustworthy data exists to determine if using therapeutic doses of pumpkin during pregnancy or lactation is safe. Continue eating the same amounts of food as normal to be safe.
Conclusion
Although pumpkin seeds are high in protein, fiber, and other vital minerals, there are some disadvantages of eating pumpkin seeds too. Consuming too many of them might cause uncomfortable digestive side effects including bloating, constipation, or diarrhea.
As with other high-fiber meals, gradually add them to your diet while keeping an eye on portion amounts and drinking lots of water.
