The Magic of Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds break the traditional belief that snacking isn't good for you. They are one of my favourite snack foods and they are so healthy, you can indulge without any guilt.
For the vegans out there and those of you who might be contemplating a raw food diet, 100g of pumpkin seeds contain 54% of the recommended daily allowance of protein! AND they are much easier to digest than a cow!
They also contain the amino acids tryptophan and glutamate, which are natural anti-depressants and mood stabilisers, so they really are a feel good food.
Pumpkin seeds are also excellent for the complexion, as they contain 234% of the recommended daily allowance for Vitamin E.
They are rich in mono-unsaturated fatty acids like oleic acid, which is good news for people who are watching their cholesterol levels.
Pumpkin seeds are also loaded with vital minerals like manganese, potassium, calcium and iron. It's almost difficult to believe that so much goodness can be contained in one little seed.
The best way to eat them - and when I say best I mean healthiest - is raw, i.e. without being roasted. Heat kills nutrients and this is why raw food is so good for you.
To get your kids to eat them, a very good way of disguising them is to soak them for a few hours and then mix them up with a mixture of carob and dates. Carob is a natural chocolate substitute which is as good as the real thing. Dehydrate them for a few hours and the end result is a yummy chocolate covered pumpkin seed which your kids will gobble up. If you love chocolate the way I do, you'll do your fair share of gobbling too!
For the more mature palate, spice them up with chillies and you have a snack that will leave you gasping for more!
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