Pumpkin seeds contain a powerful nutritional contribution, so they are excellent to eat raw, sprouted or cooked. While the dangers of pumpkin seeds are minimal, there are some situations where the snack can affect your health.
Read on to learn if pumpkin seed poisoning is possible, other side effects of pumpkin seeds, and when to see your doctor if they upset your stomach.
Nutritional benefits of pumpkin seeds
Are pumpkin seeds good for you? The short answer is yes.
According to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA)Pumpkin seeds are rich in a variety of essential nutrients that your body needs to function at its best.
Nutrients in 1 ounce (oz) of unsalted roasted pumpkin seeds
|
calories |
126 |
|
Protein |
5.3 grams (g) |
|
Fat |
5.5 grams |
|
carbohydrates |
15.3 grams |
|
Fiber |
5.2 grams |
|
Magnesium |
74.3 milligrams (mg) |
|
Potassium |
261mg |
Source(s): USDA
You can eat shelled or shelled pumpkin seeds raw or roast them for a toasted snack.
Additionally, you can try sprouted pumpkin seeds, which are a potent source of additional vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
stay with him American Heart AssociationWe recommend a quarter cup serving of pumpkin seeds (2 oz) to avoid potential digestive upsets and other unwanted side effects.
Possible side effects of eating pumpkin seeds
While there are no specific dangers of pumpkin seeds, it is possible to have a bad reaction if you are allergic or eat a contaminated batch. Other than that, there aren’t many disadvantages to eating pumpkin seeds.
Below are some possible side effects of pumpkin seeds to be aware of.
1. Digestive problems
Pumpkin seeds are rich in fiber. While this is an important part of a whole-food diet, adding too much of a nutrient too quickly if your body isn’t used to it could cause digestive problems, including:
- Gas
- swelling
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- stomach cramps
If you are currently following a low-fiber diet, it is best to introduce high-fiber foods gradually over a few weeks, depending on the Mayo Clinic. Sometimes you can find undigested pumpkin seeds in your stool. This can also happen with other types of foods, such as corn, other seeds, and nuts. This is because some high-fiber foods are not always broken down and absorbed in the digestive tract, according to the Mayo Clinic.
If you’ve eaten too many pumpkin seeds and experience digestive discomfort, try taking an over-the-counter anti-gas pill or antacid. If you have diarrhea, drink plenty of fluids and consider taking antidiarrheal medications, such as loperamide and bismuth subsalicylate, depending on the Mayo Clinic.
If you find pieces of pumpkin seeds in your stool, be sure to chew them well before swallowing.
2. Food poisoning
Pumpkin seeds are not poisonous, but they can cause food poisoning if they spoil.
Sprouted pumpkin seeds (along with other sprouted seeds) pose a risk of foodborne illness, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Although not inherently poisonous or toxic, sprouts grow in warm, moist conditions that can allow disease-causing bacteria such as salmonella or Escherichia coli to flourish.
According to the Mayo ClinicFood poisoning can appear hours or days after eating contaminated food. Symptoms include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- abdominal pain
- Fever
But how do you know if pumpkin seeds are bad? Unfortunately, there’s no way to tell just by looking at them.
Instead, the best way to avoid food poisoning from spoiled pumpkin seeds is to cook the sprouts to kill any potentially dangerous bacteria, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
The main way to cure food poisoning is to endure it. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids (such as water or electrolyte-rich drinks) to replenish your supply.
If you can eat, try to eat small amounts of soft, bland foods, such as toast or a banana.
If vomiting and diarrhea last more than a day, call your doctor to see if you need medical intervention. You may have persistent bacteria that require antibiotics to treat.
3. Allergic reaction
Pumpkin seed allergy is very rare, but cases of it have been reported in medical literature. Anyone allergic to pumpkin seeds should not eat them. A pumpkin seed allergy can also cause uncomfortable symptoms minutes or hours after eating the seeds.
According to the Mayo ClinicSigns of a food allergy include:
- A tingling or itchy mouth
- Skin rashes such as hives or eczema.
- Swelling of the mouth, lips, tongue or throat.
- Congestion
- Wheezing or difficulty breathing
- Digestive problems such as abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting.
- Dizziness
If you experience mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as an itchy mouth or skin problems, after eating pumpkin seeds, you can try taking an antihistamine to see if that helps.
However, if your allergic reaction is severe, you should use an epinephrine autoinjector if you have one and call 911 immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.
When to see a doctor
If you have eaten pumpkin seeds in large quantities and develop side effects such as gastrointestinal upset, you may not need to visit your doctor; You could simply reduce the amount of pumpkin seeds you consume or avoid them altogether.
But if eating pumpkin seeds causes a severe allergic reaction or food poisoning symptoms that don’t go away after a day, you should call your doctor. They can determine if pumpkin seeds were the cause of your problem and offer medical treatment and advice to avoid symptoms in the future.
Ultimately, however, it is not possible to get poisoning from pumpkin seeds. Pumpkin seeds are a nutritious and delicious snack and do not need to be avoided unless you are allergic or they upset your stomach.
