It is important to note that pumpkin seeds contain elevated amounts of essential nutrients and have long been utilized for their medicinal effects yet not all of them are completely healthy. The seeds and extracts can trigger allergic reactions and also contain various substances that can be harmful to the body. Throughout the years, the seeds and extracts have been utilized in fighting off parasites, reduce the blood sugar levels and lower the blood pressure. A doctor must be consulted first before using any supplement though. If an individual develops an allergic reaction after eating pumpkin seeds, it is best to consult a doctor for proper testing.
What is poisoning?
The pumpkin seed extracts have not caused any cases of severe poisoning but take note that pumpkin seeds and leaves contain substances that can disrupt with the ability of the body to absorb nutrients. These include oxalates which can impair the absorption of calcium, tannins which are the indigestible fibers that can gather in the stomach or intestines as well as cyanide which is a toxic chemical. The cyanide content present in edible parts of fruits and vegetables is very low.
What are the reactions?
Pumpkins are also known to trigger allergic reaction in some individuals. It is important to watch out for any reactions if an individual is allergic to cucumber, zucchini or watermelon. The symptoms that typically manifest include nausea, diarrhea, oral allergy syndrome and itchy skin.
When it comes to oral allergy syndrome, it causes mouth itchiness after consuming foods that instigates the reaction. A severe allergic reaction to the pumpkin seeds can lead to anaphylaxis which can be life-threatening. The symptoms of anaphylaxis include shock, rapid pulse rate, abrupt drop in the blood pressure, throat swelling, tightening of the airways, dizziness, lightheadedness and loss of consciousness. Most individuals who are prone to severe reactions usually bring along an EpiPen. If you want to learn how to administer an EpiPen correctly, all you have to do is to register for first aid training today.
Nutrition
The whole, salted pumpkin seeds are packed with sodium. The sodium content is reduced by opting for unsalted pumpkin seeds. Just remember that even with salted seeds, the elevated amount of salt is not a factor for toxicity. In addition, pumpkin seeds are ideal sources of magnesium and phosphorus.
Considerations to bear in mind
The pumpkin seeds do not have any documented contraindications with supplements or medications, but this does not mean that none exist. It is important to note that even though the trace amounts of cyanide are not high enough to cause harm to a child or adult, pregnant women who were exposed to cyanide after eating cassava roots during pregnancy were recorded to give birth to children with thyroid disease. Pregnant women who were exposed to cyanide have not resulted to birth defects.