Pumpkin seeds love the skin. Brimming with healthy fats, these seeds supply magnesium, copper, zinc, thiamine, niacin, iron, manganese, vitamins A, B and K, omega-3 fatty acids and protein. Mix all of these components up and you get a fantastic mix that helps to slow the breakdown of collagen.
One of the best things about pumpkin seeds is their zinc and magnesium content. In fact, pumpkin seeds are said to be one of the top naturally-derived sources of these minerals, which is excellent news for both your skin and body. Alongside this, the alpha linolenic acids (ALAs) found in these seeds have proven themselves to be vital to a healthy heart, in addition to the maintenance of strong hair and skin. All these attributes in combination with their protein content makes pumpkin seeds a really nutritious and accessible snack – the best kind, in our opinion!
As well as all these benefits, pumpkin seeds also boast an impressive amount of phytosterols. Phytosterols are plant-derived molecules located in the membrane of plant cells that act in a similar way to our body’s cholesterol. It has been said that the use of both ceramides and phytosterols in anti-aging skincare have had positive results in helping to prevent a decrease in collagen synthesis following UV exposure, which is why they’re coveted so highly in the skincare industry. Though more research is required, the evidence of the effects of phytosterols thus far have shown favorable results.