Halloween is behind us , but we ’ve only just start out to savor the pleasures of pumpkin . From Pumpkin Spice Lattes to grandma ’s pie at Thanksgiving , those fabulous orange fruits ( yes , really ! ) are the gift that keeps on gift . But the best part of the pumpkin is often miss : the seeds .

That ’s correct : The slimy stuff you scooped out before carving your jack - o'-lantern ( or loot - winning portraiture of your favorite presidential nominee ) is actually goopy wellness gold . Those unassuming little seeds have amazing benefits for your bod . To name a few :

They’re packed with minerals, like magnesium and zinc

Like having energy ? Then you want to get your daily battery-acid of magnesium , which activates the energy - acquit moleculeadenosine triphosphate ( ATP ) . It alsokeeps your ticker tick , strengthens castanets , and is super important for brain function . Another learning ability mineral , zinc , is needed for legion character of torso conjuring trick , fromwound healing to immunity . And while youdon’t want to exaggerate it with Zn , inquiry shows it can decrease the duration and badness of common cold .

Protein and “good” fat abound!

While pumpkin seed make a swell addition to anyone ’s diet , vegetarians and vegans especially can profit from their protein substance . For the carnivorous among us , snacking on kernel - goodish seeds like these can offset the cholesterol and concentrated fat get in meats . And do n’t worry about the fat in pumpkin seeds –it ’s the healthy kind !

They’ve got fiber for days

You probably acknowledge that vulcanized fiber is important for keeping the ol’bowels in good working order , but it ’s got other perks too , such aslowering cholesterin and descent sugar levels . For extra character , go for the whole seeds over the Isaac Hull - less version , also called " pepitas " or " hearts . " Or as I like to say , go hull or go home . ( earnestly , I always say that . )

There’s something for everyone

Not everyone enjoy snacking on seeds straight from the source – you know , because humans are n’t birds . Roasting can give the chewy seeds a nice crunch , but for those who prefer their come sans hull , there ’s good news : sure mixed bag of pumpkinsproduce seeds without Cordell Hull . The green pumpkin seed you see in stores most likely came from the oh - so - sexy " naked - seeded " pumpkin , also known as " oil-rich seed . " So go get yourself some greenish - seed deliciousness , becauseas anyone who ’s tried it knows , it ’s just not deserving it to disrobe the seed by helping hand .

Do it yourself – or don’t

If you want to get all up in a autumn pumpkin and fix the seed yourself , more force to you . But do n’t fret if you ’d rather not wade through pumpkin innards . Your local grocery or health - food for thought depot in all likelihood carries at least one of the many packaged diversity – whole or hull - less , raw or roasted , salt or sweetened . If you ’re blackguard at home , you canexperiment with dissimilar flavors , like cinnamon - cabbage or spicy - and - spicy . What find behind closed doors between you and your pumpkin seeds is your business .

So take a trip to the autumn pumpkin patch or food - selling place near you and stock up on these splendiferous seeds , a goody so good for you thatdoctors literally prescribe them .

sign up up herefor our daily Thrillist email , and get your fix of the undecomposed in food / drink / fun .

Pumpkin Seeds

wawritto/shutterstock

H