Pumpkin seeds make a very tasty snack in salads and other savoury dishes or just by themself.

They are very rich in minerals, essential fats and protein. Pumpkin seeds have anthelmintic properties meaning they are good for ridding the body of worms such as tapeworms. Their zinc content makes them particularly good for male and female fertility generally.

They are also used to arrest prostate enlargement for men with benign prostatic hypertrophy. Other uses include minor kidney disorders such as cystitis or water retention.

Pumpkin seeds are an excellent source of minerals, with just a quarter of a cup containing nearly 20% of the recommended daily intake of zinc and 50% of the daily recommended intake for magnesium and manganese.

As well as containing some B vitamins they also contain good amounts of vitamin K, needed for bone health and blood clotting.

In terms of their fat content, pumpkin seeds are a good way to get both the omega 3 and 6 essential fats needed for hormone balance, brain function and skin health.