Migraine-friendly snacks can be hard to come by especially when traveling. As I have previously revealed adherence to my Migraine Plan can be difficult when traveling and one of my migraine snack staples is pumpkin seeds also known as Pepitas. We migrainuers can't have nuts, but we can have seeds and my research on the pumpkin seed yields very favorable qualities to the migrainuer. These little seeds are a great source of protein, iron, zinc, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, copper and potassium. There are differing accounts of some of the nutritional data. One source states a fourth a cup of pepitas provides over 20% of the recommended daily intake of iron and 185 mg of magnesium, nearly 50% of the recommended daily intake. The nutritional facts on my "Go Raw" bag differs from this information, but regardless of the variation in percentage of the recommended daily intake, both illustrate that the pumpkin seed is a good source for iron and magnesium. The pumpkin seed also contains a decent amount of L-tryptophan (1 gram of roasted seeds contain 5.69 mg and 1 gram of its protein contains 17.2 mg).
Both Magnesium and L-trytophan have links to migraines. Studies show that serum magnesium in migraine patients is significantly lower than the normal population and is related to the frequency of migraine attacks. Studies also suggest that migraines are related to a deficiency of serotonin in the brain. L-tryptophan is the precursor to serotonin and therefore it is thought it may play a role in migraine prevention. Since these lovely little seeds provide good sources for both of these things they are a staple in my traveling snack bag (also because they are quite yummy). I am not suggesting that I cured myself by eating pumpkin seeds. I am simply sharing some interesting and informative information on a migraine-friendly snack favorite. Oh, and they are also a great salad topper.
The following are just a few other interesting therapeutic uses of the pumpkin seed:
1. Used to prevent hardening of the arteries
2. Used to regulate cholesterol levels
3. Used for it's anti-hypertensive effects
4. The oil has been used as an effective treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia
5. The oil has also been a documented folk remedy for use in patients with tapeworms.
Happy Pumpkin Seed Eating!
Both Magnesium and L-trytophan have links to migraines. Studies show that serum magnesium in migraine patients is significantly lower than the normal population and is related to the frequency of migraine attacks. Studies also suggest that migraines are related to a deficiency of serotonin in the brain. L-tryptophan is the precursor to serotonin and therefore it is thought it may play a role in migraine prevention. Since these lovely little seeds provide good sources for both of these things they are a staple in my traveling snack bag (also because they are quite yummy). I am not suggesting that I cured myself by eating pumpkin seeds. I am simply sharing some interesting and informative information on a migraine-friendly snack favorite. Oh, and they are also a great salad topper.
The following are just a few other interesting therapeutic uses of the pumpkin seed:
1. Used to prevent hardening of the arteries
2. Used to regulate cholesterol levels
3. Used for it's anti-hypertensive effects
4. The oil has been used as an effective treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia
5. The oil has also been a documented folk remedy for use in patients with tapeworms.
Happy Pumpkin Seed Eating!
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