The Perfect Autumn Snack

by WiredBerries Editors — October 17, 2007

This Halloween when you're scraping out your pumpkins, don't throw away the jack-o'-lantern leftovers. They are actually the most nutritious part of the whole pumpkin!

Why? Because downing pumpkin seeds is one of the best ways to add magnesium to your diet. French researchers recently determined that men with the highest levels of magnesium in their blood have a 40 percent lower risk of early death than those with the lowest levels. And on average, men consume just 353mg of the mineral daily, well under the 420mg minimum recommended by the USDA.

You can eat them whole, with shells (extra fiber) and all. Roasted pumpkin seeds contain 150mg of magnesium per ounce; add them to your regular diet and you'll easily hit your daily target of 420mg. You can enjoy these tasty seeds long after pumpkin season is over. Just look for them in the snack, or bulk food section of your grocery store. They're usually next to the peanuts, almonds, and sunflower seeds. They're also great tossed on salads and homemade pizzas.

If you have any tips on how to prepare or enjoy pumpkin seeds, please share with the rest of us!