The Benefits of Pumpkin Relating to Your Sleep

You might know that pumpkin and pumpkin seeds have many health benefits.

Well, you might not know that it can also help you fall asleep, and stay asleep, achieving the restful sleep you need to wake up feeling energized for the day. 

Pumpkin seeds, and the powder from pumpkin seeds, have relatively high amounts tryptophan and Zinc. Tryptophan is the amino acid that the body uses to make serotonin, and zinc helps the brain convert the tryptophan. 

Serotonin helps the body not only relax to fall asleep, but also stay in the deep sleep you require to be well rested. If you are experiencing low levels or serotonin, you most likely won’t be able to stay asleep throughout the night. One cup of pumpkin seeds, or about a half cup of pumpkin seed powder mixed into a healthy carbohydrate (pumpkin muffins, anyone?), allows the brain to have higher tryptophan amounts. 

Additional Health Benefits Provided by Pumpkin 

Pumpkin has other health benefits besides just increasing your deep sleep. It can also lower blood pressure, boost your vision, and help you have a healthier heart. Pumpkin also contains 1.7 grams of dietary fiber per ounce, allowing you to feel fuller while eating less. 

1. High in fiber and pectin, pumpkin flesh can aid digestion 
2. Pumpkin is high in potassium, which can help lower blood pressure 
3. Beta-carotene gives pumpkin its orange hue and a boost of Vitamin A 
4. Beta-carotene also helps reduce inflammation 
5. Pumpkins are a good source of immune-boosting vitamins and minerals 
6. Nutrients in pumpkin may reduce the risk of heart disease 
7. Pumpkin can also support eye and skin health 

So, eat more pumpkin this season, and you’ll benefit from deep, rejuvenating sleep, and contribute to your overall health!  

Pumpkin Spice Latte Syrup Recipe 

Our Graphic Designer, Marah, has tweaked (and somewhat perfected, in her opinion) a pumpkin spice syrup recipe to make homemade pumpkin spice lattes that are better than your local coffee shop! She has been so kind as to share the recipe with us below. 

INGREDIENTS: 

• 1 can (16 oz.) sweetened condensed milk or coconut milk  
• 1/3 cup coconut sugar or light brown sugar 
• 1/3 cup pumpkin puree 
• 1/2 cup water  
• 1 tbsp pumpkin spice 
• Handful of ground up pumpkin seeds 

DIRECTIONS: 

Add the first 4 ingredients to a saucepan, whisk to combine, and put on medium-high setting (it may boil over, so watch the pot, and stir occasionally). 

When simmering, add in your pumpkin spice (1 tbsp or more to taste–more if you like it spicy!). 

Once your syrup has thickened to your satisfaction, cool it down before adding to a container, preferably a glass jar. Then, add 1 TBSP of syrup to your espresso, and add steamed milk on top. For your topping, add some ground up pumpkin seeds to sprinkle on top, and enjoy, knowing that you’re going to reap the benefits of rejuvenating sleep later!