Pumpkin seeds have been used for centuries by various cultures around the world as both food and medicine.  In fact, it was well known that various Native American tribes would frequently consume raw pumpkin seeds in order to detoxify the body from parasites.

This is because raw pumpkin seeds contain powerful anti-parasitic properties which can help eliminate various parasitic infections in the body.  In fact, research has shown that a combination of pumpkin seeds combined with areca nut extract can effectively expel tape worms from the body in an extremely short period of time (1).

However, what about pumpkin seeds for candida overgrowth? Do they have the same inhibitory effect against candida?

Luckily, we’ve answered these questions and more.  In fact, by the end of this post, you will be able to make a better decision as to whether pumpkin seeds are good option to include on your anti-candida diet!

Pumpkin Seeds – Full of Zinc

Pumpkin seeds are one of the highest sources of zinc when it comes to plant foods.  No other nut or seed can compare to the zinc content found in pumpkin seeds.  A 100 gram serving of pumpkin seeds will typically provide around 7-8 milligrams of zinc!

This extra zinc can be crucial for those dealing with candida overgrowth.  This is because zinc has been shown to have an inhibitory effect against the growth of candida.  A study showed that a deficiency in zinc can give rise to hyperactive growth in candida yeast cells in the body (2).

As a result, it’s critical that those looking to inhibit the growth of candida always make sure that they’re getting enough daily zinc.

Furthermore, zinc is required in order to maintain good intestinal health.  Those with candida overgrowth oftentimes suffer from high amounts of intestinal inflammation and overall poor gut health.  Luckily, it’s been shown that zinc can help improve the tight junctions and epithelial barrier function of the intestines making them less permeable (3).

For those unaware, gut permeability is often referred to as “leaky gut” and is very common in those dealing with candida overgrowth (4).  In truth, many food sensitives and food allergies is a direct result of a leaky gut.  Sealing the gut and improving intestinal health is of the utmost importance in anyone dealing with candida overgrowth.

Low in Sugar

Pumpkin seeds are naturally low in sugar and carbohydrates.  As a result, they can be a good snack option for those dealing with this pathogenic fungal overgrowth.  It’s important to understand that the main fuel source of candida is sugar.  Without sugar, the ability for this fungus to multiply and survive in the body is significantly inhibited.

Also, diets high in sugar can cause unwanted bloods sugar spikes in the body.  These frequent blood sugar spikes can be counterproductive towards overall health and can make a candida condition much worse.  It’s for this reason that all processed sugar should be removed from the diet of anyone suffering with candida, or trying to achieve optimal health.

Excellent Source of Fats

Pumpkin seeds are a rich source of healthy fats.  Consuming enough healthy fats is critical for those dealing with candida overgrowth.  This is because both fats and proteins are needed by the body in fairly high amounts in order for regeneration and repair.

Pumpkin Seeds are full of healthy fats such as polyunsaturated and monounsaturated.  It’s not recommend that those looking for optimal health follow low fat diets.  As a mentioned above, the body requires fat for survival.  In fact, the brain is 60 percent fat by weight.  This alone should tell us just how important getting enough fat in our diet is.

Although pumpkin seeds are great, we always recommend you get the majority of your fat from high quality animal foods.  The fats in animal foods are much more stable and more easily absorbed by the body due to the lack of nutrient inhibitors which are present in all plant foods.

Powerful Anti-Microbial Properties

There is no denying that pumpkin seeds contain powerful anti-microbial properties which can help detoxify the body.  As already stated, pumpkin seeds can be used to treat tape worm in the body.  However, there is little information as to whether it’s effective against candida.

That being said, due to the high amounts of phytosterols present in pumpkin seeds, there is a good chance that they may be beneficial for combating the growth of candida.  Yet, in order to get the benefits of these anti-microbial properties and phytosterols present in pumpkin seeds, you must consume them raw!

Cooking naturally lowers the anti-microbial properties and phytosterol content present in pumpkin seeds.  However, due to the anti-nutrient content present in raw seeds, no more than a tablespoon of raw pumpkin seeds should be consumed each day.

Great Source of Anti-Inflammatory Omega 3

Pumpkin seeds are a great source of the inflammatory fighting omega 3 ALA.  ALA is found in most plant foods and is especially high in pumpkin seeds.  The other two essential omega 3’s, DHA and EPA, only occur in animal foods.  As a result, you will want to make sure you’re eating plenty of high quality animal foods in order to obtain a full spectrum of omega 3’s in your diet.

That said, research has shown that ALA can have an anti-inflammatory effect in the body and can help protect against inflammatory conditions (5).

Those dealing with candida overgrowth typically show signs of high amounts of inflammation.  This inflammation is typically limited to the intestines, but can make its way to other parts of the body.  It should be mentioned that candida releases several different toxic byproducts into the body which can naturally trigger the inflammatory response.

Luckily, consuming a few servings of pumpkin seeds daily is a great way to boost your omega 3 content.  However, the omega 3’s found in plant foods are not enough for optimal health.  Animal foods must be consumed in order to obtain both the essential omega 3’s DHA and EPA.

Contains Anti-Nutrients

Like all plant foods, pumpkin seeds contain high amounts of anti-nutrients.  In particular, pumpkin seeds will typically contain high amounts of both lectins and phytates.  Both of these anti-nutrients have been shown to have a negative effect on gut health and can contribute to intestinal inflammation (6)(7).

Soaking, boiling, and roasting is the easiest way to remove most of these anti-nutrients present in pumpkin seeds.  This will naturally increase its digestibility and will lower the chances of it causing intestinal inflammation.

Unfortunately, cooking also removes most of the important anti-microbial properties within pumpkin seeds.  As a result, if you plan to use pumpkin seeds as medicine and not as food, consume no more than 1 tablespoon a day of raw pumpkin seeds.  This will give you the anti-microbial benefits of raw pumpkin seeds and will lower your chances of experiencing negative side effects from the anti-nutrients.

The Bottom Line – Are Pumpkin Seeds Good For Candida?

If you suffer from candida overgrowth, we believe that pumpkin seeds can make an excellent addition to the diet.  These super seeds have natural anti-microbial properties which may be beneficial at inhibiting the growth of candida.  They’re also a rich source of zinc which has been proven to be effective at preventing the growth of this pathogenic fungus.

If eaten raw, make sure not to exceed more than a tablespoon a day.  The raw seeds should be eaten sparingly due to their high amounts of naturally occurring anti-nutrients.  That said, boiling the seeds in a salt water (sea salt) solution, straining, and baking until all moisture is removed is a great way to increase the digestibility and remove the anti-nutrients present in raw pumpkin seeds.

However, in order to obtain the parasite fighting properties that pumpkin seeds are renown for, they should be consumed raw, but always in small amounts.

Consider Our Candida Diet Protocol

For those interested, we’ve created a free candida diet eating strategy that can be used immediately.  We’ve covered the best foods to be eating for candida and what foods to avoid.  All of this information and more can be found on our Candida Diet Protocol Page.

Also, our Crush Candida Cookbook can be great for anyone looking for candida friendly meals that are both delicious and good for you!