Why You Should STOP Eating Pumpkin Seeds NOW! | Dr. Steven Gundry

Summary

Dr. Steven Gundry argues that pumpkin seeds—and some other seeds—contain lectins, which he describes as part of plants’ defenses. He recommends avoiding pumpkin seeds and choosing alternatives. These are the presenter’s claims and recommendations, not independently verified here.

Strategies and Recommendations

• Avoid pumpkin seeds. Gundry also advises caution with sunflower seeds, peanuts, cashews, and chia seeds, which he characterizes as lectin-containing foods.
• Use basil seeds instead of chia seeds. He says basil seeds can be used similarly and do not contain lectins.
• Choose seeds he considers better options:
  • Flaxseeds: Grind them before eating, he advises. Buy ground flax refrigerated and keep it refrigerated, or grind whole seeds fresh with a coffee grinder.
  • Hemp seeds or hemp hearts: Add them to salads or yogurt; he says they need no further processing.
  • Sesame seeds or regular sesame oil: Gundry cites research suggesting sesame may help counter inflammatory effects and that sesame oil may lower blood pressure.
• Consider these nuts: Brazil nuts, walnuts, macadamias, pistachios, and pine nuts. He recommends eating Brazil nuts in moderation because of their selenium content. He suggests lightly toasting pine nuts and adding them to salads or vegetables.

Gundry also mentions flaxseeds, hemp seeds, and sesame as sources of nutrients or potential health benefits, including fats, fiber, and protein.

Presenters and Sources Mentioned

• Presenter: Dr. Steven Gundry
• Sources referenced: Lauren Cordain, identified in the video as a researcher associated with the paleo diet; unnamed human studies; and the unnamed founder of Zen Basil.