Pumpkin seeds

nuts-seeds

Pumpkin seeds

8/ 10Excellent
Controversy: 4.8

Rated by 11 diets

9 approve1 caution1 avoid

How the diets react

Approves9
Caution1
Disapproves1
Is Pumpkin seeds Healthy?

Yes — Pumpkin seeds is broadly considered healthy. 9 out of 11 diets approve it.

Nutrition Facts
Per 100g
Calories
574kcal
Protein
30g
Carbs
15g
Fat
49g
Fiber
6g
Sugar
1.4g
Sodium
7mg

Diet Ratings

KetoApproved

Pumpkin seeds contain ~5g net carbs per ounce with 15g fat and 9g protein. Rich in magnesium, zinc, and iron. Slightly higher carb than some seeds but excellent nutrient profile and keto-compatible.

VeganApproved

Whole plant food, excellent source of protein, magnesium, zinc, and healthy fats. Minimally processed. Highly nutritious and fully plant-based.

PaleoApproved

Pumpkin seeds are whole seeds rich in magnesium, zinc, and healthy fats. They are unprocessed and ancestral. Widely accepted in paleo diets. Portion control is recommended due to high omega-6 content relative to omega-3.

MediterraneanApproved

Nutrient-dense seed rich in magnesium, zinc, and healthy fats. While not exclusively Mediterranean, seeds are traditional Mediterranean foods and pumpkin seeds align with core principles. Strongly encouraged.

CarnivoreAvoid

Plant-derived seeds. Explicitly excluded from carnivore diet as all seeds and plant foods are prohibited.

Whole30Approved

Pumpkin seeds are whole, unprocessed seeds explicitly allowed on Whole30. They provide magnesium, zinc, and healthy fats. No excluded ingredients.

Low-FODMAPApproved

Pumpkin seeds are low in FODMAPs at standard serving sizes. Monash supports 28g (¼ cup) as low-FODMAP.

DASHApproved

Good source of magnesium, potassium, fiber, and polyunsaturated fats. Low sodium in unsalted form. Nutrient-dense and supports DASH principles. Often salted, so choose unsalted varieties.

ZoneCaution

Pumpkin seeds contain moderate fat (~9g per ounce) and protein (~9g per ounce), but are carb-dense (~5g per ounce). Omega-6 linoleic acid is elevated. Macro profile skews toward carbs; approximately 1 ounce = 1 fat block + carb contribution. Acceptable but requires careful portioning.

Good source of omega-3 (ALA), magnesium, zinc, and polyphenols. Anti-inflammatory compounds support immune function. Whole food with minimal processing. Solid choice for anti-inflammatory diet.

GLP-1 FriendlyApproved

Pumpkin seeds provide 8.5g protein, 1.7g fiber, and 1.7g omega-3 per ounce (28g). High in magnesium (156 mg per ounce), which supports digestion and may help with GLP-1-related constipation. Low calorie density (151 cal/oz). Nutrient-dense and work well in small portions.

Controversy Index

Score range: 19/10. Higher controversy = more disagreement between diets.

Consensus4.8Divisive

Diet-Specific Tips for Pumpkin seeds

Keto 8/10
  • 5g net carbs per ounce
  • 15g fat per ounce
  • 9g protein per ounce
  • Rich in magnesium and zinc
Vegan 9/10
  • Whole food
  • High protein content
  • Mineral-rich (magnesium, zinc)
  • Healthy fat profile
Paleo 8/10
  • whole unprocessed seed
  • ancestral food
  • nutrient-dense
  • high omega-6 ratio
Mediterranean 8/10
  • Rich in magnesium and zinc
  • Healthy fat profile
  • Whole food
  • Seeds are traditional Mediterranean
Whole30 8/10
  • Whole seed
  • No excluded ingredients
  • Nutrient-dense
Low-FODMAP 8/10
  • Monash tested: 28g low-FODMAP
  • Low fermentable carbohydrate content
  • Good magnesium and zinc source
DASH 8/10
  • High magnesium
  • High potassium
  • Good fiber source
  • Polyunsaturated fats
  • Choose unsalted
Zone 5/10
  • Moderate protein content
  • Elevated omega-6 linoleic acid
  • Carb-dense relative to fat
  • Requires precise portioning
  • Useful for plant-based meals
  • Omega-3 (ALA)
  • Magnesium
  • Zinc
  • Polyphenols
  • Whole food
  • High protein density
  • Good fiber
  • Magnesium content
  • Supports digestive health
  • Low calorie density
  • Nutrient-dense
  • Portion-friendly