Pumpkin seeds

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These treatments are very useful. They are strongly supported as effective by scientific evidence.
These treatments are useful. They are supported by scientific evidence as effective, but the evidence is not as strong.
These treatments are promising and may be useful. They have some evidence to support them, but more evidence is needed to be sure they work.
On the available evidence, these treatments do not seem to be effective.
These treatments have not been properly researched. It is not possible to say whether they are useful or not.
Safety or other concerns have been raised for the use of these treatments.

Pumpkin seeds are the small, dried edible seeds that come from pumpkins. They are also called pepitas.

Pumpkin seeds are nutritionally dense and contain many essential vitamins and minerals. It is not known how pumpkin seeds might help depression.

There is no scientific evidence looking at the use of pumpkin seeds to treat depression.

None are known.

Pumpkin seeds are widely available in supermarkets and health food shops.

Given the lack of evidence on pumpkin seeds, it cannot be recommended as a treatment for depression.

Last updated and reviewed: 27 November 2023