A Neuroscientist Says Eating *This* Seed Can Help With The Afternoon Slump

On a recent episode of the mindbodygreen podcast, clinical neuroscientist psychiatrist Daniel Amen, M.D., author of You, Happier: The 7 Neuroscience Secrets of Feeling Good Based on Your Brain Type, gave us the inside scoop on a tasty (and nutritious) food to help combat that midday sluggishness. Any guesses? We're talking about pumpkin seeds. 

In addition to their blood-sugar-balancing benefits, pumpkin seeds are high in iron2, with an ounce of seeds offering 11% of the recommended daily intake (not bad for a midday snack). Without enough iron, you may feel fatigued, dizzy, and exhausted3 (similar to the 3 p.m. slump), and considering our bodies don't produce the essential mineral on their own, it's pretty easy to face a gap. 

Not only do these powerhouse seeds have essential nutrients, but they're also incredibly versatile and can fit into your diet in countless ways. Some of our favorites? Include the seeds as a crunchy salad ingredient, blend them into a smoothie, sprinkle them on soups, or roast them with some flavorful spices for a simple, crispy snack. Or you can always grab a handful and nibble away—when it comes to recipe inspiration, this seed has quite the range. 

If you need some help pushing through that afternoon energy lull, want to add more fiber to your meals, or potentially lack iron in your day-to-day diet, reach for a handful of pumpkin seeds to help fill these gaps. Sure, a cup of coffee can act as a short-term pick-me-up, but pumpkin seeds fill you up with the nutrients your brain craves.