Pumpkin is an annual herbaceous plant belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family.An unpretentious plant that grows in almost all countries and is classified as a dietary product.Widely used in cooking, pharmaceuticals, cosmetology and folk medicine.
Chemical composition and beneficial properties of pumpkin seeds.
The seeds provide the greatest benefit;They contain a large amount of useful substances:
- Vitamins: A, B, C, K, PP, E.
- Acids: folic, pantothenic.
- Essential amino acids: arginine, lysine, leucine, isoleucine, threonine.
- Unsaturated fatty acids: arachidonic, oleic, linolenic.
- Saturated fatty acids: arachidic, myristic.
- Minerals: Ca, K, Mg, P, Na, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Se.
- Flavonoids.
- Glycosides.
- Ethers.
- Sterols.
- Pectins.
The calorie content is quite high and amounts to 541 kcal per 100 grams.
Folic acid, which is part of the composition, prevents the development of neural tube pathologies in the fetus and strengthens blood vessels.
Zinc improves cerebral circulation and increases the body's defenses.
Iron increases hemoglobin levels and improves blood formula.
Magnesium and potassium strengthen the cardiovascular system.
Organic acids eliminate waste and toxins, cleanse the blood of free radicals and prevent their formation.
Due to its rich chemical composition, pumpkin seeds have the following beneficial properties:
- Reduces cholesterol levels.
- Regulate hormone production.
- Helps deal with depression and nervous states.
- Prevents the formation of stones in the urinary system.
- Treats constipation.
- Improves cerebral circulation.
- Improves memory.
- Eliminates waste, toxins and allergens from the body.
- They have an antiparasitic effect.
- Strengthens hair and relieves dryness.
- Strengthen the joints.
- Accelerate the regeneration of damaged tissues.
- Helps cope with nausea and toxicosis of pregnant women.
Indications and contraindications for use.
Since ancient times, seeds have been used for the treatment and prevention of the following diseases:
- Worm infestation.
- Cardiovascular diseases.
- Cystitis.
- Hepatitis.
- Liver cirrhosis, cholecystitis.
- Exhaustion.
- Bronchitis, pneumonia.
- Depression, insomnia.
- Constipation.
- Dermatitis, wounds, abrasions, burns.
- Diabetes mellitus.
- Oncological diseases.
Pumpkin seeds are a good antiparasitic agent and are used to treat tapeworms.
They have a mild diuretic effect, so their use is recommended in case of alteration of the urinary system;They are safe for pregnant women.
Decoctions of the nuclei remove free radicals and heavy metal salts from cells;this is an excellent antitumor agent.
The fatty acids they contain reduce cholesterol levels and prevent the formation of cholesterol plaques, which is why they are recommended for people who suffer from cardiovascular diseases.
Regular consumption of seeds can help you get rid of insomnia and depression.
There are a number of contraindications to the consumption of pumpkin seeds, including:
- Stomach ulcer.
- intestinal diseases.
- Allergic reaction and individual intolerance to components.
Use with caution in overweight people, as this product is high in calories.
Overeating can cause salt to build up in the joints, which can lead to the development of gout.
Use for helminthic infestation.
Pumpkin contains the amino acid cucurbitin, which has a negative effect on helminths, causing paralysis, due to which they detach from the intestinal walls and are eliminated from the human body naturally.
To treat helminthic infestation of grains, the pumpkin is consumed raw and a decoction or infusion is prepared from it.
For treatment and prevention, it is recommended to consume the seeds along with the peel.Adults need to eat up to 300 grams of seeds, children under 10 years old - 150-200 grams, children under 10 years old - 70-100 grams.
The seeds mixed with milk have a good healing effect.To prepare it, you need to grind 100 grams of raw materials into a powder, pour a glass of warm milk and take 2-3 tablespoons before breakfast.
The decoction has a cleansing effect.To prepare it, you need to grind a handful of seeds into powder, add a glass of hot water, bring to a boil in a water bath and cool.Pass the resulting liquid through a strainer and drink it in the morning before breakfast.After taking it, be sure to drink a laxative.The admission course does not exceed 5 days.
Pumpkin seeds with honey not only help eliminate helminths, but also increase the body's immunity and defenses.To prepare it, you need to pour 200 grams of raw materials into 50 ml of cold water, add 50 grams of liquid honey and mix.Take a tablespoon on an empty stomach;After taking it, it is recommended to take a laxative or have an enema.The course of treatment is 5 to 7 days.
To treat helminthiasis, you can use pumpkin seeds mixed with garlic and honey.You need 200 grams of peeled grains, chop 4 cloves of garlic and add 2 tablespoons of honey.Take the resulting product one tablespoon before breakfast.The course of treatment is 7 days.
Pumpkin seeds are a storehouse of useful substances;Its benefits for the human body are extremely enormous.In folk medicine, they are used to treat pathologies of the urinary system, cardiovascular diseases, tuberculosis, bronchitis, they cope well with insomnia, depression, anxiety, help to quickly recover after surgery and prevent the development of cancer.In official medicine they are used to treat helminthic infestations;They have a negative effect on roundworms, tapeworms and trematodes.