Pumpkin is an annual herbaceous plant that belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family.An unpretentious plant that grows in almost all countries and is classified as a dietary product.It is widely used in cooking, pharmacy, cosmetology and folk medicine.
Chemical composition and beneficial properties of pumpkin seeds
The seeds bring the greatest benefit;contain a huge 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 caloric content is quite high and amounts to 541 kcal per 100 grams.
Folic acid, which is included in the composition, prevents the development of neural tube pathologies in fetuses and strengthens blood vessels.
Zinc improves cerebral circulation and increases the body's defenses.
Iron increases the level of hemoglobin and improves the blood formula.
Magnesium and potassium strengthen the cardiovascular system.
Organic acids remove waste and toxins, clean the blood of free radicals and prevent their formation.
Due to its rich chemical composition, pumpkin seeds have the following beneficial properties:
- It lowers the cholesterol level.
- Regulates hormone production.
- It helps fight depression and nervous conditions.
- Prevents the formation of stones in the urinary system.
- Treat constipation.
- Improves cerebral circulation.
- Improves memory.
- Removes waste substances, 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.
- It helps to solve 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.
- Prison.
- Dermatitis, wounds, scratches, burns.
- diabetes mellitus.
- Oncological diseases.
Pumpkin seeds are a good anti-parasitic agent and are used to treat tapeworms.
They have a mild diuretic effect, so they are recommended for use in case of urinary system disorders;they are safe for pregnant women.
Decoctions from the nuclei remove free radicals and salts of heavy metals from the cells;this is an excellent antitumor agent.
The fatty acids they contain lower cholesterol levels and prevent the formation of cholesterol plaques, so they are recommended for people suffering from cardiovascular diseases.
Regular consumption of seeds can help you get rid of insomnia and depression.
There are a number of contraindications for the consumption of pumpkin seeds, namely:
- Stomach ulcer.
- Intestinal diseases.
- Allergic reaction and individual intolerance to components.
Use with caution for overweight people, as this product has a high calorie content.
Overeating can lead to salt build-up in the joints, which can lead to the development of gout.
It is used for helminthic infestation
Pumpkin contains the amino acid cucurbitin, which has a negative effect on helminths, causing paralysis, as a result of which they separate from the intestinal walls and are eliminated from the human body naturally.
For the treatment of helminthic infestation of the kernels, pumpkins are consumed raw, and a decoction or infusion is prepared from them.
For treatment and prevention, it is recommended to eat the seeds together with the peel.Adults should eat up to 300 grams of seeds, children up to 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, you need to grind 100 grams of raw material into powder, pour a glass of warm milk, take 2-3 spoons 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, boil in a water bath and cool.Strain the resulting liquid through a sieve and take it in the morning before breakfast.After taking it, be sure to drink a laxative.The course of reception does not exceed 5 days.
Pumpkin seeds with honey not only help to get rid of helminths, but also increase immunity and body defenses.To prepare, pour 200 grams of raw material into 50 ml of cooled water, add 50 grams of liquid honey and mix.Take a tablespoon on an empty stomach;after taking it, it is recommended to take laxatives or an enema.The course of treatment is 5-7 days.
You can use pumpkin seeds mixed with garlic and honey to treat helminthiasis.You need 200 grams of peeled kernels, grind 4 cloves of garlic, add 2 spoons of honey.Take one tablespoon of the resulting product before breakfast.The course of treatment is 7 days.
Pumpkin seeds are a storehouse of useful substances;their benefits for the human body are enormous.In folk medicine, they are used to treat pathologies of the urinary system, cardiovascular diseases, tuberculosis, bronchitis, cope well with insomnia, depression, anxiety, help to recover in a short time 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.