Pumpkin is an annual herbaceous plant from the Cucurbitaceae family.An unpretentious plant that grows in almost all countries and is classified as a dietary product.Widely used in cooking, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics 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 acid, pantothenic acid.
- Essential amino acids: Arginine, Lysine, Leucine, Isoleucine, Threonine.
- Unsaturated fatty acids: arachidonic acid, oleic acid, linolenic acid.
- Saturated fatty acids: arachidic acid, myristic acid.
- Minerals: Ca, K, Mg, P, Na, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Se.
- Flavonoids.
- glycosides.
- Ether.
- sterols.
- Pectins.
The calorie 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 diseases in the fetus and strengthens blood vessels.
Zinc improves cerebral circulation and strengthens the body's defenses.
Iron increases hemoglobin levels and improves blood formula.
Magnesium and potassium strengthen the cardiovascular system.
Organic acids remove waste and toxins, cleanse the blood of free radicals and prevent them from forming.
Due to their rich chemical composition, pumpkin seeds have the following beneficial properties:
- Reduces cholesterol levels.
- Regulate the production of hormones.
- Helps to cope with depression and nervous conditions.
- Prevents the formation of stones in the urinary system.
- Treat constipation.
- Improves cerebral circulation.
- Improves memory.
- Removes waste, toxins and allergens from the body.
- They have an antiparasitic effect.
- Strengthens hair and relieves dryness.
- Strengthen joints.
- Accelerate the regeneration of damaged tissue.
- Helps to cope with nausea and toxicosis in pregnant women.
Indications and contraindications for use
Since ancient times, seeds have been used to treat and prevent 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 anti-parasite agent and are used to treat tapeworms.
They have a mild diuretic effect and are therefore recommended for use in disorders of the urinary system;They are safe for pregnant women.
Decoctions from cell nuclei remove free radicals and heavy metal salts from the cells;This is an excellent antitumor agent.
The fatty acids it contains lower cholesterol levels and prevent the formation of cholesterol plaques, which is why they are recommended for people with cardiovascular diseases.
Eating seeds regularly can help you get rid of insomnia and depression.
There are a number of contraindications to consuming pumpkin seeds, including:
- Stomach ulcer.
- intestinal diseases.
- Allergic reaction and individual intolerance to components.
Use with caution if you are overweight as this product is high in calories.
Overeating can lead to salt buildup in the joints, which can lead to the development of gout.
Use in helminth infestations
Pumpkin contains the amino acid cucurbitin, which has a negative effect on helminths and causes paralysis, as a result of which they detach from the intestinal walls and are naturally excreted from the human body.
To treat helminthic infestation of the seeds, pumpkin is consumed raw and a decoction or infusion is prepared from it.
For treatment and prevention, it is recommended to consume the seeds together with the shell.Adults need to eat up to 300 grams of seeds, children under 10 years old – 150-200 grams, under 10 years old 70-100 grams.
Seeds mixed with milk have good healing properties.To prepare it, you need to grind 100 grams of raw material into 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.Strain the resulting liquid through a sieve and take it in the morning before breakfast.Be sure to drink a laxative after taking it.The duration of admission is a maximum of 5 days.
Pumpkin seeds with honey not only help get rid of helminths, but also strengthen the body's immunity and defenses.To prepare it, you need to pour 200 grams of raw material into 50 ml of chilled water, add 50 grams of liquid honey and mix.Take one tablespoon on an empty stomach;After taking it, it is recommended to take a laxative or an enema.The duration of treatment is 5-7 days.
To treat helminthiasis, you can use pumpkin seeds mixed with garlic and honey.You need 200 grams of peeled seeds, chop 4 cloves of garlic and add 2 tablespoons of honey.Take the resulting product one tablespoon before breakfast.The duration of treatment is 7 days.
Pumpkin seeds are a storehouse of useful substances;Their benefits for the human body are extremely enormous.In folk medicine, they are used to treat diseases of the urinary system, cardiovascular diseases, tuberculosis and bronchitis.They cope well with insomnia, depression and anxiety, help to recover after surgery in a short time 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.