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 food product.Widely used in cooking, medicine, cosmetology and folk medicine.
Chemical composition and beneficial properties of pumpkin seeds
The seeds carry the most benefits;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: arachidin, myristic.
- Minerals: Ca, K, Mg, P, Na, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Se.
- Flavonoids.
- Glycosides.
- Ether.
- Sterols.
- Pectin.
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 nervous system diseases in the fetus and strengthens blood vessels.
Zinc improves blood circulation in the brain and increases the body's defenses.
Iron increases 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 their rich chemical composition, pumpkin seeds have the following beneficial properties:
- Lowers cholesterol levels.
- Regulate the production of hormones.
- Helps to cope with depression and nervous conditions.
- Prevents the formation of stones in the urinary tract.
- Treat constipation.
- Improves blood circulation in the brain.
- Improves memory.
- Removes waste, toxins and allergens from the body.
- They have an antiparasitic effect.
- Strengthens the hair and reduces dryness.
- Strengthen teams.
- Accelerate the regeneration of damaged tissues.
- Helps to cope with nausea and poisoning 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.
- Cirrhosis, cholecystitis.
- Fatigue.
- Bronchitis, pneumonia.
- Depression, insomnia.
- Constipation.
- Dermatitis, ulcers, sores, burns.
- Diabetes.
- Cancerous diseases.
Pumpkin seeds are a good antiparasitic agent and are used to treat tapeworms.
They have a mild diuretic effect, so they are recommended for use if the urinary system is disturbed;they are safe for pregnant women.
Decoctions from the essence remove free radicals and heavy metal salts from cells;this is an excellent anti-tumor drug.
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 several contraindications for consuming pumpkin seeds, including:
- Stomach ulcer.
- Intestinal diseases.
- Allergic reactions and individual intolerance to ingredients.
Use with caution for overweight people, as this product is high in calories.
Overeating can lead to salt build-up in the joints, which can lead to gout.
Use in helminthic infection
Pumpkin contains the amino acid cucurbitin, which has a negative effect on helminths, causing paralysis, as a result of which they detach from the intestinal walls and disappear from the human body naturally.
To treat helminthic infection of the core, pumpkin is consumed raw and a decoction or infusion is prepared from it.
For treatment and prevention, it is recommended to consume the seed together with the peel.Adults need to eat up to 300 grams of seeds, children under 10 years - 150-200 grams, under 10 years 70-100 grams.
Seeds mixed with milk have a good healing effect.To prepare, you need to grind 100 grams of raw materials into powder, pour a glass of hot milk, take 2-3 tablespoons before breakfast.
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.Pass the resulting liquid through a sieve and take it in the morning before breakfast.After taking it, be sure to drink a laxative.The intake period is not longer than 5 days.
Pumpkin seeds with honey not only help to get rid of helminths, but also increase the body's immunity and defenses.To prepare, you need to pour 200 grams of raw material into 50 ml of chilled 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 do an enema.The treatment period is 5-7 days.
To treat helminthiasis, you can use pumpkin seeds mixed with garlic and honey.You need 200 grams of peeled kernels, chop 4 cloves of garlic, add 2 tablespoons of honey.Take the resulting product one tablespoon before breakfast.The treatment period is 7 days.
Pumpkin seeds are a storehouse of useful substances;their benefits for the human body are extremely immense.In folk medicine, they are used to treat diseases of the urinary tract, cardiovascular diseases, tuberculosis, bronchitis, cope well with insomnia, depression, anxiety, help in a short time to recover from surgery and prevent the development of cancer.In official medicine, they are used to treat helminthic infections;they have a negative effect on roundworms, tapeworms and scaleworms.