Pumpkin is an annual herbaceous plant belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family.An uncommon plant that grows in most countries and is classified as a dietary product.Widely used in cooking, pharmacy, cosmetology and folk medicine.
Chemical composition and beneficial properties of pumpkin seeds
Seeds provide the greatest benefit;they contain a large amount of useful substances:
- Vitamins: A, B, C, K, PP, E.
- Acid: 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.
- Ether.
- Sterols.
- Pectin.
The calorie content is quite high and amounts to 541 kcal per 100 grams.
Folic acid, which is included in the preparation, 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 count.
Magnesium and potassium strengthen the cardiovascular system.
Organic acids remove waste and toxins, clean the blood from free radicals and prevent their formation.
Due to their rich chemical composition, pumpkin seeds have the following useful properties:
- Reduce cholesterol levels.
- Regulates hormone production.
- Helps deal with depression and nervous conditions.
- Prevents stone formation in the urinary system.
- Treat constipation.
- Improve brain circulation.
- Improve memory.
- Removes waste, toxins and allergens from the body.
- They have anti-parasitic effects.
- Strengthens hair and reduces dryness.
- Strengthen joints.
- Accelerates the regeneration of damaged tissues.
- Helps 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 infection.
- Cardiovascular disease.
- Cystitis.
- Hepatitis.
- Cirrhosis, cholecystitis.
- Exhausted.
- Bronchitis, pneumonia.
- Depression, insomnia.
- Constipation.
- Dermatitis, wounds, scratches, burns.
- Diabetes.
- Cancer.
Pumpkin seeds are good anti-parasitics 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.
Kernel decoction removes free radicals and heavy metal salts from cells;This is an excellent anti-cancer agent.
The fatty acids in them lower cholesterol and prevent the formation of cholesterol plaques, so they are recommended for people with cardiovascular diseases.
Consuming nuts regularly can help you get rid of insomnia and depression.
There are several contraindications to consuming pumpkin seeds, including:
- Stomach ulcers.
- Intestinal disease.
- Allergic reactions and individual intolerance to components.
Use caution when using for overweight people as this product is high in calories.
Eating too much can lead to a buildup of salt in the joints, which can lead to the development of gout.
Use for helminth infections
Pumpkin contains the amino acid cucurbitin, which has a negative effect on helminths, causing paralysis, causing them to separate from the intestinal wall and naturally eliminate from the human body.
To treat helminth infections in seeds, pumpkin is used raw and decoctions or infusions are made from them.
For treatment and prevention, the seeds should be consumed along with the peel.Adults need to eat a maximum of 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 medicinal effects.To prepare, you need to grind 100 grams of ingredients into powder, pour a glass of warm milk, drink 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 cup of hot water, boil in a water bath and let cool.Pour the resulting liquid through a sieve and drink in the morning before breakfast.After drinking, remember to take a laxative.The admission process should not exceed 5 days.
Pumpkin seeds with honey not only help get rid of helminths, but also increase the body's immunity and defenses.To prepare, you need to pour 200 grams of ingredients into 50 ml of cold water, add 50 grams of liquid honey and mix well.Take one tablespoon on an empty stomach;After taking it, you should take a laxative or enema.The course of treatment is 5-7 days.
To treat helminths, you can use pumpkin seeds mixed with garlic and honey.You need 200 grams of peeled kernels, mince 4 cloves of garlic, 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;Their benefits for the human body are enormous.In folk medicine, they are used to treat diseases of the urinary system, cardiovascular system, tuberculosis, bronchitis, cure insomnia, depression, anxiety, help recover after surgery in a short time, and prevent the development of cancer.In official medicine, they are used to treat helminth infections;they have a negative effect on roundworms, tapeworms and nematodes.