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.It is widely used in cooking, pharmaceuticals, cosmetology and folk medicine.
Chemical composition and beneficial properties of pumpkin seeds
The seeds bring 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.
- The ethers.
- Sterols.
- Pectins.
The calorie content is quite high and reaches 541 kcal per 100 grams.
Folic acid, which is included in 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 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 beneficial properties:
- Reduces cholesterol levels.
- They regulate the production of hormones.
- It 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 removes dryness.
- Tighten the joints.
- Accelerate the regeneration of damaged tissues.
- It helps to cope with nausea and toxicosis of pregnant women.
Indications and contraindications for use
Since ancient times, the seeds have been used for the treatment and prevention of the following diseases:
- Worm infestation.
- Cardiovascular diseases.
- Cystitis.
- Hepatitis.
- Liver cirrhosis, cholecystitis.
- Fatigue.
- Bronchitis, pneumonia.
- Depression, insomnia.
- Constipation.
- Dermatitis, wounds, scratches, 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 they are recommended for use if the urinary system is damaged;are safe for pregnant women.
Boils from nuclei remove free radicals and heavy metal salts from cells;this is an excellent antitumor agent.
Fatty acids 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, these include:
- Stomach ulcer.
- Intestinal diseases.
- Allergic reaction and individual intolerance to ingredients.
Use with caution for overweight people, as this product is high in calories.
Eating too much can lead to salt build-up in the joints, which can lead to the development of gout.
It is used for helminthic infection
Pumpkin contains the amino acid cucurbitin, which negatively affects helminths, causing paralysis, as a result of which they detach from the intestinal walls and are eliminated from the human body naturally.
To treat helminthic infestation of the kernels, pumpkin is consumed raw and a decoction or infusion is prepared from them.
For treatment and prevention, it is recommended to consume the seeds together with the peel.Adults should 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 material into powder, pour a glass of warm milk, take 2-3 spoons before breakfast.
Boiling has a cleansing effect.To prepare it, you need to grind a handful of seeds into powder, add a glass of hot water, put them to boil in a water bath and cool.Pass the obtained juice through a sieve and take it in the morning before breakfast.After taking, be sure to drink a laxative.The course of admission is no more than 5 days.
Pumpkin seeds with honey not only help to get rid of helminths, but also increase the immunity and defense of the body.To prepare, pour 200 grams of raw material into 50 ml of cold water, add 50 grams of liquid honey and mix.Take a tablespoon on an empty stomach;after taking, it is recommended to take a laxative or do an enema.The course 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 grains, grind 4 cloves of garlic, add 2 spoons 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 extremely great.In folk medicine, they are used to treat pathologies of the urinary system, cardiovascular diseases, tuberculosis, bronchitis, cope well with insomnia, depression, anxiety, help in quick recovery after 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 trematodes.