Pumpkin is an annual herbaceous plant belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family.An unpretentious plant that grows in almost every country and is considered a dietary product.It is widely used in cooking, pharmaceutical industry, cosmetology and folk medicine.
The chemical composition and beneficial properties of pumpkin seeds
The seeds bring the greatest benefit;they contain a huge amount of useful substances:
- Vitamins: A, B, C, K, PP, E.
- Acids: folic acid, pantothene.
- Essential amino acids: arginine, lysine, leucine, isoleucine, threonine.
- Unsaturated fatty acids: arachidone, oleic acid, linolenic.
- Saturated fatty acids: arachidic, myristic.
- Minerals: Ca, K, Mg, P, Na, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Se.
- Flavonoids.
- Glycosides.
- Ethers.
- Sterols.
- Pectins.
The calorie content is quite high and is 541 kcal per 100 grams.
The folic acid 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 the hemoglobin level and improves the blood formula.
Magnesium and potassium strengthen the cardiovascular system.
Organic acids remove waste products and toxins, cleanse the blood of free radicals, and prevent their formation.
Thanks to their rich chemical composition, pumpkin seeds have the following beneficial properties:
- It lowers cholesterol.
- Regulates hormone production.
- It helps to cope with depression and nervous conditions.
- It prevents the formation of stones in the urinary system.
- Treat constipation.
- Improves cerebral circulation.
- Improves memory.
- It removes waste products, toxins and allergens from the body.
- They have an anti-parasitic effect.
- Strengthens hair and relieves dryness.
- Strengthening the joints.
- Accelerating the regeneration of damaged tissues.
- It helps to cope with nausea and toxicosis in pregnant women.
Application indications and contraindications
Since ancient times, seeds have been used to treat and prevent the following diseases:
- Worm infestation.
- Cardiovascular diseases.
- Cystitis.
- Hepatitis.
- Liver cirrhosis, inflammation of the gallbladder.
- Exhaustion.
- Bronchitis, pneumonia.
- Depression, insomnia.
- Constipation.
- Skin inflammation, wounds, abrasions, 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 it is recommended to use them in case of urinary system disturbances;are safe for pregnant women.
Decoctions from the seeds remove free radicals and heavy metal salts from the cells;it is an excellent anti-tumor agent.
The fatty acids in them reduce cholesterol levels and prevent the formation of cholesterol plaques, so they are recommended for people suffering from cardiovascular diseases.
Regular consumption of the seeds can help you get rid of insomnia and depression.
There are many contraindications to the consumption of pumpkin seeds, they are as follows:
- Stomach ulcer.
- Intestinal diseases.
- Allergic reactions and individual intolerance to the 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 case of helminthic infection
Pumpkin contains the amino acid cucurbitin, which has a negative effect on intestinal worms, causing paralysis, as a result of which they detach from the intestinal walls and are naturally excreted from the human body.
To treat helminthic infection of the coccyx, pumpkin is eaten raw and made into a decoction or infusion.
For the purpose of treatment and prevention, it is recommended to eat the seeds together with the shell.Adults should eat no more than 300 grams of seeds, children under 10 should eat 150-200 grams, and children under 10 should eat 70-100 grams.
The seeds mixed with milk have a good healing effect.To make it, grind 100 grams of raw material into powder, pour a glass of warm milk, take 2-3 tablespoons before breakfast.
The decoction has a cleansing effect.To make it, grind a handful of seeds into powder, add a glass of hot water, boil in a water bath and cool.Filter the resulting liquid through a sieve and take it in the morning, before breakfast.Be sure to drink a laxative after taking it.The admission course is no more than 5 days.
Pumpkin seeds with honey not only help to get rid of helminths, but also increase the body's immunity and protection.To prepare, 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, taking a laxative or enema is recommended.The duration of the treatment is 5-7 days.
You can use pumpkin seeds mixed with garlic and honey to treat helminthiasis.You need 200 grams of peeled seeds, grind 4 cloves of garlic, add 2 tablespoons of honey.Take one tablespoon of the product before breakfast.The duration of the 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 urinary tract diseases, cardiovascular diseases, tuberculosis, bronchitis, cope well with insomnia, depression, and anxiety, help to recover quickly after surgery, and prevent the development of cancer.In official medicine, it is used to treat helminthic infections;they have a negative effect on roundworms, tapeworms and trematodes.