Pumpkin is an annual herbaceous plant from the Cucurbita family.An unpretentious plant that grows in almost all countries and is classified as a dietary product.Widely used in cooking, pharmaceuticals, cosmetology and folk medicine.
Chemical composition and beneficial properties of pumpkin seeds
The seeds are of greatest benefit;they contain a huge 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: arachidonic, myristic.
- Minerals: Ca, K, Mg, P, Na, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Se.
- Flavonoids.
- Glycosides.
- Ethers.
- sterols.
- Pectins.
The caloric content is quite high and amounts to 541 kcal per 100 grams.
The folic acid included in the composition prevents the development of pathologies of the fetal neural tube 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, purify the blood from free radicals and prevent their formation.
Thanks to its rich chemical composition, pumpkin seeds have the following beneficial properties:
- Lowers cholesterol levels.
- Regulate hormone production.
- It helps to deal with depression and nervous conditions.
- Prevents the formation of stones in the excretory system.
- Treat constipation.
- Improves cerebral blood circulation.
- Improves memory.
- Removes waste, toxins and allergens from the body.
- They have an antiparasitic effect.
- Strengthens hair and relieves dryness.
- Strengthening the joints.
- Accelerating the regeneration of damaged tissues.
- 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.
- Cirrhosis of the liver, cholecystitis.
- Exhaustion.
- Bronchitis, pneumonia.
- Depression, insomnia.
- constipation
- Dermatitis, wounds, abrasions, 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 disturbed;they are safe for pregnant women.
Core decoctions remove free radicals and heavy metal salts from cells;it is an excellent antitumor agent.
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 a number of contraindications for eating pumpkin seeds, they include:
- Stomach ulcer.
- Intestinal diseases.
- Allergic reaction and individual intolerance to the components.
Use with caution in overweight people, as this product is high in calories.
Overeating can cause salt to build up in the joints, which can lead to the development of gout.
Use in helminthic infestations
Pumpkin contains the amino acid cucurbitin, which has a negative effect on helminths, causing paralysis, as a result of which they are separated from the intestinal walls and eliminated from the human body naturally.
To treat helminth infestation of the nuts, the pumpkin is eaten raw and a decoction or infusion is prepared from them.
For treatment and prevention, it is recommended to eat 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.
The seeds mixed with milk have a good healing effect.To prepare, you need to grind 100 grams of raw material into a powder, pour a glass of warm milk, take 2-3 tablespoons before breakfast.
The decoction has a purifying 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.Strain the resulting liquid through a strainer and take it in the morning before breakfast.After taking it, do not forget 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 immunity and the body's 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 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 nuts, grind 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 pathologies of the urinary system, cardiovascular diseases, tuberculosis, bronchitis, cope well with insomnia, depression, anxiety, help in a short recovery time after surgery 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.