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, pharmacy, cosmetology and folk medicine.
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, pantothenic.
- Basic 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.
- Airs.
- Sterols.
- Pectins.
The calorie content is quite high and is 541 kcal per 100 grams.
Folic acid included in its composition prevents the development of neural tube pathologies in the fetus and strengthens blood vessels.
Zinc improves brain circulation and increases the body's defenses.
Iron increases the level of hemoglobin and improves the blood formula.
Magnesium and potassium strengthen the cardiovascular system.
Organic acids remove waste and toxins, cleanse the blood of free radicals and prevent their formation.
Due to its rich chemical composition, pumpkin seeds have the following useful properties:
- Reduces cholesterol levels.
- Regulate the production of hormones.
- Helps to overcome depression and nervous conditions.
- Prevents the formation of stones in the urinary system.
- Treat constipation.
- Improves brain circulation.
- Improves memory.
- Removes waste, toxins and allergens from the body.
- They have an antiparasitic effect.
- Strengthens hair and eliminates dryness.
- Strengthen the joints.
- Accelerate the recovery of damaged tissues.
- It helps pregnant women overcome nausea and toxicosis.
Indications and contraindications for use
Since ancient times, seeds have been used for the treatment and prevention of the following diseases:
- Worm infection.
- Cardiovascular diseases.
- Cystitis.
- Hepatitis.
- Liver cirrhosis, cholecystitis.
- Exhaustion.
- Bronchitis, pneumonia.
- Depression, insomnia.
- Constipation.
- Dermatitis, wounds, scratches, burns.
- Diabetes mellitus.
- Oncological diseases.
Pumpkin seed is a good antiparasitic agent and is used to treat tapeworms.
They have a mild diuretic effect, so they are recommended for use in case of urinary system disorders;are safe for pregnant women.
Decoctions made from nuclei remove free radicals and heavy metal salts from cells;it is an excellent antitumor agent.
Its fatty acids lower cholesterol levels and prevent the formation of cholesterol plaques, so it is recommended for people suffering from cardiovascular diseases.
Regular use of seeds can help you get rid of insomnia and depression.
There are a number of contraindications for the consumption of pumpkin seeds, which include:
- Stomach ulcer.
- Intestinal diseases.
- Allergic reaction and individual intolerance to components.
Use with caution for overweight people, as this product is high in calories.
Eating too much can cause salt to build up in the joints, which can lead to the development of gout.
Use for helminthic infestation
Pumpkin contains cucurbitin amino acid, which has a negative effect on helminths, paralyzes it, and as a result, is removed from the intestinal walls and excreted from the human body naturally.
To treat helminthic infection of the millet, pumpkins are consumed raw and a decoction or infusion is made from them.
For treatment and prevention, it is recommended to consume the seeds together with the peel.Adults need to eat up to 300 grams of seeds, children up to 10 years - 150-200 grams, up to 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 warm milk, take 2-3 tablespoons before breakfast.
The solution has a cleansing effect.To prepare it, you need to grind a handful of seeds into powder, add a glass of boiling 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, you must drink a laxative.The course of admission does not exceed 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 materials into 50 ml of cooled water, add 50 grams of liquid honey and mix.Take a spoon on an empty stomach;after taking it, it is recommended to take a laxative or do an enema.The course of treatment is 5-7 days.
You can use pumpkin seeds mixed with garlic and honey to treat helminths.You need 200 grams of peeled kernels, chop 4 cloves of garlic, add 2 tablespoons of honey.Take a spoonful of the resulting product 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, fight insomnia, depression, anxiety, help to recover in a short 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.