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.Widely used in cooking, pharmaceuticals, cosmetology and folk medicine.
Chemical composition and beneficial properties of pumpkin seeds
Seeds provide the greatest benefit;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: peanut, myristic.
- Minerals: Ca, K, Mg, P, Na, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Se.
- Flavonoids.
- Glycosides.
- Ethers.
- Sterols.
- Pectins.
The calorie content is quite high and amounts to 541 kcal per 100 grams.
Folic acid, 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, purify the blood from free radicals and prevent their formation.
Thanks to their rich chemical composition, pumpkin seeds have the following beneficial properties:
- Reduces cholesterol levels.
- Regulate hormone production.
- Helps deal 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 relieves dryness.
- Strengthen your joints.
- Accelerate the regeneration of damaged tissues.
- Helps cope with nausea and toxicosis of pregnant women.
Indications and contraindications for use
Since ancient times, seeds have been used for the treatment and prevention of the following diseases:
- Worm infestation.
- Cardiovascular diseases.
- Cystitis.
- Hepatitis.
- Liver cirrhosis, 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 their use is recommended in case of disruption of the urinary system;they are safe for pregnant women.
Decoctions from nuclei remove free radicals and heavy metal salts from cells;this is an excellent anticancer agent.
The fatty acids they contain lower cholesterol levels and prevent the formation of cholesterol plaques, which is why they are recommended for people who suffer from cardiovascular diseases.
Regular consumption of seeds can help you get rid of insomnia and depression.
There are numerous contraindications to consuming pumpkin seeds, including:
- Stomach ulcer.
- Intestinal diseases.
- Allergic reaction and individual intolerance to the components.
Use with caution for overweight people, as this product is high in calories.
Eating too much can lead to salt buildup in the joints, which can lead to the development of gout.
Use for helminth infestation
Pumpkin contains the amino acid cucurbitin, which has a negative effect on helminths, causing their paralysis, as a result of which they detach from the intestinal walls and are naturally eliminated from the human body.
To treat helminth infestation of grains, pumpkin is eaten 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 need to 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 it is necessary to grind 100 grams of raw material into 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, bring to a boil in a water bath and cool.Pass the liquid obtained through a strainer and take it in the morning before breakfast.After taking it, be sure to drink a laxative.The admission course lasts no more than 5 days.
Pumpkin seeds with honey not only help get rid of helminths, but also increase immunity and the body's defenses.To prepare it, you need to 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 it is recommended to take a laxative or do an enema.The course of treatment is 5-7 days.
To cure helminthiasis, you can use pumpkin seeds mixed with garlic and honey.You will need 200 grams of peeled grains, chop 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 extremely 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 time to recover after surgery and prevent the development of cancer.In official medicine they are used to treat helminth infestations;have a negative effect on roundworms, tapeworms and trematodes.