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 food product.Widely used in cooking, pharmacy, cosmetology and traditional medicine.
Chemical composition and properties of pumpkin seeds
Seeds provide the greatest benefit;they contain a large number 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.
- Ether.
- Sterols.
- Pectin.
The calorie content is quite high, namely 541 kcal per 100 grams.
Folic acid, which is included in its composition, prevents the development of neural tube pathology in the fetus and strengthens blood vessels.
Zinc improves brain 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, cleanse the blood of free radicals, and prevent their formation.
Due to their rich chemical composition, pumpkin seeds have the following beneficial properties:
- Reduces cholesterol levels.
- Regulates hormone production.
- Helps overcome depression and nervous conditions.
- Prevents the formation of stones in the urinary tract system.
- Treating constipation.
- Improves brain circulation.
- Improve memory.
- Removes waste, toxins and allergens from the body.
- They have antiparasitic effects.
- Strengthens hair and reduces dryness.
- Strengthens joints.
- Accelerates the regeneration of damaged tissue.
- Helps to overcome 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 disease.
- cystitis.
- Hepatitis.
- Liver cirrhosis, cholecystitis.
- Fatigue.
- Bronchitis, pneumonia.
- Depression, insomnia.
- Constipation.
- Dermatitis, wounds, abrasions, burns.
- Diabetes mellitus.
- Oncological disease.
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.
Decoction of the nuclei removes free radicals and heavy metal salts from cells;it is an excellent antitumor agent.
The fatty acids it contains lower cholesterol levels and prevent the formation of cholesterol plaques, so it is recommended for people suffering from cardiovascular diseases.
Regular consumption of whole grains can help you get rid of insomnia and depression.
There are several contraindications to consuming pumpkin seeds, including:
- Gastric pains.
- Intestinal disease.
- Allergic reactions and individual intolerance to components.
Use with caution for overweight people, as this product is high in calories.
Overeating can cause salt buildup in the joints, which can lead to the development of gout.
Use for worm infestations
Pumpkin contains the amino acid cucurbitin, which has a negative effect on worms, causing paralysis, as a result of which they detach from the intestinal walls and are excreted from the human body naturally.
To treat worm infestation of seeds, pumpkin is consumed raw, and a decoction or infusion is made from it.
For treatment and prevention, it is recommended to consume the seeds along with the skin.Adults need to eat up to 300 grams of grain, children under 10 years old - 150-200 grams, under 10 years old 70-100 grams.
Seeds mixed with milk have a good healing effect.To prepare it, you need to grind 100 grams of raw materials to a powder state, pour a glass of warm milk, take 2-3 tablespoons before breakfast.
The decoction has a cleansing effect.To prepare it, you need to grind a handful of seeds to a powder state, add a glass of hot water, boil in a water bath and cool.The resulting liquid is passed through a filter and drunk in the morning before breakfast.After drinking it, be sure to take a laxative.The course of admission is no more than 5 days.
Pumpkin seeds with honey not only help get rid of worms, but also increase immunity and body defenses.To prepare it, you need to pour 200 grams of raw materials into 50 ml of cold water, add 50 grams of liquid honey and stir.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 treat worms, you can use pumpkin seeds mixed with garlic and honey.You need 200 grams of peeled corn kernels, mince 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;The benefits for the human body are enormous.In folk medicine, they are used to treat pathologies of the urinary system, cardiovascular diseases, tuberculosis, bronchitis, they cope well with 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 helminth infestations;they have a negative effect on roundworms, tapeworms and trematodes.