Pumpkin is an annual herbaceous plant of 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, pharmaceuticals, cosmetology and folk medicine.
Chemical composition and beneficial properties of pumpkin seeds
Seeds bring the greatest benefits; they contain a large number of useful substances:
- Vitamins: A, B, C, K, PP, E.
- Acid: folic acid, pantothenic acid.
- Essential amino acids: arginine, lysine, leucine, isoleucine, threonine.
- Unsaturated fatty acids: arachidonic acid, oleic acid, linolenic acid.
- Saturated fatty acids: arachidic acid, myristic acid.
- Minerals: Calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, iron, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium.
- Flavonoids.
- Glycosides.
- Ethers.
- Sterols.
- Pectin.
The caloric content is quite high, reaching 541 calories per 100 grams.
The folic acid contained in this composition prevents the development of fetal neural tube pathology and strengthens blood vessels.
Zinc improves circulation to the brain and strengthens the body's defenses.
Iron increases hemoglobin levels and improves 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.
Due to their rich chemical composition, pumpkin seeds have the following beneficial properties:
- Lower cholesterol levels.
- Regulates hormone production.
- Helps cope with depression and stress.
- Prevent the formation of urinary system stones.
- Treat constipation.
- Improve cerebral circulation.
- Improve memory.
- Removes waste, toxins and allergens from the body.
- They have antiparasitic effects.
- Strengthens hair and relieves dryness.
- Strengthen joints.
- Accelerates the regeneration of damaged tissue.
- Helps cope with nausea and intoxication in pregnant women.
Indications and contraindications for use
Since ancient times, seeds have been used to treat and prevent the following diseases:
- Worm infection.
- Cardiovascular disease.
- Cystitis.
- hepatitis.
- Cirrhosis, cholecystitis.
- Exhausted.
- Bronchitis, pneumonia.
- Depression, insomnia.
- constipate.
- Dermatitis, wounds, abrasions, burns.
- diabetes.
- Oncological diseases.
Pumpkin seeds are a great anti-parasitic agent and are used to treat tapeworms.
They have a slight diuretic effect, so their use is recommended when the urinary system is disturbed; they are safe for pregnant women.
Nucleus decoction removes free radicals and heavy metal salts from cells; it is an excellent anti-tumor agent.
They contain fatty acids that lower cholesterol levels and prevent the formation of cholesterol plaques, so they are recommended for people with cardiovascular disease.
Regular consumption of seeds can help you get rid of insomnia and depression.
There are many contraindications to consuming pumpkin seeds, including:
- Gastric ulcer.
- Intestinal diseases.
- Allergic reactions and individual intolerance to ingredients.
Overweight people should use caution as this product is high in calories.
Overeating can cause salt to build up in the joints, leading to the development of gout.
for worm infections
Pumpkin contains the amino acid cucurbitacin, which has a negative effect on worms, causing paralysis so that the worms detach from the intestinal wall and are naturally excreted from the body.
To treat worm infections from pumpkin seeds, eat pumpkins raw and use them to make a decoction or infusion.
For treatment and prevention, it is recommended to consume the seeds together with the peel.Adults need to eat up to 300 g of seeds, children under 10 years old - 150-200 g, under 10 years old 70-100 g.
The seeds mixed with milk have great healing properties.To prepare, you need to grind 100 grams of raw materials into powder, pour a cup of warm milk, and take 2-3 tablespoons before breakfast.
The decoction has the effect of clearing away heat and detoxifying.To prepare it, you need to grind a handful of seeds into powder, add a cup of hot water, boil it in a water bath and then cool it.Pass the resulting liquid through a sieve and take it before breakfast.Be sure to drink a laxative after taking it.The admission period shall not exceed 5 days.
Pumpkin seeds with honey not only help get rid of parasites but also enhance the body’s immunity and defenses.When preparing, you need to pour 200 grams of raw materials into 50 ml of cold water, add 50 grams of liquid honey, and stir evenly.Take one tablespoon on an empty stomach; after taking this, a laxative or enema is recommended.The course of treatment is 5-7 days.
To treat worms, use a mixture of pumpkin seeds, garlic and honey.You need to peel 200 grams of kernels, chop 4 cloves of garlic, and add 2 tablespoons of honey.Take one tablespoon of the resulting product before breakfast.The course of treatment is 7 days.
Pumpkin seeds are a treasure trove of useful substances; their benefits to the human body are immense.In folk medicine, they are used to treat urinary tract diseases, cardiovascular diseases, tuberculosis, bronchitis, are good for treating insomnia, depression, anxiety, aid in short-term recovery after surgery, and prevent the development of cancer.In official medicine, they are used to treat worm infections.They have a negative effect on roundworms, tapeworms and flukes.