Pumpkin is an annual herbaceous plant that belongs 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, pharmaceutical production, cosmetology and folk medicine.
Chemical composition and useful properties of pumpkin seeds
The seeds have great benefits;They contain many 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.
- 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 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:
- Lowers cholesterol levels.
- regulates the production of hormones.
- Helps to cope with depression and nervousness.
- Prevents the formation of stones in the urinary system.
- Treatment of constipation.
- Improves cerebral circulation.
- improves memory.
- Removes waste, toxins and allergens from the body.
- They have an antiparasitic effect.
- Strengthens hair and relieves dryness.
- Strengthening of joints.
- accelerates the regeneration of damaged tissues.
- Helps to 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:
- Infested with worms.
- Cardiovascular diseases.
- Cystitis.
- Hepatitis.
- Liver cirrhosis, cholecystitis.
- tiredness
- Bronchitis, pneumonia.
- Depression, insomnia.
- Constipation.
- Dermatitis, wounds, abrasions, burns.
- diabetes mellitus.
- Oncological diseases.
Pumpkin seeds are a good anti-parasitic and are used to treat tapeworms.
They have a mild diuretic effect, so it is recommended to use them in case of urinary system disorders;They are safe for pregnant women.
Decoction from nuclei removes free radicals and heavy metal salts from cells;It is an excellent anticancer agent.
Fatty acids contain low levels of cholesterol and prevent the formation of cholesterol plaques, so it is recommended for people with cardiovascular diseases.
Regular consumption of seeds can help you get rid of insomnia and depression.
There are a number of contraindications for the consumption of pumpkin seeds, such as:
- Stomach ulcer.
- Intestinal diseases.
- Allergic reaction and individual intolerance to components.
Use with caution for overweight people, as this product is high in calories.
Overeating can cause salt to build up in the joints, which can lead to gout.
Use for helminthic infestation
Pumpkin contains the amino acid cucurbitin, which has a negative effect on helminths, causing paralysis, as a result of which they are removed from the intestinal walls and naturally excreted from the human body.
To treat grain helminth infestation, pumpkin is eaten raw and a decoction or decoction is made from it.
For treatment and prevention, it is recommended to take the seeds together with the bark.Adults should eat up to 300 grams of seeds, children under 10 years old - 150-200 grams, under 10 years old 70-100 grams.
The 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.
Decoction has a cleansing effect.To prepare it, grind a handful of seeds into powder, add a glass of hot water, bring to a boil in a water bath and cool.Strain the resulting liquid through a sieve and take it in the morning before breakfast.Be sure to drink a laxative after taking it.The course of admission does not exceed 5 days.
Pumpkin seeds with honey not only help to remove helminths, but also increase the body's immunity and protection.To prepare, pour 200 grams of raw materials into 50 ml of chilled water, add 50 grams of liquid honey and mix.Take a 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.
You can use pumpkin seeds mixed with garlic and honey to treat helminthiasis.You need 200 grams of peeled grains, chop 4 cloves of garlic, 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 storehouse of useful substances;Their benefits for the human body are very great.In folk medicine, they are used for the treatment of pathologies of the urinary system, cardiovascular diseases, tuberculosis, bronchitis, they cope well with insomnia, depression, anxiety, help to recover quickly 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.