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, pharmacy, cosmetology and folk medicine.
Chemical composition and beneficial properties of pumpkin seeds
The seeds bring 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: arachidic, myristic.
- Minerals: Ca, K, Mg, P, Na, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Se.
- Flavonoids.
- Glucoses.
- Ethers.
- Sterols.
- Pectins.
The calorie content is quite high and amounts to 541 kcal per 100 grams.
Folic acid, which is 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 composition.
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:
- Lowers cholesterol levels.
- Regulate hormone production.
- It helps to 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 the joints.
- Accelerating the regeneration of damaged tissues.
- It helps to treat nausea and intoxication of pregnant women.
Indications and contraindications for use
Since ancient times, the seeds have been used to treat and prevent 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 tapeworm.
They have a mild diuretic effect, so they are recommended for use in case of a urinary tract disorder.are safe for pregnant women.
Decoctions from the kernels remove free radicals and heavy metal salts from the cells.this is an excellent anti-cancer agent.
Fatty acids that contain lower cholesterol levels and prevent the formation of cholesterol plaques are therefore recommended for people suffering from cardiovascular diseases.
Regular consumption of seeds can help you get rid of insomnia and depression.
There are many contraindications to eating pumpkin seeds, these include:
- Stomach ulcer.
- Intestinal diseases.
- Allergic reaction and individual intolerance to the ingredients.
Use with caution for overweight people, as this product is high in calories.
Overeating can lead to salt build-up in the joints, which can lead to the development of gout.
Use for helminthic infestation
Pumpkin contains the amino acid cucurbitin, which has a negative effect on helminths, causing paralysis, causing them to detach from the walls of the intestine and be eliminated from the human body in a natural way.
To treat helminth infestation of the kernels, the pumpkin is consumed raw and a decoction or infusion is prepared from them.
For treatment and prevention, it is recommended to eat the seeds together with the peel.Adults should eat up to 300 grams of seeds, children under 10 years - 150-200 grams, under 10 years 70-100 grams.
The seeds mixed with milk have a good healing effect.For preparation, you need 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 cleansing effect.To prepare it, you need to grind a handful of seeds into powder, add a glass of hot water, boil in a water bath and cool.Pass the resulting liquid through a strainer and take it in the morning before breakfast.After taking it, be sure to drink a laxative.The duration of the introduction 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.For preparation, you need to pour 200 grams of raw material into 50 ml of ice 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.
For the treatment of helminthiasis, you can use pumpkin seeds mixed with garlic and honey.You need 200 grams of peeled kernels, 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 huge.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 helminthic infestations.have a negative effect on roundworms, tapeworms and nematodes.