Pumpkin has been known for several millennia BC. On the territory of Russia, this vegetable became widespread in the 16th century. Today pumpkin is not only a valuable natural product, but is also used as an effective medicinal and cosmetic product. Its seeds have special beneficial properties. As a complementary therapy, they are used to treat various diseases, as well as to restore skin, hair and nails. But in order to improve health and appearance, you need to know about the benefits and dangers of pumpkin seeds.
Content
Composition and benefits of pumpkin seeds
A huge amount of vitamins, minerals, acids and biologically active substances are concentrated in pumpkin seeds. An important feature of the product is that it does not accumulate toxic substances.
Chemical composition and KBZhU
Pumpkin seeds are a storehouse of vitamins and nutrients that the body needs.
The seeds of a round gourd are most useful, rather than an oblong, shaped like a melon
Useful properties of the product
Due to their rich chemical composition, pumpkin seeds have the following beneficial properties:
- anti-inflammatory;
- anthelmintic;
- calming;
- fortifying;
- diuretics;
- choleretic;
- cleansing;
- antioxidant;
- wound healing;
- anti-sclerotic;
- antiallergic;
- anti-aging.
The above qualities of seeds and the minimum number of contraindications make them a product useful for both adults and children. With regular use of this product in food, the activity of the cardiovascular and nervous systems is normalized, the work of the brain and gastrointestinal tract improves, hematopoiesis is stimulated, and immunity is strengthened.
With the help of pumpkin seeds, efficiency is rapidly increased and hormone production is regulated
Pumpkin seed formulations are used to treat:
- bronchitis;
- constipation;
- anemia;
- osteoporosis;
- hypertension;
- angina pectoris;
- insomnia;
- diabetes mellitus;
- diseases of the thyroid gland.
Benefits for women
For women, the product helps to stop the process of leaching calcium from the body, which is often found in adulthood. They are actively fighting diseases of the genitourinary system. It is very beneficial to consume pumpkin seeds during menopause, as they contain a sufficient amount of phytoestrogens. These plant hormones reduce discomfort during hot flashes, eliminate depressive conditions, and improve sleep. The large amount of tryptophan in the seeds helps relieve headaches and joint pain.
Pumpkin seeds help fight age-related changes in the skin, help restore its elasticity and even color, as well as smooth wrinkles. When applied correctly, both internally and externally seed-based formulations, the skin becomes smooth and refreshed.
Pumpkin seed home remedies improve nail health, strengthen hair roots, and eliminate dandruff and itching
Benefits for men
It is also recommended to consume pumpkin seeds regularly for men, especially after forty years. The high content of zinc and lignin in them helps to prevent the development of prostate adenoma and various inflammations of the genital organs. Seeds increase testosterone levels, which improves potency and sperm quality. Therefore, they are often used as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of male infertility.
Currently, a large number of men suffer from atherosclerosis, which leads to the development of heart attacks and strokes. The large amount of amino acids in pumpkin seeds helps fight these diseases. For those representatives of the stronger sex who experience baldness, it is recommended to use homemade hair masks based on pumpkin seeds.
The benefits and harms of pumpkin seeds during heat treatment and cooking methods
In order for pumpkin seeds to retain all the useful substances in the maximum amount, they must be properly procured and stored. This is done like this.
- The seeds must be removed from the pumpkin, cleaned of veins and rinsed well.
- Spread the seeds in a thin layer on a baking sheet and dry in a sunny place, stirring occasionally. An oven or dryer for harvesting pumpkin seeds is not suitable, since during the drying process most of the valuable elements (vitamins, enzymes, enzymes) are destroyed.
- After the seed skins are dry and brittle, spread them into cloth bags or glass jars with lids.
Storage of finished raw materials should be carried out in a cool and dry room throughout the year.
It is undesirable to store pumpkin seeds in plastic bags
Raw
If pumpkin seeds are used for healing, they must be raw. They are dried and used both whole and in crushed form. It is advisable to use the seeds of your own harvest. A store-bought product may contain various additives.
Fried
Roasted seeds are not recommended for medicinal purposes. They are most often used to prepare various culinary dishes as an original seasoning. During frying, the taste of the product is enhanced, but a large amount of nutrients is lost. In addition, roasted sunflower seeds contain a significant amount of oxidized fats, various peroxides and aldehydes. Therefore, their frequent use not only does not bring health benefits, but can also be harmful.
The calorie content of fried pumpkin seeds (about 610 kcal) can be equated to a serving of pork kebab
Dried
It is best to use dried pumpkin seeds: they are more useful and well absorbed in the body. They should be eaten peeled, while you can add seeds to cereals, meat dishes, baked goods, homemade bread, etc.
Purified
If peeled pumpkin seeds are required for food or for the preparation of medicines, it is recommended to peel them immediately before use. The shell protects the seed from external influences. During storage, peeled seeds are quickly oxidized and become not only unpleasant in taste, but also hazardous to health. In addition, the peel and the film underneath contain significantly more nutrients than the grains themselves.
To enhance the effect of the treatment, you should either chew whole pumpkin seeds well, or make meal from them, grind in a coffee grinder.Depending on the disease and in accordance with the recipe, it can be mixed in raw eggs, honey, milk and other ingredients. Thorough grinding of pumpkin seeds promotes better absorption of valuable elements.
Germinated
Sprouted pumpkin seeds have the greatest healing effect. To do this, they should be laid out on a cloth in a shallow dish and filled with a little water. The container should be placed in a well-lit and warm place. Unlike, for example, wheat, you should not expect sprouts from pumpkin seeds. They can be consumed 12 hours after soaking. Depending on taste preferences, the germination process can be continued for up to three days. In this case, you need to rinse the seeds several times a day and fill them with fresh water. Sprouted raw materials can be grinded into a gruel using a blender. It is a biologically active product that is well digested.
The substances contained in pumpkin seed gruel are better absorbed than from dry seeds
Pumpkin seed oil
Pumpkin seeds are also used to produce oil. It has a higher concentration of nutrients than the seeds themselves, and is also easy to use. It can be used for both culinary and medicinal and cosmetic purposes. It has a greenish brown color and a distinct nutty flavor.
The most effective is cold-pressed pumpkin seed oil. When choosing, you need to pay attention to its cost. A high-quality product cannot have a low price, since it takes three kilograms of seeds to obtain one liter of oil. It is also advisable to purchase dark glass packaging, which prevents oxidation processes.
Pumpkin seed oil can be used as an emollient, to protect from wind or cold, and for chapped or chapped skin
Pumpkin seed milk
For health purposes, you can get milk from the product. It is a delicious and healthy drink that is easy to make at home. To do this, you need to take the following ingredients:
- pumpkin seeds - 1 glass;
- water - 350 ml;
- dates - 5-7 pieces;
- cinnamon to taste.
Cooking method:
- Soak the pumpkin seeds in the peel for 2-3 hours.
- Combine the soaked seeds with water, scroll in a blender and strain.
- Beat the resulting milk with peeled dates and cinnamon.
This drink not only helps in the treatment of many diseases, but also improves the appearance. Drinks should be taken daily instead of breakfast for a week. After that, you need to take a break for 5 days and start drinking milk again.
With the help of milk you can get rid of some parasites
Contraindications and possible harm
In addition to medicinal properties, pumpkin seeds have some contraindications. They should not be consumed if you have:
- diseases of the gastrointestinal tract in the acute stage;
- urolithiasis and cholelithiasis;
- cholecystitis;
- pancreatitis;
- diarrhea;
- allergic reaction;
- individual intolerance.
Since pumpkin seeds are high in calories, exceeding the recommended daily allowance can lead to weight gain. The product should be used with caution in case of low acidity of gastric juice. If you have problems with your stomach or intestines, you should immediately stop using the seeds. Also, pumpkin seeds do not need to be clicked, but peeled beforehand. This will help preserve the tooth enamel.
How to use: daily allowance
In the absence of contraindications, nutritionists recommend that adults consume no more than 300 g of pumpkin seeds per day. For children under 5 years old, 75 g is enough, and from 5 to 10 years old - 150 g of the product. Pumpkin seeds can be consumed as a stand-alone product or used as an ingredient in soups, side dishes, salads, appetizers, sauces and creams.Seeds are also added to various baked goods and drinks.
Nuances of use during pregnancy
Pumpkin seeds will be useful for women at any stage of pregnancy. They fight very well with toxicosis, which often causes discomfort in the first trimester. In the future, the seeds help to cope with constipation and swelling. Their balanced chemical composition makes it possible for the natural cleansing of the intestines and the removal of excess fluid.
In order for a woman to feel comfortable during pregnancy, it is enough to grind dried pumpkin seeds together with the peel and take 50 g of the powder during the day with water or milk. You can also add it to a variety of culinary dishes or drinks to your liking.
Everything is fine in moderation, so it is enough for the expectant mother to eat about 100 g of dried seeds per day. It is also not recommended to eat them in the evening due to their high calorie content.
Regular consumption of pumpkin seeds saturates the body of the expectant mother and fetus with a sufficient amount of vitamins and minerals
When breastfeeding
Eating pumpkin seeds while breastfeeding stimulates milk production. But at the same time, you need to monitor the child's reaction. If there are no side effects, then you can consume from 50 to 100 g of dried seeds or meal per day.
For complementary foods
For complementary feeding, dried pumpkin seeds are recommended to be included in the diet of a child from one year old. To do this, they are peeled, ground into powder and added in small amounts to cereals and vegetable purees. After the child's teeth erupt and get stronger, you can give him several whole grains without a shell.
Pumpkin Seed Medicines Recipes
For the treatment of various diseases with pumpkin seeds, you can use the following recipes:
- Pancreatitis With this disease, it is enough to eat about 30 pumpkin crushed seeds without a peel half an hour before breakfast. They will help normalize the work of the pancreas and restore the gastric mucosa. In this case, the disease should not be in the acute stage. The seeds cannot be fried, salty or sweet. This situation can only aggravate the course of the disease. It is advisable to consume pumpkin seeds with fresh vegetables, which will improve digestion.
- Diabetes. Pumpkin seeds help maintain proper blood glucose levels. In this case, the glycemic index of the product is 25. With diabetes mellitus 2 tbsp. l. pumpkin seed meal is brewed in 500 ml of boiling water, infused for an hour, filtered and taken twice a day, 200 ml. The course lasts for a month. After that, you need to take a two-week break and, if necessary, repeat the treatment.
- Giardiasis. To remove parasites, you need to grind 300 g of peeled pumpkin seeds into powder and combine them with 50 ml of water and 100 g of honey. Mix the resulting mixture well and eat in small portions 1 hour before breakfast. Treatment lasts for a week.
- BPH. It is recommended to use pumpkin-honey balls for both treatment and prevention of the disease. To do this, grind one glass of peeled pumpkin seeds, combine with 150 ml of honey and mix thoroughly. After that, small balls must be formed from the resulting mixture and stored in the refrigerator. Take one piece half an hour before breakfast for a month. At the end of the course, you need to take a break for 10 days, and then resume treatment.
The use of pumpkin seeds with honey for the prevention of prostatitis reduces the incidence of exacerbations of the chronic course to once a year
- Polyps in the stomach. To eliminate this problem, you need to combine 2 chicken eggs with 2 tbsp. l. olive oil and 2 tsp. pumpkin seed meal. Beat the resulting mixture well, simmer for half an hour in a water bath, cool, pour into a glass jar and send to the refrigerator. Eat 1 tsp.composition half an hour before breakfast for a month. You should alternate 5 days of taking the drug with 5 days off.
Slimming
Despite the high calorie content of pumpkin seeds, they can be used for weight loss. The seeds should be used as a snack, which will help fill the stomach and reduce appetite. In this case, the recommended daily intake should be halved.
Pumpkin seeds are a valuable food product. They can also be used in the treatment of various diseases and to restore an attractive appearance. But since they have a rather active effect on the body and have a number of serious contraindications, before using them, you need to consult a specialist and, if necessary, undergo an appropriate examination.
