Pumpkin is an annual herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Cucurbitaceae. Unpretentious plant that grows in almost all countries, belongs to the diet products. Widely used in cooking, pharmaceuticals, cosmetology, folk medicine.
Chemical composition and useful properties of pumpkin seeds
The seeds are the most useful, they contain a huge amount of nutrients:
- 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: arachidonic, myristic.
- Minerals: Ca, K, Mg, P, Na, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Se.
- flavonoids.
- Glycosides.
- ethers.
- sterols.
- Pectins.
The caloric content is quite high and amounts to 541 kcal per 100 grams.
Folic acid, which is part of the composition, prevents the development of pathologies of the neural tube of the fetus, strengthens blood vessels.
Zinc improves cerebral circulation, increases the body's defenses.
Iron increases the level of hemoglobin, improves blood formula.
Magnesium and potassium strengthen the cardiovascular system.
Organic acids remove toxins, cleanse the blood of free radicals and prevent their formation.
Due to the rich chemical composition, pumpkin seeds have the following useful properties:
- Lower your cholesterol levels.
- Regulate hormone production.
- Helps to deal with depression and nervous conditions.
- Prevent the formation of stones in the urinary system.
- They treat constipation.
- Improving cerebral circulation.
- Improve memory.
- They remove toxins, toxins, allergens from the body.
- They have an antiparasitic effect.
- Strengthens hair, relieves dryness.
- Strengthen joints.
- Accelerate the regeneration of damaged tissues.
- Helps to cope with nausea, toxicosis of pregnant women.
Indications and contraindications for use
The seeds have been used since ancient times for the treatment and prevention of the following diseases:
- Worm invasion.
- Cardiovascular diseases.
- cystitis.
- Hepatitis.
- Cirrhosis of the liver, cholecystitis.
- Exhaustion.
- Bronchitis pneumonia.
- Depression, insomnia.
- constipation.
- Dermatitis, wounds, abrasions, burns.
- Diabetes.
- Oncological diseases.
Pumpkin seeds are a good antiparasitic agent, they are used to treat tapeworm.
They have a mild diuretic effect, so they are recommended for use in disorders of the urinary system, they are safe for pregnant women.
Decoctions of the nuclei remove free radicals and salts of heavy metals from cells, it is an excellent antitumor agent.
Fatty acids, which are part of them, lower cholesterol levels, prevent the formation of cholesterol plaques, so they are recommended for people suffering from cardiovascular disease.
Regular consumption of seeds helps to get rid of insomnia and depression.
There are a number of contraindications to the use of pumpkin seeds, they include:
- Stomach ulcer.
- Intestinal diseases.
- Allergic reaction and individual intolerance to the components.
Use with caution in overweight people, as this product is high in calories.
Overeating can lead to the accumulation of salts in the joints, which can lead to the development of gout.
Application for helminth infestation
The composition of pumpkin includes the amino acid cucurbitine, which adversely affects helminths, causes paralysis, as a result of which they are separated from the intestinal wall and excreted from the human body naturally.
For the treatment of helminthic invasion of the kernel, pumpkin is eaten raw, from which a decoction or infusion is prepared.
For treatment and prevention it is recommended to use the seeds together with the bark. 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 therapeutic effect. To prepare it is necessary to grind 100 grams of raw materials to a powdery state, pour a glass of warm milk, take 2-3 tablespoons before breakfast.
The decoction has a purifying effect. To prepare it, you need to grind a handful of seeds to a powdery state, pour a glass of hot water, bring to a boil in a water bath, cool. Strain the resulting liquid through a sieve, take in the morning before breakfast. Remember to drink a laxative after taking it. The course of admission is not more than 5 days.
Pumpkin seeds with honey not only help get rid of helminths, but also increase the body's immunity and defenses. To prepare, you need to pour 200 grams of raw materials in 50 ml of chilled water, add 50 grams of liquid honey, stir. Take one tablespoon on an empty stomach, after taking it is recommended to take a laxative or make 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 nuts, ground 4 cloves of garlic, add 2 tablespoons of honey. Take the resulting medicine on a tablespoon before breakfast. The course of treatment is 7 days.
Pumpkin seeds are a storehouse of nutrients, their benefits to the human body are enormous. In folk medicine they are used to treat pathologies of the urinary system, cardiovascular disease, tuberculosis, bronchitis, perfectly cope 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 infestation, have a negative effect on roundworms, tapeworms and trematodes.