Why pumpkin seeds are useful and how to use them correctly

Pumpkin seeds are a treasure trove of nutrients. The unique composition of the product helps in the fight against various diseases of the cardiovascular, digestive and genitourinary systems. The seed is good for both adults and children. It is used in folk medicine and cooking.

In this article, we will tell you more about the medicinal properties, contraindications, methods and norms for the use of pumpkin seeds.

Pumpkin seeds composition

Pumpkin seeds are flat in shape. The size varies from 0.5 to 1.2 cm. The peel is white, tough. Inside there is a seed in a thin green shell, which is especially valuable for the human body.

Like any product, these grains can be both beneficial and harmful. It all depends on the individual characteristics of the body and the number of seeds eaten per day.

reference... Pumpkin seeds are advised to take on travel for people suffering from disorders of the vestibular apparatus. If you break grains with your fingers, fine motor skills are activated, to which the brain center switches attention. In this case, a red herring is triggered.

Pumpkin seeds contain a large amount of nutrients necessary for the functioning of all systems of the human body:

• amino acids;
• pectin;
• fatty saturated and unsaturated acids (omega-3, 6, 9, arachidonic, oleic);
• phytosterol;
• vitamins (A, B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B9, C, D, E);
• mineral salts;
• cellulose;
• potassium;
• manganese;
• magnesium;
• copper;
• choline;
• phosphorus;
• iron;
• zinc;
• chlorine;
• silicon;
• selenium;
• cobalt;
• iodine.

reference... 100 g of seeds contains 170% of vitamin PP of the daily intake.

Pumpkin seeds are rich in arginine, an amino acid that is useful for the formation of muscles and tissues of internal organs. Tryptophan helps maintain body weight within normal limits, relieves insomnia.

Vitamins take part in biological processes, control the synthesis of hormones, normalize the work of internal organs, and increase resistance to viral diseases.

KBZHU

The calorie content of pumpkin seeds is 541 kcal per 100 g.

Nutrients:

• fats - 45.8 g;
• proteins - 24.5 g;
• carbohydrates - 20 g.

Healing properties of pumpkin seeds

Pumpkin seeds have a beneficial effect on the body and help:

• get rid of constipation;
• fight stress and depression;
• reduce joint pain;
• accelerate wound healing;
• remove "bad" cholesterol;
• eliminate inflammation;
• prolong youth;
• normalize metabolism;
• to improve the work of the intestines;
• strengthen immunity;
• increase endurance;
• normalize blood pressure;
• remove excess fluid;
• fight some types of worms;
• cleanse the body of toxins and toxins;
• eliminate gas formation in the intestines;
• improve blood counts in diabetes mellitus;
• get rid of the fungus;
• recover faster after surgery;
• accelerate hair growth.

For men

Doctors advise men to include pumpkin seeds in their diet in order to:

• prevention of prostate adenoma, impotence;
• stimulation of hormone production;
• fast muscle building;
• increasing physical endurance.

For women

Pumpkin seeds have a beneficial effect on the female body:

• prevent the formation of polyps in the uterine cavity;
• facilitate the course of menopause;
• help to keep skin, nails and hair young;
• increase fertility (ability to conceive);
• relieve toxicosis and heartburn during pregnancy;
• regulate the secretion of sebum (sebum);
• eliminate foci of alopecia due to the high content of zinc.

For kids

The main benefit of pumpkin seeds for children is the prevention and elimination of helminths. This is facilitated by the amino acid cucurbitin, which does not harm the child's body. Only 5-10 seeds per day are able to improve the functioning of the digestive system.

Application for various diseases

Pumpkin seeds are used in folk healing. There is a recipe for every disease. The maximum benefit comes from grains raw, without heat treatment.

To cleanse the walls of blood vessels from cholesterol plaques, improve heart function, reduce the risk of thrombosis, it is advised to take a decoction of pumpkin seeds. To prepare it, you need to pour 2 tbsp. l. seeds 200 ml of cold distilled water and simmer over low heat for 3-5 minutes. Take ¼ glass chilled before bed.

The product strengthens blood vessels, relieves physical and emotional stress, normalizes sleep, and prevents the development of heart pathologies. The seeds have such a healing effect thanks to phytosterol, which prevents the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines, thins the blood and normalizes blood pressure.

Due to the large amount of zinc, pumpkin seeds are used as a prophylactic agent for inflammation of the prostate gland in men. It will not be possible to completely get rid of pathology with the help of seeds alone, but it is quite possible to alleviate the condition. To do this, use oil and pumpkin seed infusion. The oil is sold in pharmacies and health food stores.

To prepare the infusion, take raw peeled seeds (150 g), make flour from them using a coffee grinder and pour 500 ml of vodka. Seal the container and put it in a dark place for a week. Take once a day, adding 2 tsp. for 300 ml of water. The course of treatment is 7 days.

Pumpkin seeds have a mild laxative effect, cleanse the intestines of toxins and toxins. Pumpkin seed oil is prescribed to normalize the digestive system. The remedy is effective for stomach ulcers and gastritis.

From parasites

The work of the gastrointestinal tract is often disrupted due to the negative effects of helminths. Pumpkin seeds help get rid of some types of parasites. The green thin shell of grains contains the amino acid cucurbitin, which promotes the rapid elimination of worms from the body.

To make an anthelmintic, grind 100 g of raw pumpkin seeds. Take in the morning on an empty stomach with warm milk. The dose for children is 50 g, for adults - up to 300 g. After that, drink a laxative, for example, castor oil. The course of therapy is 5 days.

reference... An anthelmintic is allowed to be given to children from the age of two.

Prevention and general strengthening of the body

Pumpkin seeds contain zinc, which increases the body's defenses and makes it easier to carry viral diseases during the cold season.

The amino acid tryptophan is synthesized into serotonin - the "hormone of happiness", so a good mood and energy are provided for you.

Selenium in combination with zinc has a powerful antioxidant effect, slows down the aging of cells, and prevents the development of oncology.

Contraindications

Pumpkin seeds are not recommended for:

• increased acidity of the stomach;
• allergies;
• pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract;
• obesity.

Nutritionists advise controlling the consumption of seeds for people who monitor weight and those who are trying to lose extra pounds and reduce body fat.

Norms and rules of use

Nutritionists advise not to overuse pumpkin seeds, given their high calorie content. In addition, grains are high in protein, which can cause bloating if you overeat. No strict daily allowance has been established.Be guided by your own feelings and the presence of diseases in the anamnesis.

To boost immunity, eat 30-40 seeds per day.

In order to prevent and treat prostate adenoma, doctors recommend increasing the rate to 50-60 seeds per day.

The standard portion for pregnant women is 30-40 pieces. During lactation, seeds are introduced into the diet on the sly, observing the child's reaction.

Healthy people can eat up to 100 g of pumpkin seeds per day.

Usage tips:

1. Prefer raw seeds over roasted seeds. They contain more minerals and vitamins.
2. Do not use rancid grains with an unpleasant rotten smell.
3. Peel the seeds before eating. Coarse fiber is not absorbed in the intestine and injures its walls.

In what form is it better to eat

Pumpkin seeds are fried, dried in the oven and eaten raw.

Roasted grains are less beneficial than raw grains, because when heated to 90 ° C, radicals are released and fats are oxidized, and this is dangerous for the human body. If you want to crunch your seeds, it is better to dry them in the oven at a temperature of 60-70 ° C. After that, they acquire a pleasant nutty flavor.

Pumpkin seeds are added to various dishes. For example, the famous pesto sauce is made with the addition of expensive pine nuts. If you replace them with seeds, it won't get any worse. Most likely, you will not even feel the difference, and the benefits of such a product are no less.

Often pumpkin seeds are included in cereal bread doughs. They are added to cereals, salads, healthy snacks, granola, and fruit bars are prepared.

Drying and storage

For drying fully ripe pumpkin seeds are suitable. To get them, first cut the melon into pieces. Remove the fibrous pulp and separate the seeds. Place on cloth or paper in a thin layer and leave to dry in a well-ventilated area. Stir from time to time.

Store seeds in a glass container or linen bag. Choose a cool and dark place for this purpose. Peeled fresh seeds are stored in the refrigerator for about a month, dried seeds in bags - no more than 12 months.

Pumpkin seed rind properties

Pumpkin husks contain the same minerals and vitamins as seeds. The downside is that it is not digested in the stomach and is completely tasteless. Infusions and decoctions are prepared from the peel.

The advantage of the shell is that it contains a large amount of zinc - a mineral necessary for the normal functioning of the entire body.

Read also:

The best pumpkin varieties for seeds: features of choice.

A miraculous tasty mixture - how are pumpkin seeds with honey useful?

A tasty and healthy medicine is pumpkin seeds with honey for prostatitis.

Conclusion

Pumpkin seeds are not a panacea for all diseases. But when used correctly, they help to normalize the state of the body, make up for the lack of vitamins and minerals.

The product is extremely useful for women during the period of bearing a baby and for men suffering from disorders of the urinary system of an inflammatory nature. Pumpkin seeds have long been known as an antiparasitic agent.