Pumpkin was known several millennia BC. In Russia, this vegetable gained distribution in the 16th century. Today, pumpkin is not only a valuable natural product, but is also used as an effective therapeutic and cosmetic product. Its seeds possess special beneficial properties. As an additional therapy, they are used to treat various diseases, as well as to restore skin, hair and nails. But in order to improve health and improve appearance, you need to know about the benefits and harms of pumpkin seeds.
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
Pumpkin seeds are a storehouse of vitamins and nutrients needed by the body.
Product Benefits
Due to the rich chemical composition, pumpkin seeds have the following useful properties:
anti-inflammatory;
anthelmintic;
soothing;
general strengthening;
diuretics;
choleretic;
purifying;
antioxidant;
wound healing;
anti-sclerotic;
anti-allergic;
anti-aging.
Arrhythmia? Effective Home Treatment
The above qualities of the seeds and the minimum number of contraindications make them a product that is useful for both adults and children. With the regular use of this product, the activity of the cardiovascular and nervous systems is normalized, the brain and gastrointestinal tract function improves, blood formation is stimulated, and immunity is strengthened.
Bowl of pumpkin seeds
With the help of pumpkin seeds, efficiency increases quickly and hormone production is regulated
Compositions based on pumpkin seeds are used in the treatment of:
bronchitis;
constipation
anemia
osteoporosis;
hypertension
angina pectoris;
insomnia
diabetes mellitus;
thyroid disease.
Benefits for women
For women, the product helps stop the process of leaching of calcium from the body, which is often found in adulthood. They are actively fighting diseases of the genitourinary system. It is very useful to use pumpkin seeds during menopause, as they contain
n a sufficient amount of phytoestrogens. These plant hormones reduce discomfort during hot flashes, eliminate depression, improve sleep. A large amount of tryptophan in seeds helps relieve headaches and joint pain.
Pumpkin seeds help fight age-related skin changes, help restore its elasticity and even color, as well as smooth wrinkles. With the correct use of sunflower-based formulations, both internally and externally, the skin becomes smooth and fresh.
Benefit for men
Pumpkin seeds are also recommended 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 genital inflammation. Seeds increase testosterone levels, which improves sperm potency and 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. A large number of amino acids in the composition of pumpkin seeds helps to fight these diseases. Those members of the stronger sex who have baldness are advised to use homemade hair masks based on pumpkin seeds.
The benefits and harms of pumpkin seeds in heat treatment and methods of preparation
In order for pumpkin seeds to retain all useful substances in the maximum amount, they need to be properly prepared and stored. It is done like this.
Seeds must be removed from the pumpkin, peeled and washed well.
Spread the seeds in a thin layer on a baking sheet and dry in a sunny place, periodically mixing. 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 peel of the seeds becomes dry and brittle, they must be distributed over fabric bags or glass jars with lids.
Storage of finished raw materials should be carried out in a cool and dry room throughout the year.
Storing Pumpkin Seeds
It is undesirable to store pumpkin seeds in plastic bags
Raw
If pumpkin seeds are used for treatment, they should be raw. They are dried and used both in whole and in crushed form. It is advisable to use the seeds of their own harvest. A product purchased in a store may contain various additives.
Fried
Fried seeds are not recommended for medicinal purposes. They are most often used to prepare various culinary dishes as an original seasoning. During roasting, the palatability of the product is enhanced, but a large amount of nutrients is lost. In addition, fried seeds contain a significant amount of oxidized fat, various peroxides and aldehydes. Therefore, their frequent use not only does not bring health benefits, but can also be harmful.
Roasted pumpkin seeds
The calorie content of fried pumpkin seeds (about 610 kcal) can be equated to a serving of pork skewers
Dried
It is best to eat pumpkin seeds in dried form: they are more useful and well absorbed in the body. They should be peeled, and you can add seeds to cereals, meat dishes, pastries, homemade bread, etc.
Peeled
If peeled pumpkin seeds are required for food or for the preparation of medicines, it is recommended to free them from the peel 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 beneath it contain significantly more nutrients than the grains themselves.
Pumpkin seed oil
Pumpkin seeds also produce oil. It has a higher concentration of nutrients than the seeds themselves, and is also easy to use. It can be used both for culinary, and for medical and cosmetic purposes. It has a greenish-brown color and a pronounced nutty taste.
The most effective pumpkin oil is cold pressed. 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 produce one liter of oil. It is also advisable to purchase packages of dark glass, which prevents oxidation processes.
Pumpkin seed oil
Pumpkin seed oil can be used as an emollient, to protect against wind or cold, with weathered and cracked skin
Pumpkin seed milk
For recreational purposes, you can get milk from the product. It is a tasty and healthy drink that is easy to make at home. To do this, take the following ingredients:
pumpkin seeds - 1 cup;
water - 350 ml;
dates - 5-7 pieces;
cinnamon to taste.
Cooking method:
Soak pumpkin seeds in a peel for 2-3 hours.
Combine the soaked seeds with water, scroll in a blender and strain.
Beat the milk with peeled dates and cinnamon.
This drink not only helps in the treatment of many diseases, but also improves the appearance. Drinking should be taken daily instead of breakfast for a week. After this, you need to take a break for 5 days and start using milk again.
Pumpkin seed milk
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 used if there are:
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 may lead to weight gain. With caution, you should use the product with reduced acidity of the gastric juice. If you have problems with the stomach or intestines, you should immediately stop the use of seeds. Also, pumpkin seeds need not be snapped, but peeled first. This will help preserve tooth enamel.
How to use: daily rate
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 standalone product or used as an ingredient for soups, side dishes, salads, snacks, sauces and creams. Sunflower seeds are also added to various pastries and drinks.
The nuances of eating 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, seeds help to cope with constipation and edema. Their balanced chemical composition makes it possible to naturally cleanse the intestines and remove 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 powder during the day with water or milk. You can also add it to various culinary dishes or drinks to your taste.
Everything is good 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 because of the high calorie content.
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