Pumpkin has been known since ancient times. Her homeland is America. It is known that the American Indians used to prepare medicinal dishes. Nowadays, pumpkin is grown in every country in the world, and it can be counted up to 900 species. And almost as many dishes can be prepared from it. But the main thing is not this. Treasure is inside. Pumpkin seeds are a storehouse of vitamins, trace elements, amino acids necessary for normal human life. There is nothing difficult in getting quality seeds. The main thing is to do it right. We will talk about this in this article.
Healing properties
As stated above, pumpkin medicinal substances have been known for many years. The list of healing properties of pumpkin seeds is simply huge, truly “living water” or, rather, “living seed”. So, in what case will pumpkin seeds help:
- Complaining about sleep or suffering from depression? Pumpkin seeds improve the quality of sleep, as they contain the amino acid L-tryptophan, which, once in the human body, is converted into serotin and niacin, which are directly related to the quality of a night's rest.
- High blood pressure? Arginine contained in pumpkin seeds is transformed into nitric oxide in the human body, it is responsible for the arteries and blood vessels and improves blood flow through them.
- Don't know how to lower your cholesterol? Include pumpkin seeds in your daily diet. Phytosterols, which are part of them, prevents the development of atherosclerosis.
- Do you want to keep the beauty and youth of the skin? Pumpkin seeds will help you. Vitamins A and E, which they contain, are responsible for the smoothness and elasticity of the skin.
- Troubled by arthritis? Try pumpkin seeds. The zinc they contain will definitely benefit your bones.
- Prostatitis? According to statistics, after 25 years, more than 30% of men have it. Zinc and fatty acids found in pumpkin seeds prevent BPH.
- Heart problem? Magnesium, which is contained in the pumpkin, will benefit the heart. Pumpkin seeds will reliably protect it from rhythm disturbances and help normalize the contractile function of the heart.
- Don't know how to get rid of worms? Since ancient times, pumpkin seeds have been one of the best remedies for parasites. In many countries, it is used as a natural remedy for pinworms.
- How can pumpkin seeds help with diabetes? Although they are very high in calories, pumpkin seeds contain protein that is easily digested andnormalizes blood sugar.
- Intestinal problems? The fiber in pumpkin is beneficial to the intestines. Pumpkin seeds improve intestinal motility, and serve as a kind of "brush" for it. For chronic constipation, it is recommended to include pumpkin seeds in the daily menu.
- Did your thyroid gland fail? It needs zinc for normal functioning, it is contained in pumpkin seeds. To protect against diseases of the thyroid gland, it is enough to eat up to 140 grams of pumpkin seeds every day.
Seed Composition
To have an idea of how valuable the medicine that nature has endowed us with, let's take a closer look at the benefits of pumpkin seeds. More precisely, their composition. Pumpkin seed is rich in minerals, vitamins, fats and amino acids. Fresh pumpkin seeds contain:
- water - 8, 2;
- carbs – 13, 4;
- protein – 24.5;
- fats – 25, 7;
- fiber – 4, 1.
Pumpkin seeds contain ash, ascorbic acid, saturated fatty acids, vitamins A, E, K, almost all B vitamins. Pumpkin seeds contain a lot of iron, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese and zinc. To provide 20% of the body with a daily intake of zinc, 25 g of peeled seeds are enough. Accordingly, 100 g of seeds supply 80% zinc to the body. Pumpkin seeds in the same amount will provide the daily norm of magnesium - by 160%, manganese - by 130%, and the potassium necessary for the heart - by 40%
Prophylactic and restorative properties
Generous nature has in store for us medicines that have no side effects. Pumpkin seeds also contain other vitamins, as well as essential amino acids, without which the normal functioning of the body is impossible: isoleucine, arginine, lysine, valine, methionine and histidine. What else are pumpkin seeds good for the body:
- Vitamin K will ensure normal blood clotting.
- Vitamin A is involved in the production of rhodopsin and will help improve color perception and twilight vision.
- Phosphorus is an essential component for the prevention of male infertility.
- Pumpkin is a valuable source of protein for vegetarians, fasting or raw food eaters.
- Pumpkin seeds promote the production of sex hormones. The systematic intake of seeds will be useful for both men and women.
- Pumpkin seeds help improve cognitive abilities (especially memory).
- Pumpkin seed oil contains substances that strengthen the immune system. Therefore, in the autumn-winter period, one should not forget about the pumpkin seed.
- Pumpkin seeds reduce nausea. Recommended for travel sickness and pregnant women (in moderation).
Benefits for women
We learned about the medicinal properties of pumpkin seeds, which will benefit both sexes. Now we need to dwell in more detail on the therapeutic actions that have a beneficial effect on women's he alth. Pumpkin seeds for women undoubtedly have great benefits. They arewill help the beautiful half of humanity and improve he alth, and always remain beautiful.
According to recent data, women are significantly more likely to suffer from osteoporosis than men. Calcium is especially actively washed out of the bones after 45 years. The minerals contained in pumpkin seeds will help stop the unwanted process.
Anemia is also a common "women's trouble". Pumpkin seeds are an excellent source of iron. Only 100 g of seeds will provide almost 100% of the daily requirement of this trace element.
Fatty acids contained in the seeds moisturize the skin from the inside, which helps to strengthen hair and nails, provides elasticity and smoothness of the skin, and also prevents dandruff.
Phytoestrogens included in the seeds normalize sleep and mood, help fight depression. Tryptophan will relieve joint pain and headache. Women are known to experience these symptoms during menopause.
A handful of seeds during pregnancy will reduce the manifestation of toxicosis: reduce nausea and intolerance to odors. What is the benefit? For women, pumpkin seeds are just a salvation, because bearing a child is often accompanied by anemia and constipation.
Benefits for men
Representatives of the strong half of nature also did not deprive - pumpkin seeds are useful for men. This is an excellent tool in the fight against male diseases. For the best functioning of the prostate gland, zinc is needed and, as a rule, the amount that the body receives with food is not enough. This leads to inflammation of the prostate. This problem is acuteafter 50 years. To protect yourself from prostatitis, it is enough to eat 50 pumpkin seeds every day. Also:
- Trace elements in pumpkin seeds increase sperm motility, which is why they are an excellent prevention of infertility in men.
- Men are prone to alopecia (baldness) at an early age. To strengthen the hair roots and prevent premature hair loss will help the constant intake of pumpkin seeds. Zinc in their composition will help fight dandruff.
- Atherosclerosis in men begins earlier than in women. This leads to strokes and heart attacks. What are the benefits of pumpkin seeds for men? Consumption of pumpkin seeds will help stop this process: amino acids will strengthen the walls of blood vessels, iron will increase hemoglobin, arginine will help blood vessels, phytosterols will lower cholesterol.
Seed Harm
The harm of pumpkin seeds is noticeable only with excessive use:
- Overweight. Pumpkin seeds are a high-calorie product: 559 kcal per 100 g of seeds. What to do? Eat no more than 140 g per day.
- Stagnation processes in the joints. What to do? Limit s alted and roasted seeds.
- Tooth enamel damage. What to do? Peel the seeds with your hands, not your teeth.
Contraindications
Since we are talking about the harm that pumpkin seeds can cause to he alth, we need to talk about contraindications. For what diseases it is necessary to refuse pumpkin seeds:
- In diseasesdigestive organs. Why? Gastroenterologists do not recommend eating coarse food for gastritis and stomach ulcers.
- With intolerance to pumpkin pulp. Why? An allergic reaction can also occur when eating the seeds of this fruit.
- When overweight. Why? Pumpkin seeds are high in calories, so they will only aggravate the situation and bring harm. Pumpkin seeds should be eaten in this case no more than 140 g per day.
Before you start medicinal potions from pumpkin seeds, you need to figure out how to properly dry the seeds, where and at what time of the year.
How to properly dry seeds
In order for the seeds to retain a maximum of useful substances and not lose their taste, they must be properly dried. Extract the seeds from the pulp of the fruit, remove the rotten and damaged ones, and rinse the seeds thoroughly under running water. To do this, you can use a colander. Then pumpkin seeds can be laid out on a towel and dried on both sides - this will remove excess moisture from them.
If you plan to roast the seeds, then you do not need to dry them. Place in a dry skillet and fry until browned. 15 minutes is enough.
In an air grill, the seed is dried for half an hour at 60 degrees.
In an electric dryer - 40 minutes at 80 degrees.
The oven is preheated to 80 degrees and dried for 20 minutes.
Outdoors, it will take about a week to dry completely. A rather lengthy process, but in this way the most useful product is obtained, inwhich preserves all trace elements and vitamins.
Pumpkin seed is stored in a cool place in a cotton bag or tightly closed glass container
How to take pumpkin seeds
Pumpkin seed is, of course, better raw than fried. So you can get more benefit from it. How to take pumpkin seeds?
- As an addition to salads, especially green salads.
- In its purest form.
- As an addition to porridge or vegetable stew.
- Add to baked goods.
- Add to salad dressings.
- Mixed with natural honey.
We will dwell on the last method in more detail.
Pumpkin seeds with honey
Pumpkin seed with honey is a real cure for many diseases, not just a treat. A mixture of honey and pumpkin seeds is very useful for men. Harm from it can only be in case of individual intolerance to the components or according to the testimony of a doctor. It helps with prostatitis and erectile dysfunction.
To prepare a healing potion, you need a glass of pumpkin seeds without peel and half a glass of honey. From the mass, make balls with a diameter of no more than 1.5 cm. Put in the refrigerator and store in the same place. Take the medicine on an empty stomach, 40 minutes before meals. If desired, "pumpkin-honey tablets" can be taken in a course: a month, a week break.
The medicine can also be turned into a delicious treat: mix pumpkin seeds with chopped nuts (to taste), prunes and dried apricots. Add honey and form into balls. Give themfreeze. After that, a tasty and he althy treat is ready to eat.
You can pour crushed seeds with honey and take several times a day 20 minutes before meals. Do not abuse: more than 3 tablespoons per day should not be eaten.
What is the benefit of a mixture of honey and pumpkin seeds for women? Harm, if not abused, from it definitely will not. But in the fight against osteoporosis, this mixture is the best helper. Decreased bone density is a common problem for women that comes with age. This results in frequent fractures. A mixture of honey and pumpkin seed will strengthen bone tissue, increase hemoglobin and improve heart function. And, of course, this mixture is an excellent remedy for "girl problems." She will help:
- improve the condition of hair, nails, skin;
- remove acne, renew the epidermis and make the skin supple and youthful;
- eliminate the appearance of dandruff;
- prevent hair loss;
- improve metabolic processes in the body.
Since we are talking about beauty, let's take a closer look at this.
Pumpkin seeds in cosmetics
Briefly about the figure. For those who want to lose weight, pumpkin seed is also good. Only high-calorie seeds should not be used as a snack, but included in the calorie balance. Pumpkin seeds speed up metabolism, and lead to fat burning, unless, of course, disturb the energy balance of products. Pumpkin seeds are used in cosmetics not only on an industrial scale, but can also be made at home:
- lotions;
- masks;
- creams;
- scrubs.
Oleic and linoleic acids contained in pumpkin seeds provide extra nourishment for aging skin.
- For a nourishing mask, grind pumpkin seeds and add some oil or honey.
- Cleanses the skin from age spots ground seed, pounded with water and honey. With a daily procedure, skin whitening is guaranteed.
- In order for the skin to become elastic again, starch must be added to the same composition.
Pumpkin Seed Treatment
Pumpkin seed treatment usually comes down to daily consumption of this product in the recommended amounts. Regular inclusion of pumpkin seeds in food is the prevention of many diseases. Even traditional medicine has recognized the benefits of pumpkin seeds. In pharmacies you can find "Tykveol". As well as many drugs for the treatment of prostatitis: Peponen, Prostamed, Prostanorm, etc. These drugs contain pumpkin seed oil and pumpkin, which once again confirms the benefits of pumpkin seeds for men.
Remedy for wounds and burns
How to cook: grind the seeds and wrap in a thick cloth (gauze) and scald with boiling water. Compress after cooling apply to sore spots. Pumpkin seed gruel will relieve pain and speed up tissue regeneration.
Prostatitis Remedy 1
Ingredients: half a kilo of seeds and 200 g of honey.
How to cook: Grind the seeds in a coffee grinder and mix with honey. Place the mixture in the refrigerator. After it thickens, roll hazelnut-sized balls out of it. Eat 1-3 of them on an empty stomach. The course of treatment is a month.
Prostatitis Remedy 2
Ingredients: seeds and honey.
How to cook: dry the seeds thoroughly and grind together with the peel. Sift and take the resulting powder 2 times a day. Drink two tablespoons of the mixture with honey water (before meals).
Kidney and urinary tract treatment
Inflammation remedy
Ingredients: Equal amounts of hempseed and pumpkin seed.
How to cook: 1 teaspoon of seeds (mixture) 2 times a day.
Pumpkin milk
Ingredients: 50g pumpkin seeds, sugar 20g, water 80ml.
How to cook: mix all the ingredients indicated and take 3 times a day for a teaspoon (before meals).
Treat nerves
Pumpkin broth helps to relieve nervous tension and improve sleep
Ingredients: 0.3 liters of water, 3 tablespoons of pumpkin seed
How to cook: mix the ingredients and bring to a boil. Boil for 4 minutes on low heat and cool. Take a decoction at bedtime or during emotional stress (a quarter cup).
Get rid of parasites
Pumpkin seeds contain cucurbitin, an effective remedy in the fight against parasites. That is why parasitologists all over the world offer pumpkin seeds to their patients. What is the benefit of cucurbitin? It causes the death of parasites, exerting a paralytic effect on them. The main advantage of pumpkin seeds is that they do not have a toxic effect on humans.actions, do not irritate the digestive organs and have no age restrictions.
Verminant
Ingredients: adults - 300 g seeds, children over 10 years old - 150 g, 5 - 7 years old - 100 g, up to 4 years old - 50 g.
How to cook: Peel the indicated number of seeds. It is important that the film covering the seed (greenish film) remains on the seed. Pour the seeds into a bowl and grind. In the process, add water little by little - 10 drops at a time. Approximately 4 tablespoons per 300 g of seed. The resulting gruel is eaten on an empty stomach in the morning. The entire portion should be eaten within an hour. After 3 hours, drink a laxative and make a cleansing enema. This method will get rid of parasites without resorting to medication.
What other diseases can a pumpkin seed cure?
For heart problems and angina pectoris, you need to eat at least 20 seeds every day.
You can get rid of extra pounds if you eat a tablespoon of seeds before eating.
With prostatitis, you need to eat at least 50 seeds every day for a month.
Possible combinations
In case of neurasthenia, fry a glass of peeled pumpkin seeds until cooked and twist in a meat grinder. Add a glass of elderberry jam. Grind clean and well-dried chicken shells. Add a teaspoon to the sweet mass and stir. Eat one teaspoon every day.
With sexual impotence, the following mixture can also help: 100 g of raw chopped pumpkin seeds, 100 g of fried and chopped rice, mix. Grind 50 g of wiki seeds,fry, grind and add to the first mixture. Add 150 g of honey and the same amount of oil here. Mix. Eat a teaspoon of the mixture every 2 hours.
For urinary difficulties and kidney disease, eat one tablespoon of pumpkin seeds twice a day. For greater effect, you need to take them with hemp seeds. This collection is anti-inflammatory, diuretic and analgesic.
With hematuria, this mixture will help: 100 g of pumpkin seeds, hemp and flax seeds. Add the same amount of blackberry leaves, linden flowers, St. John's wort and elderberry. Add 50 g of chamomile here. Place 4 tablespoons of the mixture in a bowl and pour half a liter of boiling water. Let the product brew in a warm place for 2 hours. Drink the infusion 4 times a day.
Pumpkin seeds are a useful and valuable product. They bring longevity and he alth. They will save not only from diseases, their ability to remove heavy metals from the human body has been proven. We can safely say that pumpkin seeds are truly a gift from nature!
