Pumpkin seeds

Everyone knows about the benefits of pumpkin, but few think that its seeds are no less useful. Among the huge variety of pumpkin varieties there are decorative, fodder, intended exclusively for animals, as well as dining rooms that people eat.

Table pumpkin came to our country from America and took root very quickly, so now it’s hard to imagine vegetable gardens without pumpkins. Pumpkin has been known to mankind for a very long time, in particular, it was used by the ancient Aztecs. If we use only fruits, then the Aztecs ate flowers, stems, and seeds.

Storage and use

Despite the fact that roasted pumpkin seeds are much tastier than dried ones, the latter have more benefits, so it is recommended to use dried ones. The fact is that when heated, seeds lose up to 50% of nutrients and vitamins, which means they become half as useful. The easiest way is to cook dried seeds yourself, since mostly fried ones go on sale. To do this, you need to collect pumpkin seeds from the pumpkin, and then dry them thoroughly in a warm oven or in the fresh air, laying them in a thin layer on a baking sheet. Once the seeds have dried, they can be stored in glass containers, wooden or cardboard boxes, or cloth bags.

Chemical composition

If we talk about the benefits that pumpkin seeds bring to the body, then first of all it is necessary to mention fats, because they contain almost half of the whole composition of healthy fats. ^[1]. Another 30% is occupied by proteins necessary for the structure of our body. ^[2]. Already a much smaller amount is dietary fiber (6%), as well as a little more than 5% water and about 5% carbohydrates and ash.

Pumpkin seeds also contain a large amount of amino acids: 12 essential amino acids, that is, those that our body does not produce and should receive only as part of nutrients, and 8 non-essential ^[3]. Together, they almost completely satisfy the daily requirement of a person in amino acids, for which only 100 grams of seeds are enough. ^[4]. In addition, 100 grams of pumpkin seeds contain more than 70% of vitamin PP, as well as most of the B vitamins.

Also, pumpkin seeds contain a huge amount of useful macro- and microelements that are necessary for the normal functioning of our body. 100 grams of raw materials contain so much phosphorus that they are able to satisfy the daily need for it by 150%. The same can be said about the magnesium contained in them. The amount of manganese in 100 grams of dried seeds is 2 times the daily norm, which is a very high concentration that is difficult to find in any other products. They also contain a large amount of potassium, zinc and iron, which, although they do not satisfy the daily requirement, in any case help the body to function better.

Useful Properties

Research conducted by many scientists proves that the substances contained in pumpkin seeds help fight cancer. ^[6][7]. In addition, they are able to increase immunity and help the body fight bad cholesterol. Regularly taking pumpkin seeds is also recommended for those people who suffer from arthritis. They help fight this disease, strengthen blood vessels and, unlike pharmacological drugs, do not have side effects. The zinc contained in the seeds helps to improve the condition of the bones, and, therefore, is an excellent prevention of diseases of the musculoskeletal system. ^[8].

They are also able to maintain normal blood sugar levels and help reduce blood pressure. With regular use, they help strengthen blood vessels and normalize the work of the gastrointestinal tract. They also act as an antidepressant, as they strengthen the nervous system and help us deal with stress.

Few people know, but pumpkin seeds are well suited as an aid to seasickness. They help a lot if you get sick during sea travel or in land transport.

Previously, pumpkin seeds were advised to be consumed by pregnant women in the early stages, although now this remedy has been forgotten. Nevertheless, it has not lost its relevance: a very small amount of seeds per day helps fight toxicosis and morning sickness.

Pumpkin seeds also function well as an urgent relief from constipation. It is enough to include a very small amount in your diet so that a positive effect becomes noticeable.

Pumpkin seeds can help the body cope with such a serious problem as the concentration of heavy metals in the body. Studies have shown that they help eliminate lead and cadmium.

As a wound healing agent, pumpkin seeds are used for burns: a slurry of them should be applied to the wound as a compress.

Cooking application

Pumpkin seeds are well suited to add them to some dishes, diversify their taste and make them more healthy. They are best combined with vegetables, so you can add dried seeds to stews or stir-fry vegetables, the main thing is to do this after cooking. You can also add them to fresh vegetable salads to give them a tangy flavor and make your diet healthier and richer in minerals.

In cooking, pumpkin seeds are often used to make a savory sauce. To do this, they are crushed, garlic and herbs are added to them, the resulting sauce is seasoned with vegetable oil of your choice and a few drops of lemon juice. The result is a delicious, original and very healthy sauce that goes well with a huge range of dishes.

If desired, pumpkin seeds can even be added to baked goods, for example, combined with walnuts or used separately. Pumpkin seeds taste good with side dishes. They are added to cereals at the end of cooking, as well as to various soups, preferably vegetable or cold.

Zinc and phosphorus in pumpkin seeds

The substances contained in the seeds, in particular zinc and phosphorus, are useful for the functioning of the brain, and zinc is also an indispensable and extremely important element for the health of the male body. Studies have shown that zinc can act as an effective prostate inflammation prevention, so pumpkin seeds will be extremely beneficial for any man. ^[9]. They are especially suitable for those men who sit a lot at work, especially if it is associated with intellectual stress. In the latter case, the use of pumpkin seeds at the same time strengthens the nervous system, improves mental abilities, helps fight stress and at the same time supports men’s health, reducing the risk of prostate problems.

In addition, pumpkin seeds can be an excellent source of zinc for those who need it. This is a great alternative to vitamins and various supplements, as they are easier to digest and provide a lot more benefits. Zinc deficiency usually manifests itself in poor skin and hair condition, as well as disruption of the gastrointestinal tract. ^[10]. So, if you need to normalize the level of zinc in the body, it is easiest to consume a small amount of dried pumpkin seeds every day. Just a month will be enough for you to notice the effect and feel much better. Zinc and phosphorus contained in the seeds regulate the functioning of the reproductive system and help our vision, as well as support the musculoskeletal system.

Use in folk medicine

Pumpkin seeds are used as a proven folk remedy for getting rid of intestinal parasites. ^[11]. For many centuries, people have been fighting worms in this way, in particular, even your doctor can advise you on them as a safe way to get rid of parasites.

Pumpkin seeds do not contain substances that are in pharmacological preparations and which can cause side effects. This means that pumpkin seeds for worms are an excellent natural and completely safe remedy for both adults and children. They contain cucurbitin (a toxin that kills parasites), but in small doses it is completely safe for humans.

The easiest folk way to treat parasites: take 300 grams of dried pumpkin seeds, chop, add a little honey and eat in small portions for an hour on an empty stomach. After 4 hours, you need to take a mild laxative, preferably natural, like castor oil.

Seeds can also help with various diseases of the urinary tract and kidneys. For this, it is best to combine them with hemp seeds in a 1: 1 ratio. Compresses are also good for these purposes, for which you need to crush a certain amount of seeds into powder, add crushed flax seeds, add a little water and apply to the kidney area. With a wide range of diseases of the urinary tract or kidneys, including cystitis, the following remedy helps well: 50 grams of seeds must be thoroughly crushed, add 20 grams of sugar and 80 grams of water. The resulting remedy should be taken little by little before meals. It will help relieve inflammation and improve the condition of the genitourinary system as a whole. ^[12].

In addition, a decoction of pumpkin seeds helps to calm down, relieve tension and reduce stress levels. This is excellent if you have insomnia or restless sleep.

On the basis of pumpkin seeds, some pharmacological preparations are created, in particular, there are medicines made on the basis of pumpkin seed oil. They are used for the same purposes as pumpkin seeds: to support the biliary tract, to treat infections, to maintain the normal state of the liver, or to treat impaired metabolism.

Pumpkin seed oil

Almost 50% of pumpkin seeds are their fatty component. They consist of vegetable oils, which have a huge number of useful properties. These substances help to remove toxins from the body, and also get rid of bad cholesterol. They protect the body at the cellular level, and also improve the condition of the heart muscle. Pumpkin seed oil is even used by doctors for the supportive treatment of tuberculosis or intestinal disorders.

Due to the wide range of useful properties, pumpkin seed oil is widely used by many nations as an additive to dishes, since it is much more healthy than olive.

Contraindications for use

Unfortunately, such a useful product as pumpkin seeds also has its contraindications. In particular, they should not be carried away by people who have ulcers of the gastrointestinal tract. Even if you are going to include them in the diet little by little, it is better to ask your doctor for advice first so as not to harm yourself.

Excessive use of them due to the high concentration of salts can lead to some problems in the joints. Remember that it is advisable to clean them with your hands, not with your teeth, as this can lead to serious damage to tooth enamel.

It should also be remembered that for all their benefits, 100 grams of pumpkin seeds contain a large number of kilocalories – more than 500. This means that their use must be strictly dosed, especially for those people who follow the figure.

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