Boiled pumpkin: benefits and harms to the human body

Many people know about the excellent taste properties of pumpkin. Appetizing cereals and other dishes from it are popular among all segments of the population. But not everyone knows that the calorie content of boiled pumpkin allows it to be classified as a dietary product, and a lot of useful properties make it one of the most useful vegetables.

Nutritional value and composition of boiled pumpkin

Boiled pumpkin owes its many beneficial properties to its chemical composition. It is a source of various vitamins necessary for a person. Especially a lot of it contains vitamins C and B, the amount of which directly affects the immunity of the body and the normal functioning of the nervous system. It also contains a rare vitamin T, which stimulates the production of red and white blood cells. In addition, boiled pumpkin contains vitamins of the PP group, vitamin A and K.

In addition, pumpkin is a rich source of minerals. Iron, copper and cobalt, which are present in this useful product, are actively involved in the process of hematopoiesis, and magnesium and phosphorus support optimal functioning of the heart muscle and brain. In addition, the vegetable contains fluorine, potassium and calcium.

How many calories in pumpkin boiled in water

In addition to an extensive supply of vitamins, pumpkin stands out among other vegetables and other useful properties. So, it simultaneously manifests itself as a nutritious and dietary product, since the calorie content of boiled pumpkin per 100 grams is 22 kcal, and if you cook it without salt, then only 20. It almost completely lacks fats: their share reaches 0,1 g. the same composition includes water and carbohydrates (92 and 4 g, respectively). Such a low calorie content makes this product very useful for people on a diet, as well as for those who monitor their weight.

Glycemic index of boiled pumpkin

You can often hear about the benefits of boiled pumpkin for people with diabetes. This product does have blood sugar lowering properties, but their effectiveness depends on how the product is processed. Boiled pumpkin, unlike raw pumpkin, has a fairly high glycemic index due to the large amount of fructose and sucrose – 75 units. However, doctors often allow people with diabetes to consume this product in small quantities, taking into account the beneficial effect that it has on the body, in particular, on the pancreas. Therefore, before including it in your diet, you should consult a specialist.

What is useful boiled pumpkin

The benefits of boiled pumpkin for the human body are difficult to deny. The unique properties of this vegetable have a beneficial effect on the liver, cleansing it of harmful substances and toxins. Fiber in its composition helps to improve the functioning of the intestines and stomach, and in combination with pectin, it is able to break down excess fat-containing substances. The anti-inflammatory properties of the vegetable contribute to enhanced tissue regeneration and wound healing, so it is especially recommended for people with diseases of the urinary system.

The beneficial properties of pumpkin make it a great product for baby food. The abundance of vitamin A strengthens the defenses of the child’s body, reducing its susceptibility to the effects of pathogens and viruses, and, in addition, improves vision. Phosphorus, potassium and B vitamins ensure healthy growth and development of bone tissue, as well as stabilize the functions of the nervous system, which is especially important for preschool children. In addition, the delicate texture of this healthy product is easy to digest and quickly absorbed by the body, which is why it is a popular component of mixtures and purees for the first feeding of babies.

Boiled pumpkin is also useful for men. Zinc is present in its pulp, as well as in the seeds, which enhances the production of the male sex hormone testosterone. He, in turn, has a positive effect on potency, improving sperm quality and increasing sexual desire.

Women will also appreciate the beneficial properties of boiled pumpkin. So, vitamin A has a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin, giving it elasticity and restoring a healthy tone. This vitamin will also increase the durability of tanning for all lovers of beach holidays and solariums.

A large amount of vitamins softens the effects of menopause and prevents physical and psychological complications. And the low calorie content and the ability of boiled pumpkin to remove toxins and excess fluid from the body make it possible to use this vegetable when compiling a weight loss menu.

What is useful boiled pumpkin for the human body

The beneficial properties of boiled pumpkin can not only prolong human health, but also reduce the symptoms of a variety of diseases. So, this product is recommended to be added to the menu for various ailments:

• Anemia. The pulp of this vegetable contains a lot of iron and other active substances involved in the hematopoietic function of the body, so daily consumption of 40-150 g of boiled pumpkin 3-4 times a day can normalize the level of hemoglobin;
• Atherosclerosis. Pectins, which are present in the vegetable, regulate the level of bad cholesterol, and the anti-inflammatory properties of the product reduce pain, which helps to alleviate the symptoms of the disease;
• Edema in kidney disease. The diuretic properties of the product are able to remove excess fluid from the body and reduce swelling if there is porridge with boiled pumpkin 1-2 times a day;
• Caries and other diseases of the oral cavity. The high content of fluorine prevents the development of dental caries and inflammatory processes in the gums. The daily dose of this substance is contained in 500 – 600 g of boiled pumpkin;
• Heart disease. The cardiovascular system can be supported if you use boiled pumpkin rich in magnesium as part of vegetable salads at the rate of 300-400 g per day.

How to cook boiled pumpkin

To extract the maximum amount of useful properties from pumpkin, you need to be able to cook it correctly:

1. Before cooking, it is necessary to thoroughly rinse the vegetable, cut it into 2 parts and remove the seeds.
2. After that, the product should be peeled. You can use a regular kitchen knife or a saw blade.
3. Pumpkin pulp must be cut into slices or cubes up to 3 cm in size. It is advisable to wrap the unused part of the vegetable in cling film or foil and put it in the refrigerator. After that, you can proceed directly to cooking.
4. In a capacious pan, you need to put the vegetable and pour water so that the water completely hides it.
5. As soon as the water boils, you should add salt or other spices as desired, then continue to cook the dish for 25 – 30 minutes over moderate heat.
6. You can check the readiness of the product with a fork. If the vegetable is soft, then it should be removed from the heat, then drain the water from the pan and let the dish cool.

The finished product can be served with sour cream and herbs as an independent dish or diversify meat or fish with it. Based on this useful product, even desserts can be prepared that will not only retain all the properties of pumpkin, but will also appeal to even the most selective eaters.

Dessert is prepared according to the following scheme:

1. Washed pumpkin in the amount of 500 g is cleaned and cut into large pieces.
2. 2 tbsp. water is poured into a saucepan and brought to a boil, then pieces of vegetable are laid out in a bowl.
3. Fall asleep 6 tbsp. l. sugar and add 1 cinnamon stick.
4. Cook for 20 minutes, check for readiness.
5. Boiled pumpkin is caught with a slotted spoon and spread on hot, then sprinkled with sugar and allowed to cool.
6. Before serving, the dessert is cooled in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

And if you add millet to boiled pumpkin, you get an appetizing porridge that both children and adults will appreciate:

1. 500 g of pulp rubbed on a coarse grater.
2. In a saucepan with thick walls, combine 1 tbsp. milk and 2 tbsp. l. butter, then add pumpkin to the mixture and simmer for 15 minutes.
3. To the vegetable add 3 tbsp. l. washed millet groats, 1 tbsp. l. honey and salt to taste.
4. The ingredients are thoroughly mixed and cooked over low heat, covered with a lid, for 10 minutes.
5. The finished porridge is wrapped in a towel and allowed to brew for about 10 minutes.

Useful properties of boiled pumpkin will perfectly manifest itself in a salad in combination with other vegetables:

1. Three hundred grams of washed boiled pumpkin, cut into 1 cm cubes, spread on a plate.
2. Two medium pickled cucumbers are cut into thin strips, 1 tomato is cut into thin slices.
3. Half of the onion is washed, peeled and finely chopped.
4. Vegetables are mixed in a deep bowl, salt and pepper are added.
5. Before serving, dress the salad with 2 tbsp. l. butter, sprinkle with herbs.

Boiled pumpkin also makes healthy first courses, for example, puree soup:

1. 200 g pumpkin and potatoes, washed, peeled and finely chopped.
2. Add white crackers, salt and sugar to taste.
3. Pour the ingredients with water and cook until the vegetables are cooked over medium heat.
4. Wipe the workpiece through a colander, add 1 tbsp. l. vegetable oil.
5. Combine thick with milk and cook until tender. Decorate with greenery.

Limitations and contraindications

Despite all the benefits and unique properties of boiled pumpkin, certain groups of people are advised to refrain from using it in order to exclude possible harm to the body. So, the vegetable is contraindicated for people to use:

• with individual intolerance to the product or its components;
• suffering from diarrhea;
• having gastritis with low acidity.

With caution, boiled pumpkin should be consumed by those who suffer from:

• diabetes;
• peptic ulcer of the stomach and intestines.

The above people can diversify their menu with a small amount of the product, but only after consulting with the attending physician

Conclusion

The low calorie content of boiled pumpkin and its properties have made this vegetable very popular among connoisseurs of a healthy diet. If you follow all the recommendations for eating and cooking, this healthy product will not only please you with excellent taste, but will also prolong your health.