Contents
Pumpkin flour has a long history. Enterprising Mexicans are considered to be its progenitors, but today its scope has moved far to the East, affecting many European countries.
Initially, the supplement was not used to support the body with nutrients, but to treat various diseases, among which antiparasitic prophylaxis was considered the most popular. Thanks for this should be an almost miraculous composition, providing seeds with a rich content of trace elements.
biologically active components
Most people know that the main ingredient in the kitchens of adherents of healthy eating is excellent for worms. But besides this, the agent acts as a source of easily digestible vegetable protein, the rate of which is 40%.
The protein content is distinguished by the presence of numerous amino acids, which act as indispensable “bolts” for the proper functioning of the immune system. This is especially true for arginine. Its mention can often be found on the labels of sports nutrition, because thanks to it, professional athletes can build muscle mass faster.
An additional advantage here is the ability of arginine to improve blood microcirculation in the pelvic organs. Its use is especially useful for men, because regular use guarantees a consistently high potency, and also significantly improves the quality of sexual life.
If you do not replenish this vital amino acid on a regular basis, then the body will begin to protest. Immediately a person will face an attack of hypertension, and then he will have to deal with mental or neurological abnormalities. Against the background of the above, weakening of the immune defense is a common occurrence. The victim begins to experience difficulty concentrating, memory weakens, there are increased risks of becoming a victim of diabetes, obesity. The danger is added by the destabilization of the reproductive system, which will occur against the background of liver dystrophy.
Another important amino acid that pumpkin seed flour has to offer is valine. It favorably affects the stabilization of energy metabolism, and also improves the muscular system.
The composition is able to boast of other amino acids, which are required to maintain the functionality of the nervous system at an acceptable level in conditions of increased stress.
They are responsible for this:
- glutamine;
- phenylalanine;
- glycine.
Their main use lies in the ability to keep the tired nervous system from being significantly oppressed when the body suffers from an unfavorable environment. With the help of this trio, it is easier to endure depression, and nervous breakdowns do not have too great a detrimental effect, as is usually the case.
Not everyone knows that consuming enough micronutrients is not everything. It is necessary to fill the body with substances that will help process the incoming vitamin complex. Just such an assistant is lysine, which successfully turns calcium into strong building blocks for good health.
To replenish methionine and threonine, which are responsible for the synthesis of collagen, it is not necessary to eat raw pumpkin powder. With proper preparation, even pancakes or other goodies made in compliance with the rules of heat treatment will do.
If the eater has problems in terms of hemoglobin formation, then isoleucine, which is in abundance here, will help him out. He, together with methionine, work on the production of pancreatic secretions.
Leucine, which is stored in specific pumpkin biscuits, is suitable for those who have difficulty with carbohydrate metabolism. It is especially useful for weight loss. Auxiliary benefits here are the regeneration of bones, skin.
vitamin attack
In addition to almost an army of amino acids, flour will please with a high content of vitamins. In addition to the standard set of B vitamins, there are representatives of the category: A, E, F, C, P, T, K.
In total, the healing powder contains about fifty different trace elements. The most significant in terms of specific gravity are: iron, magnesium, phosphorus, selenium, potassium, zinc.
The last point is considered dominant for the stable release of digestive secrets. Knowing how to take a culinary supplement with its inclusion, it will be possible to stabilize carbohydrate, and also fat metabolism. This can form an immunity that can withstand even the most serious ailments.
If, however, you do not follow the timely replenished zinc reserves, then very soon you may encounter problems regarding the destabilization of the functioning of the liver, brain, and thyroid gland. But the nervous system will suffer most of all, which will be exhausted, which will affect the decrease in the quality of mental abilities, the ability to analyze. In the worst case scenario, even infertility is possible.
The second most important is phosphorus, which a person needs for normal energy metabolism. With its help, the muscles, together with the brain, work without interruption, without forcing its owner to experience difficulties with concentration, fatigue.
Not the last role for health is played by calcium, without which the bones will quickly lose their hardness, and the absorption of nutrients will significantly slow down. Pancakes from the ground seeds of an orange garden dweller perfectly save from problems with blood clotting.
Medical indications
The list of properties of the favorite flour of adherents of a healthy diet impresses even doctors. Among them are the following impact:
- restorative;
- immunostimulating;
- bactericidal;
- anti-inflammatory;
- antiparasitic;
- anticancer;
- cardiotonic.
Diet cakes based on such a useful ingredient are most often recommended for use by older people experiencing the first signs of osteoporosis. According to the same algorithm, it is worth acting for those who have been suffering from arthritis for a long time, or are at risk for patients who have every chance of acquiring kidney stones.
Some fans of traditional medicine claim that their seed powder recipes cope with the normalization of hormonal levels no worse than expensive drugs.
There are almost legends about the positive impact on the reproductive system of men. But a low-calorie cake and a daily addition of raw powder to a woman’s daily diet also have their own effectiveness:
- the state of health improves;
- wakes up libido;
- metabolism is accelerated;
- burn old fatty layers.
Often, such baking without third-party additives is allowed even during low-carbohydrate diets. The reason for this is the presence of L-tryptophan, which is a natural antidepressant. With its help, the deprivation of favorite goodies is less painful, with a positive attitude and without loss of sleep. Also, homemade bread will delight you with a small amount of calories. To do this, you need to use a minimum of third-party components, creating a dietary masterpiece in a bread machine on your own.
Herbalists advise to use a spoonful of flour before bedtime if the patient has difficulty falling asleep. Eating it just like that, adhering to the recommended dosage, will be useful for people suffering from acne.
Among other indications that involve the use of the product in its pure form, are:
- irritable bowel syndrome;
- heart diseases eliminated by phytosterols;
- reduction of bad cholesterol that accumulates in the blood;
- plaque prevention;
- blood sugar control;
- cell antioxidant activity.
And due to cucurbitin, it will be possible to successfully get rid of various varieties of helminths.
Safety measures
Having dealt with the numerous advantages of an unusual guest of kitchen cabinets, many immediately seek to switch to its use. But for this, you first need to consult with a nutritionist or your doctor. The reason for this is possible contraindications.
Most often, the harm lies in the excessive use of the product. But there are some specific contraindications, which include a high content of coarse dietary fiber. This indicator will not appeal to those who already suffer from deviations of the digestive system. In this case, the additive will only harm, which will result in:
- loose stools;
- periodic constipation;
- increased gassing.
It is necessary to listen to the list of contraindications for patients who have a diagnosis in the medical card – hypotension, or a suspicion of it. The problem lies in the expansion of blood vessels, which can further reduce the already extremely low blood pressure.
Those who have cholecystitis and cholelithiasis fell into the risk category. They should immediately consult with a specialist, and then begin supportive therapy.
A possible allergic reaction to pumpkin deserves special attention. In this situation, any recipes for dishes, even with a minimum amount of powder, are contraindicated.
Experienced hostesses insist that it is easier to throw away a blank that has been stored for too long than to use it for its intended purpose. The reviews say that if the flour is bitter after long-term storage, then it should be disposed of. Otherwise, instead of useful substances, you can eat plant toxins.
Method of preparation
Many stores specializing in proper nutrition offer a ready-made product. But it is much more effective to create a gluten-free composition yourself. This will avoid various flavors, other stabilizers that distort the original nutritional value.
Instructions for homework include the following steps.
First, raw seeds are thoroughly washed, and then sent to dry. It is best if it is a specialized drying machine, but if there is no such benefit, you can use a conventional oven. You need to turn off the workpiece after the weight of the draft decreases by about a couple of times.
The semi-finished product is ground with a blender or coffee grinder. It is better to choose the finest grinding, otherwise you will have to redo the work twice.
Next comes the sifting. If there is no mechanical rotary sieve in the kitchen, you can use a flour sieve or similar item. It is necessary to store the resulting dust only in a dry container.
Store the result only in an airtight container. The optimal conditions for careful storage are refrigeration, but even there the workpiece should not stand idle for more than two months.
You can use a useful supplement at your own discretion. Someone eats it right as a biologically active addition to the daily diet, and someone prepares various dishes from it. Some hostesses prefer to add the powder as a natural nutritious thickener for jelly, soups, sauces, cereals.
It can even be added to vegetarian salads. Dieters will like this healthy gravy to brighten up the monotonous taste of boring cereals. And athletes will not be able to do without it when creating branded energy cocktails for every day.
If you add unusual goodness to fermented milk products, you can achieve not only an interesting yellowish tint, but also increase energy values. By adding nuts, dried fruits to the cocktail, you can make a hearty snack.
But the most important thing in the use of a natural dietary supplement is to know when to stop, since too much leads to a deterioration in well-being, and not effective healing.