Why pumpkin seeds are useful for the body: composition, calorie content, content of BJU, zinc

The benefits and harms of pumpkin seeds are an interesting question for lovers of tasty and healthy foods. You can quickly have a snack with pumpkin seeds, and at the same time the body will only benefit, it is guaranteed by the valuable composition of the seeds.

Nutritional value and chemical composition of pumpkin seeds

Small pumpkin seeds contain a lot of useful substances for the body. In addition to numerous vitamins, the composition contains:

• unsaturated acids – linoleic, arachidonic, oleic and others;
• phytosterols;
• pectin;
• Omega-6 and Omega-3;
• cellulose;
• amino acids – valine, isoleucine, histidine, lysine, tryptophan and arginine;
• iron – half of the daily norm;
• manganese and phosphorus;
• copper and zinc;
• iodine and selenium;
• cobalt, chlorine and silicon.

The product also contains saturated acids – myristic, behenic, arachidic, palmitic and others.

The content of vitamins in pumpkin seeds

Pumpkin seeds store a bulky supply of the most important vitamin compounds. Namely:

• vitamin PP;
• vitamins A and E;
• vitamin D;
• ascorbic acid;
• vitamins from subgroup B, in full composition from B1 to B9.

The content of BJU in pumpkin seeds

In terms of nutrients, the energy value of pumpkin seeds is represented mainly by fats – about 45 g. Proteins occupy a share of 24,5 g, and carbohydrates – about 20 g.

How many calories in pumpkin seeds

Despite their small size, healthy pumpkin seeds are a very nutritious food. The calorie content of pumpkin seeds is 540 kcal per 100 g.

How much zinc is in pumpkin seeds

The special usefulness of pumpkin seeds lies in the high content of zinc. This element is found in many foods, but its amounts are usually small. But 100 g of pumpkin seeds contain 65% of the daily requirement of zinc, so the product is ideal for eliminating the deficiency of this element.

Which seeds are healthier: pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds

Pumpkin seeds are less common than sunflower seeds, but they bring more benefits to the body. They contain a huge amount of phosphorus and large reserves of zinc. In addition, pumpkin seeds are less caloric, about 100 kcal less in 40 g of the product than in a similar portion of sunflower seeds.

Why do you want pumpkin seeds?

The desire to eat pumpkin seeds visits most people from time to time. But sometimes it becomes very strong, useful seeds turn into a real need. This is due to the fact that the body is experiencing a shortage of valuable substances and seeks to eliminate it.

• The desire to eat pumpkin seeds can indicate a lack of vitamin E, its deficiency is expressed in dry skin and brittle hair, muscle weakness and mood swings.
• Also, cravings for pumpkin seeds can be caused by a deficiency of vitamin A, if there is too little of it in the body, immunity may decrease, vision often deteriorates at dusk, nails break and skin cracks.
• Healthy seeds are rich in B vitamins, so the desire to eat more of them often occurs when there is a shortage of substances from this group. Vitamin B deficiency can be suspected if the state of the nervous system worsens – insomnia and increased irritability, chronic fatigue and weakness in the muscles appear.

The need for the product is caused by a lack of minerals, primarily magnesium and zinc. Symptoms are frequent colds, muscle cramps, dry skin and fading hair, loss of appetite.

The benefits of pumpkin seeds for the body

The benefits and harms of pumpkin seeds for the body are very wide and varied. With frequent use, the seeds:

• improve the condition of the circulatory system and protect blood vessels from the development of atherosclerosis;
• prevent the occurrence of heart disease;
• reduce cholesterol in the blood;
• have a beneficial effect on the nervous system, normalize mood, improve brain performance, eliminate insomnia and stress symptoms;
• have a rejuvenating effect, vitamin E in the product effectively slows down the aging process;
• normalize digestion, eating seeds is very useful for healthy metabolic processes and rapid absorption of valuable substances.

Since the healthy product contains a lot of zinc and selenium, the seeds can serve as a prevention of cancer.

What are pumpkin seeds useful for women

Pumpkin seeds bring benefits and harms to the female body – first of all, the product alleviates the condition during menopause and helps to endure painful critical days more easily. With regular use, seeds serve as a preventive measure for infertility, and also protect a woman from the appearance of polyps and other neoplasms in the uterus.

Another valuable property of seeds is a beneficial effect on the appearance of a woman. The product helps to improve the condition of the hair and get rid of dandruff, has a cleansing effect on the skin and prevents rapid aging.

Is it possible to take pumpkin seeds during pregnancy

During pregnancy, pumpkin seeds are classified as permitted foods. Their benefit lies in the fact that the seeds help to cope with attacks of nausea and heartburn, and prevent the development of constipation. It is also useful to use the product to strengthen immunity and as a prevention of beriberi – most women begin to experience vitamin deficiency against the background of bearing a child.

At the same time, pregnant women must comply with the measure and eat no more than 100 g of a useful product per day. Exceeding recommended dosages can be harmful and lead to diarrhea and flatulence.

Benefits of pumpkin seeds for children

In the children’s diet, pumpkin seeds are useful primarily as a product that prevents the development of constipation. Fiber and fatty acids in seeds accelerate metabolic processes and contribute to the timely removal of toxins from the intestines. The benefit of the product for children is that pumpkin seeds strengthen the immunity and vision of the child, improve the functioning of the brain and nervous system.

At the same time, seeds can be given to children only after reaching 3 years. The digestive system of babies is very sensitive, and earlier the child simply will not be able to absorb a product with a high fat content. In addition, the baby can choke on the seeds, which will also cause severe harm.

Benefits for the elderly

Some properties of pumpkin seeds are especially valuable for the elderly. First of all, the product improves digestion and prevents the accumulation of toxins in the intestines; older people often suffer from constipation. In addition, pumpkin seeds have a rejuvenating effect and slow down the aging process.

What are pumpkin seeds good for?

The medicinal properties and contraindications of pumpkin seeds are used by traditional medicine for the treatment of many ailments. Among them can be listed:

• constipation and slagging of the body;
• insomnia, irritability and other nervous disorders;
• hypertension;
• osteoporosis and other joint diseases;
• avitaminosis;
• gastritis of acute and chronic type;
• heartburn and increased acidity of the stomach;
• violations of metabolic processes in the body;
• cystitis;
• chronic diseases of the liver and kidneys.

Eating pumpkin seeds is useful for those prone to heart rhythm disturbances, high cholesterol and skin diseases. Also, the product will benefit from oncological ailments or a high risk of tumors.

Useful properties of pumpkin seeds

In the absence of contraindications, the product has a positive effect on all systems of the human body. However, the benefits of the product in certain diseases and conditions are especially great, and it is worth considering in more detail.

For the cardiovascular system

Many people suffer from high cholesterol, which often leads to blood clots, arrhythmias, and a tendency to form blood clots. Pumpkin seeds lower cholesterol and prevent clogging of blood vessels. In addition, the product lowers blood pressure, thins the blood and prevents the development of severe heart disease. Frequent consumption of pumpkin seeds reduces the risk of heart attack and atherosclerosis, maintains vascular elasticity and healthy blood flow.

For immunity

Zinc, present in pumpkin seeds, is a very important substance for health and is responsible for the good functioning of the immune system. Therefore, regular consumption of seeds improves the body’s resistance to any viruses and infections. Immunity is activated to fight not only with colds, but also with any inflammatory and even oncological processes.

With diseases of the digestive tract

Pumpkin seeds for the intestines are one of the most useful foods. They have a cleansing effect on the digestive system and help to remove not only toxins from the body, but also toxic substances. Pumpkin seeds are weak, so they are considered a very effective remedy for constipation and help get rid of flatulence.

With gastritis

Pumpkin seeds for gastritis are allowed for use, provided that we are talking about a disease with low acidity of the stomach. In this case, the seeds will help increase the production of hydrochloric acid, speed up the digestion of food and relieve the feeling of heaviness in the stomach.

But with increased acid gastritis, it is better to refuse the use of the product. In addition to the fact that increased secretion of the stomach in this case will be harmful, the seeds can also cause mechanical damage to irritated mucous membranes. In small quantities, they can be eaten only during the remission of the disease.

Gout

Pumpkin seeds for gout can be beneficial, they relieve inflammation in tissues and joints, contribute to the removal of harmful substances and salt deposits from the body. But you can use them only during the period of a calm course of the disease, for the period of exacerbation, the product will have to be excluded from the diet.

A useful property of seeds is their high nutritional value, with which you can quickly satisfy your hunger. Starvation is strongly discouraged for gout patients, and pumpkin seeds make a great healthy snack for those situations when there is no time for a full meal.

For the liver

Pumpkin seeds are very useful for the liver, they are rich in vegetable fats that activate the process of natural recovery and renewal of this organ. Seeds can be used with insufficient production of bile or toxic liver damage, with frequent alcoholic libations, pumpkin seeds will protect liver cells from destruction and prevent the occurrence of serious ailments.

With psoriasis

Pumpkin seeds for psoriasis are highly recommended for use, as they contain a large amount of zinc. In turn, zinc contributes to the production of special protein compounds that accelerate skin regeneration. It is pumpkin seeds that are one of the best sources of a useful trace element – they contain much more zinc than eggs or legumes.

With hemorrhoids

Pumpkin seeds for hemorrhoids are beneficial because they indirectly help to cure the disease. One of the main causes of hemorrhoids is frequent constipation, and the seeds have a laxative effect and help normalize the stool. Regular and easy bowel movements have a positive effect on the condition of the veins in the rectum and prevent the occurrence of hemorrhoids.

For constipation

Reviews of pumpkin seeds for constipation are only positive. The high fiber content in the product helps to increase peristalsis, so pumpkin seeds eliminate disruptions in bowel movements. The constant presence of pumpkin seeds in the diet allows you to solve the problem of constipation, even if you use the product in minimal daily amounts.

For depression and stress

In the composition of pumpkin seeds, a useful amino acid tryptophan is present in large quantities. In the human body, it is converted into serotonin, the so-called “hormone of happiness.” Thus, pumpkin seeds are an effective cure for depression and anxiety, they improve mood, restore vigor and calm mood.

Cancer patients for prevention

Oncological ailments often occur against the background of weakened immunity and slow renewal processes in the body. The composition of pumpkin seeds contains a lot of zinc and selenium, both of these substances are powerful antioxidants responsible for the rapid regeneration and rejuvenation of cells. Regular consumption of pumpkin seeds helps to significantly reduce the risk of developing cancer.

How to take pumpkin seeds

In order for peeled pumpkin seeds to bring only benefits to the body, they must be consumed according to a proven scheme. Of great importance is the daily amount of seeds and the way they are processed.

Which is healthier: raw or fried

Many people prefer roasted seeds because they have a more appealing taste. However, heat-treated pumpkin seeds lose most of their beneficial properties.

When frying pumpkin seeds, vitamins are destroyed and essential oils evaporate, and fatty acids are oxidized and become harmful to the body. The bactericidal and immunostimulating properties of the product weaken, and with frequent use, fried seeds provoke the deposition of salts in the joints and the appearance of edema. Thus, raw pumpkin seeds are definitely healthier.

How many pumpkin seeds should you eat per day

The benefits of the product for the body depend on the amount of seeds consumed. It is recommended to eat no more than 100 g of seeds per day; in case of an overdose, diarrhea, flatulence, nausea and other unpleasant symptoms may occur.

Can you eat pumpkin seeds with the skin on?

The hard peel does not contain toxic substances, but it is still impossible to eat it together with the seed kernels. Due to its dense structure, it is not digested by the stomach, therefore it only clogs the body and can scratch the mucous membranes of the internal organs.

Healing properties of decoctions and tinctures on pumpkin seeds

Pumpkin seeds have a beneficial effect on the body when consumed in their pure form. But for the treatment of certain ailments, it is better to prepare medicines based on seeds, so their benefits will be more pronounced.

Recipes for healing tinctures

Seeds are of particular benefit in the composition of alcoholic tinctures, their valuable properties are enhanced when mixed with an alcohol base. Traditional medicine offers several recipes for a strong tincture of pumpkin seeds.

• From heart disease. About 150 g of raw seeds are peeled and ground in a blender, and then poured into 500 ml of vodka. The mixture is infused for a week in a dark and cool place, and then filtered and poured into another vessel. You need to take the medicine once a day for a couple of teaspoons, after diluting the remedy in a glass of water.
• To cleanse and thin the blood. Useful seeds in the amount of 5 glasses are crushed, then pour 500 ml of high-quality vodka and add fresh lemon juice to the tincture. The remedy is insisted in the dark and cool for 3 weeks, and then filtered and drunk three times a day on an empty stomach, 1 large spoonful.
• From alcoholism. About 100 g of dry pumpkin seeds are ground in a blender to a powder state, pour moonshine or vodka in a volume of 500 ml and add another 50 ml of bay extract. In a cool shaded place, the remedy is infused for a week, and then taken 30 ml on an empty stomach up to 3 times a day.
• For the intestines and liver. About 50 g of raw seeds are mixed with 60 g of dried wormwood, ground into powder and poured into 250 ml of vodka. For 2 weeks, the remedy is removed to infuse in a dark place, and then filtered and taken 50 ml twice a day on an empty stomach, without drinking water.

Recipes for decoction of pumpkin seeds

Decoctions of pumpkin seeds on the water are also very useful for the body and help with heart, nervous and digestive disorders.

• Decoction for insomnia and stress. Seeds in the amount of 3 large spoons are poured into 300 ml of water, boiled over low heat for about 5 minutes and infused until the liquid has cooled. You need to take a decoction of 1/4 cup shortly before bedtime, the treatment is continued for 2 weeks in total.
• Decoction to relieve constipation. A small spoonful of seeds is poured into 150 ml of hot water, left under the lid for half an hour, and then filtered. Take pumpkin seeds on an empty stomach in the form of a decoction, you need 2 large spoons twice a day – during the day the decoction should have its beneficial effect.

You can use decoctions based on the product not only for treatment, but also for preventive purposes – this will strengthen vision, improve immunity and increase efficiency.

Restrictions and contraindications to taking pumpkin seeds

In most cases, pumpkin seeds have a beneficial effect. However, sometimes the harm of pumpkin seeds for the human body can also appear, the product has a number of contraindications.

First of all, you can not take the seeds if you are allergic, both to the seeds themselves and to the pumpkin pulp. It is also necessary to refuse the product if:

• propensity to obesity;
• increased acidity of the stomach;
• acute pancreatitis;
• peptic ulcer in a state of exacerbation.

Caution should be exercised in the use of seeds with a tendency to diarrhea – the laxative effect of the product can provoke a serious intestinal disorder.

Conclusion

The benefits and harms of pumpkin seeds are determined by the presence or absence of contraindications and the volume of use of the product. If you eat raw pumpkin seeds in small dosages, then there will only be health benefits from this, especially for the digestive system.