Pumpkin is an annual herbaceous plant belonging to the family Cucurbitaceae. A modest plant that grows in almost every country is one of the diet products. It is widely used in cooking, pharmaceuticals, cosmetology, folk medicine.
Chemical composition and useful properties of pumpkin seeds
The seeds are the most useful, they contain a huge amount of useful material:
- Vitamins: A, B, C, K, PP, E.
- Acids: folic acid, pantothen.
- Essential amino acids: arginine, lysine, leucine, isoleucine, threonine.
- Unsaturated fatty acids: arachidone, oleic acid, linolenic.
- Saturated fatty acids: arachic acid, myristic.
- Minerals: Ca, K, Mg, P, Na, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Se.
- Flavonoids.
- Glycosides.
- Ethers.
- Sterols.
- Pectins.
The caloric content is quite high and 541 kcal per 100 grams.
Folic acid, which is part of the composition, prevents the development of neural pathologies in the fetus, strengthens blood vessels.
Zinc improves cerebral circulation, increases the body's defenses.
Iron increases hemoglobin levels, improves blood flow.
Magnesium and potassium strengthen the cardiovascular system.
Organic acids remove toxins, cleanse the blood of free radicals, and prevent their formation.
Due to its rich chemical composition, pumpkin seeds have the following beneficial properties:
- Lower your cholesterol.
- It regulates hormone production.
- It helps to cope with depression and nervous conditions.
- Prevents the formation of stones in the urinary system.
- Constipation is treated.
- Cerebral circulation needs to be improved.
- Improve memory.
- They remove toxins, toxins, allergens from the body.
- They have an antiparasitic effect.
- Strengthen hair, relieve dryness.
- Strengthening the joints.
- Accelerate the regeneration of damaged tissues.
- It helps to cope with nausea, toxicosis in pregnant women.
Indications for use and contraindications
The seeds have been used since ancient times to treat and prevent the following diseases:
- Worm invasion.
- Cardiovascular diseases.
- Cystitis.
- Hepatitis.
- Cirrhosis of the liver, inflammation of the gallbladder.
- Exhaustion.
- Bronchitis, pneumonia.
- Depression, insomnia.
- Constipation.
- Dermatitis, wounds, abrasions, burns.
- Diabetes.
- Oncological diseases.
Pumpkin seeds are a good antiparasitic agent used to treat tapeworms.
They have a mild diuretic effect and are therefore recommended for use in violation of the urinary system and are safe for pregnant women.
Decoctions from the seeds remove free radicals and heavy metal salts from the cells, an excellent anti-tumor agent.
The fatty acids that make them up lower cholesterol and prevent the formation of cholesterol plaques, so it is recommended for people with cardiovascular disease.
Regular consumption of seeds will help get rid of insomnia and depression.
There are several contraindications to the use of pumpkin seeds, including:
- Peptic ulcer.
- Intestinal diseases.
- Allergic reactions and individual intolerance to the ingredients.
Use with caution in overweight people as this product is high in calories.
Overeating can lead to the accumulation of salts in the joints, which can lead to the development of gout.
Application of Helminthic invasion
The composition of the pumpkin contains the amino acid cucurbitin, which has a negative effect on intestinal worms, causes paralysis, which causes it to detach from the intestinal wall and be naturally excreted from the human body.
To treat the helminthic invasion of the kernel, the pumpkin is eaten raw and made into an infusion or infusion.
It is recommended to use the seeds with the husk for treatment and prevention. Adults should eat no more than 300 grams of seeds, children under 10 - 150-200 grams, children under 10 - 70-100 grams.
Seeds mixed with milk have a good healing effect. To prepare, grind 100 grams of raw material into a powder, pour a glass of warm milk, take 2-3 tablespoons before breakfast.
The decoction has a cleansing effect. To prepare a handful of seeds should be ground to a powder, pour a glass of hot water, bring to a boil in a water bath, cool. The resulting liquid is filtered through a sieve and taken in the morning before breakfast. Be sure to drink a laxative after taking it. The admission course does not exceed 5 days.
Pumpkin seeds with honey not only help get rid of helminths, but also increase immunity and body protection. To prepare, pour 200 grams of raw material into 50 ml of chilled water, add 50 grams of liquid honey, mix. Take a tablespoon on an empty stomach, it is recommended to take a laxative or enema after taking it. The duration of treatment is 5-7 days.
You can use pumpkin seeds mixed with garlic and honey to treat helminthiasis. 200 grams of peeled seeds are needed, we grind 4 cloves of garlic, add 2 tablespoons of honey. Take the medicine you received before a tablespoon before breakfast. The duration of treatment is 7 days.
Pumpkin seeds are a wealth of useful substances and their benefits for the human body are enormous. In folk medicine, it is used to treat urinary tract diseases, cardiovascular diseases, tuberculosis, bronchitis, they cope perfectly with insomnia, depression, anxiety, help the recovery from surgery in a short time, prevent the development of cancer. It is used in official medicine to treat helminthic invasion and has a negative effect on tapeworms, tapeworms and trematodes.