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Pumpkin Properties
Pumpkin is famous for its seeds, pulp, edible oil rich in oleic acid obtained from seeds and leaves. The seeds are the most important part. The second most important part is the pulp.
The pulp contains a lot of pectins, fiber and carbohydrates. It also contains proteins, organic acids, vitamins, potassium, phosphorus, sodium, magnesium, iodine, iron, copper, manganese, etc.
Like most vegetables and fruits, pumpkin also contains a lot of antioxidants that a person needs. Along with antioxidants, it contains a large amount of B vitamins, vitamins A, C and K. A significant part of them is present in the pulp, seeds and flowers.
There are 4-5 times more carotenes in pumpkin than in carrots. In the body, they are converted into vitamin A, which is good for vision and is also a powerful antioxidant.
Additional Information! What are the benefits of pumpkin seeds? Seeds are a source of proteins and fatty acids. They also contain a significant amount of essential amino acids and are a source of trace elements. They contain vitamin E, which is found in various forms. The beneficial effect of seeds is also associated with their content of phytonutrients.
Pumpkins have orange or yellow skins. However, some cultivars can range in color from dark to light green, brown, white, red, and grey.
Fruits vary in shape, size and color. The flesh is golden yellow to orange, depending on the polyphenolic substances it contains. Seeds are a source of proteins, minerals, vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids. They are among the top three in terms of zinc content.
The leaves contain various phytochemicals such as specific polysaccharides, phenolic glycosides, free fatty acids and proteins.
The benefits of pumpkin for humans
Due to its composition, this vegetable is used in folk medicine for the prevention of many diseases. Today’s common cardiovascular diseases require the inclusion of various pumpkin dishes in the diet.
Boiled pumpkin
]The constant use of this vegetable facilitates the course of diseases such as heart failure, hypertension, edema and atherosclerosis of the vessels.
Note! Pumpkin is also good for obese people who want to lose weight. It contains few calories and creates a feeling of satiety due to the abundance of fiber in its composition.
Contained pectins cleanse the body of toxins and toxins. Therefore, when cleansing the liver, intestines and kidneys, it is recommended to include pumpkin in your diet. For this, pumpkin juice is best suited, which has a choleretic and diuretic effect, perfectly cleanses the body, improves digestion and normalizes the functioning of the nervous system.
Pumpkin juice is forbidden to use for people with exacerbated diseases of the stomach and intestines. In such cases, it is better to use pumpkin porridge (semolina, rice or millet) or baked pumpkin, which can even help with stomach ulcers.
Pumpkin juice
Half a glass of pumpkin juice with a spoonful of honey helps with insomnia. This juice can also cure cough.
In addition, pumpkin pulp is an excellent antiemetic. Pumpkin is a real salvation for pregnant women during intoxication. It can also help young children who get seasick while on the road or who are seasick. In such cases, fresh pumpkin juice should be consumed, which should be drunk in small quantities (no more than half a glass).
Note! Pumpkin is often used in dietetics. Due to its low calorie content, pumpkin is an ideal dietary product, it is enough to include pumpkin in your meals. 90% of its composition is water, while the calorie content of pumpkin is only 15 calories per 100 grams. It is rich in antioxidants, which are not lost either during freezing or cooking. It is boiled, steamed, baked in the oven.
This vegetable reduces appetite due to the large amount of fiber and dietary fiber and normalizes metabolism. To lose weight with pumpkin, you need to use it in the morning and preferably raw.
Pumpkin pulp can also help fight cancer. The provitamin A contained in it helps prevent the development of lung cancer. Provitamin A neutralizes the action of a carcinogen derived from nicotine,
Scientists have proven the positive effect of pumpkin seeds even on cancer: a high concentration of zinc helps prevent the development of esophageal cancer. Zinc has a detrimental effect on cancer cells, while not harming the cells of the body.
What is useful pumpkin?
Pumpkin has a laxative, anti-inflammatory and choleretic effect. The high potassium content in the pulp reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. It strengthens the walls of blood vessels, which is extremely useful for people suffering from atherosclerosis and high blood pressure. Magnesium and potassium help the circulatory system to function properly.
The anti-inflammatory effect of pumpkin is associated with the content of omega-3 fatty acids in it. Baked pumpkin provides fatty acids in the form of α-linolenic acid.
Crotenoids contained in pumpkin pulp have a strong antioxidant effect: high content of vitamin C and trace elements such as manganese, as well as phenolic compounds.
Seeds also exhibit antioxidant activity, which is explained by their following components: vitamin E, zinc, manganese.
Pumpkin seeds
The effect of pumpkin on diabetes. Helps both in improving the level of glucose in the blood serum and in the regulation of insulin.
Pumpkin contains substances that partially prevent the formation of cholesterol
The antimicrobial activity of pumpkin is due to the proteins in the seeds and the lignans it contains. The shell of the pumpkin seed contains the amino acid cucurbitacin, which has anthelmintic properties, which has been used in traditional medicine. Due to rare side effects, a decoction of the raw seeds is recommended for children and pregnant women.
Positive results for men
Pumpkin has a positive effect on the state of the male reproductive system. The pulp of the vegetable contains a high concentration of vitamin C. Seeds contain a lot of zinc: 30 g cover up to 70% of the daily requirement. Pumpkin seeds hold the record among products for the content of L-arginine. Together they have an impact on the entire body: it participates in the synthesis of testosterone, normalizes the function of the prostate gland, improves the state of the cardiovascular system and affects erectile function.
Pumpkin in cosmetology at home
Pumpkin is used in the form of natural masks from both the pulp and pumpkin seeds. It has a beneficial effect on skin cells, due to the content of vitamins, minerals and all trace elements.
If you mix pumpkin with various components, you get masks that nourish and moisturize the skin, others cleanse and help get rid of acne, and others have a tonic effect.
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Home Masei
Pumpkin is also useful in a homemade anti-aging mask as the main ingredient. This face mask has a nourishing, moisturizing, rejuvenating and regenerating effect.
Homemade anti-aging pumpkin face mask
For the mask you will need:
- pumpkin pulp;
- 1 egg yolk, raw;
- 1 tablespoon of sifted flour;
- 1 teaspoon olive oil.
The pumpkin is washed and rubbed. Mix in a bowl along with egg yolk, flour and olive oil. They remove makeup from the face, apply a homemade pumpkin mask that they just prepared. Leave for 15-20 minutes for all nutrients to be absorbed. Wash off with plenty of cool tap water and wipe the face.
Pumpkin Seed Masks
Seed gruel masks and pulp juice compresses are used in cosmetology to moisturize and brighten the skin, reduce inflammation. The oil extract accelerates the healing of epidermal damage.
Mask for dry skin
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons of pumpkin seeds;
- 1 tablespoon sour milk
- 1 teaspoon honey.
Preparation and application:
Grind pumpkin seeds, add sour milk and honey to them. Apply this mixture to the entire face or damaged areas of the skin for 15 minutes. This mask actively moisturizes the skin and accelerates the healing of wounds.
The right choice of pumpkin
A good gourd has a firm but not stiff skin. It should be without cracks, soft spots – all this indicates that the fetus has begun to rot. When choosing a pumpkin, it is better to focus on the average size. Very large fruits may have dry, watery flesh with a bitter taste. Depending on the variety, it can be stored for up to 6 months. Store at room temperature. The ideal storage temperature is 10-15⁰C. The best way to preserve pumpkin is to cut it into pieces and freeze.
Seeds are stored raw in a closed jar in the refrigerator. So they keep from 1 to 2 months.
