Pumpkin: benefits and harm to the human body

We can talk a lot about the benefits and harms of pumpkins for the body. But it has much more useful properties, therefore, when used correctly, it has a beneficial effect on the state of human health. According to the content of useful substances, it can be called a natural vitamin-mineral complex.

Pumpkin: benefits for the human body

The Spaniards brought the plant with large orange fruits to Europe back in the 16th century. Nowadays, pumpkins are grown on homesteads and on large plantations on an industrial scale. Per 100 g of raw product, it contains no more than 25 kcal, so it is often used as a tasty, healthy and low-calorie dish for various diets that promote weight loss. About 90% of the total weight of the pumpkin is water.

With regular use, this vegetable has a positive effect on the whole body:

• improves eyesight;
• normalizes the water-salt balance;
• adjusts the work of the digestive tract;
• lowers blood pressure;
• cleanses the intestines from toxins and hardened waste products;
• strengthens the walls of blood vessels;
• reduces the increased level of acidity in the stomach;
• normalizes sleep;
• gives energy;
• boosts immunity;
• reduces swelling and removes excess water from the body;
• improves metabolism;
• renews cells and improves tissue regeneration.

The fruit contains all the elements necessary for eye health. There is a lot of carotenoid in pumpkin - a substance on which visual acuity depends. The vegetable contains a lot of fiber, which is so necessary for the normal functioning of the intestine. Pumpkin does not cause bloating and increased gas formation, so it can be eaten without fear. Vegetables are often used in folk medicine to cleanse the liver and gall bladder.One fasting day on raw pumpkin gruel is enough to improve the condition of the organs.

The fruit is good for both men and women. The substances contained in it increase stamina and strengthen immunity. In men, pumpkin normalizes the functioning of the prostate gland; it helps women to slow down aging and preserve the beauty of hair and nails.

The beneficial properties of pumpkins are also known in cosmetology. Masks from it help to restore freshness and a radiant appearance to the face, get rid of inflammation, smooth out small wrinkles. The main thing is to do these procedures regularly, at least 1 time in 2-3 days. The duration of the course is 7 weeks.

Which pumpkin is healthier: raw or processed?

The benefits of raw pumpkin are undeniable, so it is best to eat the fruit in this form. True, many still doubt whether it is possible to eat raw vegetables. Nutritionists argue that salads and mashed raw vegetables are very useful for digestion, in addition, they help get rid of excess fat. After the festive feast, it is useful to eat a few pieces of raw vegetable - this will facilitate the work of the stomach. The main thing is that the pumpkin is completely ripe. Eating raw immature vegetables can harm the body.

Heat treatment reduces the amount of vitamins and minerals. However, even in this form, it brings even smaller, but noticeable benefits. Baked pumpkin removes toxins, reduces the load on the heart. It is especially good to eat processed pumpkin for young children and the elderly. The raw fruit is too hard for the elderly and heavy for the babies stomach. Therefore, for these categories of people, processed pumpkin is the best choice.

The benefits and harms of pumpkin seeds

Pumpkin seeds have many vitamins, minerals and beneficial acids. They are very high in calories, so in some situations they should not be abused. Seeds can be eaten raw or dried. It is better to refuse frying or baking seeds, as this will lose most of the beneficial properties.

Pumpkin seeds help cope with intestinal parasites and intestinal upset. This is a good prophylactic against prostatitis, tuberculosis, liver and kidney diseases.

It is necessary to mention the benefits of pumpkin seeds for the stronger sex, since they have a lot of zinc. And just this element plays a big role in the production of male hormone - testosterone. If a man eats 10 seeds every day, this will protect him from diseases of the genitourinary sphere. In general, seeds can be eaten by everyone: children, adults, old, pregnant and lactating women.

From seeds, you can make pumpkin milk, which helps well with kidney diseases. It is necessary to take 1 tbsp. pumpkin seeds, grind in a mortar, from time to time adding boiled and chilled water (300 ml). Strain the liquid, sweeten with honey to taste and drink 1-2 tbsp. l during the whole day.

With kidney disease, you can make tea. On 1 tbsp. l seeds, you need to take 200 ml of boiling water, insist at least ½ hour. At least 3 tbsp. a drink.

What is useful and harmful pumpkin juice?

9 parts of the mass of this large orange vegetable is water. But this is a little incorrectly said, in fact it is not water, but a healthy, nutritious and well-structured fluid. It contains a lot of pectin and vitamin A. These substances improve blood circulation, lower the level of bad cholesterol, and have a beneficial effect on vision. Such a drink is a good remedy for colds, insomnia, heart disease. Juice removes excess fluid, so it is recommended to drink it with dropsy and edema. The duration of such treatment is 2 weeks, and every day you need to drink 3 times each of 3 tbsp. l juice.

Juice should be drunk only freshly squeezed. The longer it costs, the less useful substances remain in it.

It is better to make such a drink yourself. Manufacturers often add preservatives, dyes and flavors to the store product. At home, sugar, honey or lemon can be added to improve the taste.

100 ml of juice at bedtime eliminates insomnia, soothes nerves and provides good rest. The regular use of this drink strengthens the immune system and makes it able to withstand colds and infectious diseases. For this purpose, it is recommended daily to drink 100 ml of fresh juice 30 minutes before breakfast.

Such juice is useful for young children. You need to start with a small dose so as not to provoke an allergy, gradually increasing the dosage. If children refuse to drink the drink in its pure form, it can be diluted with apple juice.

Pumpkin oil: benefits and harms, how to take

Pumpkin oil made from pulp and seeds has a high nutritional value. It contains at least 50 useful elements and many vitamins. It is used to cleanse the body, treat many diseases of the genitourinary, digestive and nervous systems.

Read also: the benefits and harms of pumpkin oil how to take

Oil has many useful properties:

• eliminates heartburn;
• expels parasites;
• removes heaviness in the stomach;
• heals the liver;
• normalizes the outflow of bile;
• prevents fat deposition.

To get rid of excess weight, it is useful to drink oil 3 times a day for 1 tsp. For the entire course you need to drink about 500 ml.

In spring and autumn, to strengthen the immune system, it is recommended to drink 1 tsp. funds per day. Oil can be instilled into the nose with a runny nose, lubricate the throat with sore throat, and rub the chest when coughing.

Pumpkin oil has strong bactericidal and regenerative properties. It has many antioxidants that slow down the aging process, rejuvenate and protect cells. Therefore, cosmetics based on it well affect the condition of the skin and curls.

Healthy Pumpkin Dishes: Top 5 Recipes

In food, you can use everything except the peel, as it is too stiff. The main thing is to choose the main ingredient correctly. Do not choose the largest fruit. It is better that the pumpkin is medium in size, weighing no more than 5 kg, with a dried brown tail. The peel should be solid, free from defects, spots and cracks. When pressed with a finger, no dent should remain.

You can make anything from pumpkin. Most often, mashed soup, porridge, casserole, pancakes, mousse, souffle, jam are prepared.

Porridge

Tender milk porridge with pumpkin will appeal to many children.

Ingredients:

• fruit pulp - 500 g;
• apple - 1 pc.;
• milk - 700 ml;
• groats (optional) - 60 g;
• honey, cinnamon, vanillin.

Dice the apple and pumpkin. Boil milk, pour in cereals, cook over minimal heat ¼ h. Add diced fruits, cook until soft. Before serving, sweeten with honey, season with butter and spices.

Salad

It is best to eat a raw vegetable in the form of a salad.

Ingredients:

• pulp - 200 g;
• apple - 4 pcs.;
• lemon - 1 pc.;
• honey - 2 tsp;
• walnuts - a handful.

Grind the fruits on a coarse grater. Remove the zest from the lemon and add to the salad. Season with lemon juice and honey. Grind the nuts with a rolling pin, and decorate the dish.

Mashed soup

Delicious tender mashed soups are made from pumpkins.

Ingredients:

• pulp - 1 kg;
• onion - 1 pc.;
• garlic - 2 cloves;
• chicken broth - 5 tbsp .;
• ginger, pepper and salt to taste;
• greens - for decoration.

Cut the fruit into slices and fry. Add chopped onion and garlic. Pour the broth over vegetables, add salt and spices. Cook until the mass is soft. Grind in mashed potatoes, season with sour cream if desired. Serve sprinkled with herbs and crackers.

Fritters

Fritters are prepared very simply.

Ingredients:

• pulp - 250 g;
• large egg;
• kefir - 1 tbsp .;
• flour - 5 tbsp. l .;
• salt and sugar to taste;
• baking powder - 0.5 tsp.

Grind the pulp on a grater. Combine all components and knead the dough. It should be moderately thick. Put the dough in a pan with a spoon, and fry the pancakes on both sides. Serve with sour cream.

Souffle

Pumpkin in the form of soufflé can be prepared both sweet and savory.In the first case, it is used as a dessert, in the second - as a snack.

Ingredients for Sweet Souffle:

• pulp - 200 g;
• flour - 2 tbsp. l .;
• eggs - 2 pcs.;
• sugar - 25 g;
• butter - a slice.

Cut the pulp into large cubes and cook for 10 minutes. Separate the yolks from the proteins. Beat the last until lush foam. Grind the yolks with sugar. Tilt the pumpkin into a colander and chop in a puree. Add the yolks and flour. Gently inject whipped protein mass. Put in pre-oiled molds and bake ½ hour at 190 degrees. Serve with jam or jam.

Contraindications and possible harm from use

Do not eat pumpkin for people with such diseases:

• gastritis with low acidity;
• stomach ulcer;
• intestinal colic;
• diabetes.

It should be clarified that diabetics should not get carried away only with heat-treated pumpkin, as it has an increased glycemic index. Raw vegetable dishes are very healthy.

People with cholelithiasis need to take pumpkin very carefully. It has a strong choleretic effect, and if there are large stones in the gallbladder, everything can end badly.

After a snack with pumpkin seeds, it is advisable to rinse your mouth with water, as they contain acids that destroy the tooth enamel.

Summing up, we can say that pumpkin is a real home first-aid kit. If there are no contraindications, their dishes should be included in her daily menu more often.