Benefits and harms of pumpkin seeds for health. Pumpkin seeds benefits and harms. Pumpkin seeds - useful properties

Pumpkin seeds are very high in zinc. It is this microelement that helps restore bone density, preventing the development of osteoporosis. By the way, pumpkin seeds will also help inflamed joints. And after all, you need quite a bit: just sprinkle seeds on your daily fresh vegetable salad.

Help with diabetes

Zinc deficiency affects not only the skeleton, but also the most different bodies and systems of our body. The pancreas is no exception. Zinc helps the production of insulin, normalizes blood sugar levels, and also regulates digestion, reduces bad cholesterol and makes it easier to fight overweight(which is also very important for people with diabetes).

Long delay aging

Daily use of a small handful of pumpkin seeds helps restore youth. Useful elements contained in them, accelerate cell regeneration, normalize hormonal function, improve vision. Very well mineral complex contained in pumpkin seeds (calcium, potassium, iron, sodium, zinc, phosphorus, copper, manganese) affects the condition of the skin, hair and nails. It is no coincidence that traditional medicine has used this product to treat baldness, both in men and women. On condition hair follicles Zinc works great. He also copes with skin problems - from youthful acne, which "dries" to premature wrinkles. Useful fatty acids - omega-3 and omega-6, which are also contained in pumpkin seeds, are also involved in the prevention of skin aging. As a result, the skin becomes moisturized and elastic, and the hair becomes shiny and strong.

By the way: only raw pumpkin seeds are useful. Roasted lose their beneficial features and turn into a delicious treat. You need to eat up to 100 g of pumpkin seeds per day, but not at once, but divided into several doses.

Protect the "second heart" of men

Pumpkin seeds are especially useful for men. Zinc affects the production of testosterone and has a very beneficial action on the prostate. Therefore, seeds are good both as a prostatitis prevention and as folk remedy, which will be of help in treatment if the problem is already bothering. Scientists have not yet been able to fully explore the mechanism of the beneficial effects of pumpkin seeds on the prostate, but men who consume them note positive changes. Maintenance aid male power it’s easy to make: unroasted pumpkin seeds rolled in a meat grinder are mixed with honey, the consistency should be such that balls can be rolled out of the mixture (about 1 tsp each). Then these balls are dried. Take a miracle remedy daily, in the morning, half an hour before breakfast, with water. The course lasts a month and a half, then a break of several weeks, and the course is repeated again. Store pumpkin-honey balls in the refrigerator.

By the way, some Scientific research confirmed that pumpkin seeds contain substances that contribute to such important processes as strengthening immune protection organism and increase its resistance to oncological diseases.

Relief from cystitis and kidney problems

Pumpkin seeds in principle, they have a good effect on the organs "below the belt" - they help prevent and treat diseases of the bladder, normalize urination (they are advised to be used for children with nocturnal enuresis and for men, if problems with the prostate disrupt urinary function). For the treatment of kidneys, a decoction of seeds is used, compresses can be made on the kidneys from pumpkin and flax seeds crushed and diluted into gruel. The seeds contain substances that have a diuretic and mild laxative effect. With cystitis and cholecystitis, pumpkin milk is often used - it is prepared from peeled seeds, sugar and water.

By the way: a decoction of pumpkin seeds will help reduce the temperature and significantly alleviate the cough during a cold.

Do you love pumpkin seeds? For many years, pumpkin seeds have been the most sought after and most popular seeds in the world. And the point here is not only in the size and amazing taste of the seeds. It’s just that this is the very product that, in addition to enjoyment, gives us invaluable benefits. Do not abuse this product. You can hurt yourself if you don't know when to stop. Let's look at the benefits of pumpkin seeds for health and is there any harm from this product.

Valuable composition

To understand what benefits pumpkin seeds can bring to the body, you need to look at their composition. And it's really different and unique. The seeds of this vegetable are a generous source of vitamins C, E, A and K. Moreover, vitamin E, which is a powerful antioxidant, is presented in all forms, which makes pumpkin seeds perfect product to cleanse the body and strengthen defensive forces.

Pumpkin seeds and various minerals are abundant in the seeds. So, in terms of zinc content, these wonderful seeds are inferior only to oysters. By the presence of phosphorus, pumpkin seeds are real champions, because 100 g of this product contains 153% of the daily requirement of the mineral. In addition, this product contains 148% daily allowance magnesium and 100% of the daily requirement of manganese! But besides them, pumpkin seeds contain potassium, copper, selenium, iron and many others, needed by the body minerals.

But special value White pumpkin seeds are given fatty acids, among which the most useful are: coffee and phenolic, synapic and ferulic, nicotinic, coumaric and vanillic acids. Thanks to beneficial acids the fat content in this product reaches 45.8 g per 100 g of seeds.

Pumpkin seeds are a generous source vegetable protein(24.5 g per 100 g of raw material). And, interestingly, over time, the nutritional value of this product only increases, because when seeds are stored for more than 5 months, the amount of protein in them increases significantly!

Finally, fans proper nutrition it will be interesting to know that the calorie content of pumpkin seeds reaches 541 kcal. However, this product is still included in the diet of people on a diet, and all thanks to the large amount of fiber.

Top 20 Benefits

1. Strengthens the immune system

Due to the high content of zinc and the presence of vitamins E and C, pumpkin seeds seriously strengthen the immune system, reducing the body's susceptibility to infectious diseases. In addition, selenium helps to strengthen the body's defenses.

2. Fights infections

The seeds in question have a pronounced antimicrobial effect, and all thanks to the substances lignans - phenolic compounds that actively eliminate fungal and viral infections.

4. Helps Produce Serotonin

The seeds in question contain a lot of tryptophan, another valuable amino acid that, when ingested, turns into serotonin, the “happiness hormone” that improves mood and prevents the effects of stress. And closer to night, serotonin turns into melatonin - another valuable amino acid that regulates the regime of day and night, normalizing our sleep, and perfectly calming the nervous system.

5. Strengthens the cardiovascular system

Due high content magnesium and potassium in the seeds in question support the functioning of the heart muscle and vascular system. This means that literally one handful of white seeds a week will be an excellent prevention. cardiovascular diseases, eliminating spasms of blood vessels, dissolving blood clots and preventing the development of heart failure, which means protecting our body from heart attacks and strokes. Seeds are useful for hypertension, effectively stabilize blood pressure.

6. Strengthens bones and joints

The high content of phosphorus and zinc in pumpkin seeds strengthens bone tissue, thereby preventing bone fractures and significantly reducing the risk of osteoporosis. Moreover, it has been noticed that people who regularly consume seeds are less likely to suffer from diseases of the spine and do not suffer from pain in the joints. According to doctors, the numerous oils present in this product have such a beneficial effect on the skeleton. No wonder these oils are widely used in the treatment and prevention of arthritis.

7. Strengthens the nervous system

Pumpkin seeds contain B vitamins and Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, which strengthen the nervous system and guard the body, protecting it from neurosis, nervous tick, nervous disorders and other effects of stress.

8. Prevents urolithiasis

Regular consumption of pumpkin seeds prevents the formation of calcium oxalate in the urine, which is an excellent prevention. urolithiasis. Effective diuretic.

9. Improves digestion

Due to their high fiber content, seeds improve digestion by improving stools, relieving stomach cramps, preventing gas formation and eliminating other problems with the functioning of this organ.

10. Normalizes blood sugar levels

Many do not know about it, but the use of seeds literally 20-30 g per day allows you to normalize the level of insulin in the blood. Doctors who recommend introducing this product into the diet of people suffering from diabetes are well aware of this.

11. Improves Cognitive Function

A significant content of zinc in them improves the functioning of the brain, strengthens memory, reduces general fatigue person.

12. Normalizes liver function

Undoubtedly, the benefits of pumpkin seeds for the functioning of the liver. These seeds are rich in zinc, which supports liver function and even reduces alcohol cravings.

13 Seasickness Remedy

The useful properties of pumpkin seeds can be safely attributed to the fact that they help during nausea caused by severe motion sickness when traveling in a car, water or air transport.

14. Help with toxicosis

Pregnant women in the initial stages are saved from severe nausea just pumpkin seeds.

15. Cleanse the body of heavy metals

Doctors believe that pumpkin seeds remove harmful lead and cadmium from the human body.

16. Burn Remedy

Pumpkin seeds perfectly treat various burns and wounds that are difficult to heal. For this, gruel is prepared from them, applied to the wound, left for several hours.

Which pumpkin seeds are more useful - raw or roasted

Many are wondering how best to use pumpkin seeds - raw or fried? Scientists in this regard are categorical: in the process of heat treatment, this product is deprived of valuable substances. At temperatures above 90 ° C, essential oils evaporate from the seeds, and an oxidation process occurs, which not only does not contribute to the health of the body, but also provokes an increase in the number of free radicals. In this state, the product becomes already dangerous for the body. In this way, maximum benefit you can get from pumpkin seeds if you eat them raw. It is not necessary to fry the seeds, and even more so to salt them. It is enough to put on a baking sheet and dry a little in the oven so that they acquire a delicate aroma and a pronounced nutty taste.

Harm and contraindications

Doctors warn that excessive passion for pumpkin seeds can threaten a person with indigestion, malfunction nervous system and even anaphylactic shock(with an allergic reaction).

In addition, we should not forget that the harm of pumpkin seeds is also manifested in high calorie, which means people with overweight body should use such a product with caution. And people with hyperacidity stomach, as well as people with gastritis and ulcers, during an exacerbation of the disease, it is worth refraining from eating seeds.

Benefits of pumpkin seed husks

The husk contains no less useful substances than in the seeds themselves. However, given that the husk is tasteless, and besides, it is not digested by the stomach at all, it should not be eaten. But to use such a husk for the preparation of medicines, for example, decoctions and infusions, traditional healers not only welcome, but highly recommended.

Moreover, there is a way to multiply the useful properties many times over. pumpkin seeds. To do this, it is enough just to germinate them. This is done simply: rinse the unshelled seeds and lay them evenly on the bottom of the plate. Then fill the seeds with water so that it slightly covers them, and cover with gauze. It remains only to send a plate of seeds for 2 days in a dark place, not forgetting to change the water every 12 hours. According to experts, 2-centimeter sprouts are considered the most useful. You can use peeled seeds with sprouts as a separate dish, or you can chop them into a salad.

Benefits in traditional medicine

Man's health

It should be noted the fact that pumpkin seeds increase libido and help in the treatment male impotence. To do this, you just need to eat 30–40 seeds per day (preferably sprouted). Among other things, such therapy will improve the work urinary system and will be a good prevention of prostatitis. But if prostatitis has already appeared, take note of the following recipe.

Treatment of prostatitis

Take 500 g of peeled pumpkin seeds and pass them through a meat grinder. From the resulting mass, prepare balls (the size of Walnut) and place them in the refrigerator. Every morning, send one such ball to your mouth and slowly dissolve them. Such treatment helps not only with prostatitis. Doctors recommend doing it to every man at least once a year.

Potency improvement

Men who have problems with potency can be advised such treatment. Rinse and dry 2 cups of unpeeled seeds on a baking sheet. After grinding the raw materials, pour it with a liter of boiling water, bring to a boil and immediately remove from the stove. Mix the warm mixture with 3 tbsp. honey. Finished product take half a glass three times a day before meals. The course of treatment is 3 months, after which a six-month break and a second course are necessary.

Women Health

No less useful are pumpkin seeds for women. Thanks to vitamins A and E, which are also called “beauty vitamins”, as well as a high content of zinc, the skin of the fair sex will be cleansed of free radicals, thereby eliminating acne, boils and black spots. Moreover, the nails will become strong and the structure of the hair will improve, because of which they will become stronger and stop breaking.

But more importantly, the seeds contain the same phenolic lignan compounds, which are natural phytoestrogens. In this regard, pumpkin seeds are a real salvation for women during menopause, because the use of this product reduces the severity of hot flashes and eliminates headaches. In addition, pumpkin seeds have a beneficial effect on reproductive function women, and therefore obstetrician-gynecologists recommend that expectant mothers regularly add a handful of white seeds to their diet.

Treatment of cystitis

Clear 2.5 tbsp. nucleoli. Place them in a deep plate, pour 80 ml of water on top and sprinkle with a tablespoon of sugar. Send the finished mixture to the refrigerator for literally three hours, after which you can take it on an empty stomach, 10 g three times a day.

Relieve menopausal symptoms

To reduce the severity of menopause symptoms, you will need pumpkin milk. To prepare it, 50 peeled seeds are beaten in a blender along with 80 ml of water and 20 g of honey. Take this mixture twice a day, 1 tsp. before meals.

Removal of worms

To remove the helminths present in the body or to prevent infection with worms, you should eat a handful of peeled seeds daily for 2-3 weeks. And greatest content cucurbitin - a substance that kills helminths, is located in the film between the husk and the kernel of the seed.

Treatment of helminthiasis with seeds and castor oil

During the day, you should eat 4 times 25 peeled grains after meals, and an hour later, drink 1 tsp. castor oil. The duration of therapy is 2-3 days.

Treatment of helminthiasis with seeds and garlic

Grind 200 g of dried seeds, 5 cloves of garlic in a coffee grinder, and add 2 tbsp to the mixture. honey. Let the product brew for 12 hours and you can take it in a tablespoon once a day on an empty stomach. The duration of treatment is 3 days.

Treatment of helminthiasis in children

Treatment of pancreatitis

Take 5 parts honey and 1 part pumpkin seeds. Grind the seeds in a mortar, mix with honey until smooth and take the medicine 20 minutes before meals, three times a day, 1 tablespoon.

Treatment of asthma and bronchitis

To effectively fight asthma attacks and cure bronchitis, just eat 20 unroasted seeds every day.

lack of growth

The zinc present in the seeds is a kind of growth activator, and therefore if your child's body is late in growth, give him 25 peeled pumpkin seeds daily.

Kidney Treatment

In case of inflammation of the kidneys, pour a tablespoon of peeled white seeds with a glass of boiling water and bring to a boil, then remove from heat and let cool. After 30 minutes, the broth is filtered and taken in a glass 3 times a day (each time the broth should be fresh).

Blood Purification

To purify the blood, you will need to grind 5 cups of peeled pumpkin seeds in a mortar. The resulting mixture is poured into a glass container, where then pour 0.5 liters of vodka and add the juice of one lemon. Such a corked bottle should be infused for 3 weeks, and it must be shaken every other day. The finished medicine will only have to be filtered and you can take it 1 tbsp. 30 minutes before meals three times a day. In a year, doctors recommend conducting one such course.

Elimination of constipation

Pumpkin seeds thin the stool well, so this product can be used to treat constipation, including chronic ones. For this purpose, it is enough to grind 1 tsp. peeled seeds and pour 150 ml of boiling water over it. After 30 minutes, the infused mixture will be ready for use. Take it 1-2 tbsp. up to four times a day. And for people with chronic constipation, it is recommended to consume 10-15 peeled kernels daily.

Good health to you and remember, there is no benefit without harm, measure is good in everything!

Pumpkin seeds are a common delicacy for Slavic peoples. Since ancient times, they have been used in medicinal and preventive purposes, add to baking, dishes and just enjoy their excellent palatability fried or raw.

Today, the popularity of seeds has increased to such an extent that many people grow pumpkins in their summer cottages not for pulp, but precisely because of useful seeds. What is the use of pumpkin seeds and to whom this product is contraindicated? We will deal with these issues in the article.

What is inside?

To find out what is the benefit this product, and what is harm, you need to figure out what the seed hides in itself. One of the first on the list of home recipes for health, beauty and youth today are pumpkin seeds - the benefits and harms of which are being discussed. Here is what is present in the unique natural composition:

• B vitamins;
• high content of vitamins A, D, E and K;
• vegetable protein;
• minerals: zinc, manganese, sodium, calcium, iron, potassium;
• high content of fats, and with them essential and non-essential amino acids.

What are the benefits of pumpkin seeds

Pumpkin seeds - source natural vitamins and useful substances that strengthen blood vessels, arteries. The use of the product has a beneficial effect on the brain, memory, concentration.

Regular intake of seeds cleanses the body of toxins and harmful elements (cadmium, lead), has a positive effect on potency, and lowers blood glucose levels. Seeds increase hemoglobin and reduce the likelihood of anemia, improve the activity of the heart muscle.

Health benefits of pumpkin seeds:

Proper use of seeds allows you to normalize blood formation, tone blood vessels, cleanse the skin of acne and inflammation. The systematic use of the product leads to a decrease in cholesterol, an increase in immunity, and the elimination of flatulence.

Ways to treat with pumpkin seeds

An extensive set of useful substances in the composition of the product allows the use of pumpkin seeds to solve a wide range health problems.

1. Bronchitis and asthma. Eating pumpkin seed will be beneficial due to its high magnesium content. To normalize the functions of the lungs and bronchi, you need to eat 20 non-fried kernels daily.
2. Pancreatitis. Take 1 part seeds and 5 parts honey. Purified raw seeds crushed in a mortar and thoroughly mixed with honey. The medicine is taken in 1 tbsp. 15 minutes before meals
3. Kidney inflammation. One tbsp raw peeled seeds are poured with a glass of boiling water and brought to a boil in an enamel bowl. Infused for half an hour and filtered. The broth is consumed 2-3 glasses a day, always fresh every time.
4. Constipation. One tsp crushed kernels are poured with a glass of boiling water and infused for 30 minutes. It is taken 3-4 times a day in small portions. At chronic constipation recommended daily use raw seeds, at least a few.
5. Blood purification. Five glasses of peeled seeds are crushed in a mortar and poured into a glass container of 0.5 liters of moonshine, juice from 1 lemon is also added there. The mixture is infused for 3 weeks in a dark room, periodically it must be shaken. After insisting, the agent is filtered and taken in 1 tbsp. three times a day for 30 minutes before meals. The treatment lasts until the remedy ends. No more than 1 course can be conducted per year.

Huge healing power incorporated in pumpkin seeds, the benefits and harms of which may manifest themselves depending on the way they are used. A person makes his own choice - using them as a salty snack for beer, thereby destroying his health, or as part of healthy meals from the diet healthy eating. When used in fresh, or at a minimum heat treatment, this product will not only heal and cleanse the body, but also give beauty and prolong your youth.

Pumpkin seeds for worms

For treatment use 125 pcs. raw seeds and 5 teaspoons of castor oil. This amount should be divided into 5 doses and taken throughout the day. First, the seeds are eaten, and after 30-40 minutes, 1 tsp is taken. oils.

It is worth considering that the substance cucurbitin is not in the seeds themselves, but in a thin greenish shell between the shell and the core. For treatment, change should not be fried.

Benefits for Women

They are very useful both for health and for preserving our beauty. The main thing is to be wise. I personally have such a need for them, I can eat a couple of handfuls, and sometimes I can’t look at them. Honestly. So listen to your body.

Benefits for men

For the prevention of prostatitis and to maintain male strength, eat about 60 grains of raw, not roasted pumpkin seeds daily

Harm of pumpkin seeds and contraindications

Pumpkin seeds are so good for both kids and adults. They can and should be included in the diet of pregnant women. So there is no need to talk about harm. The only thing we need to be aware of is the high calorie content. Therefore, who cares about the figure, eat seeds no more than 60 grams per day. But you can afford pumpkin pulp without such restrictions.

You also need to remind everyone, probably, that it is best to clean the seeds with your hands so as not to damage tooth enamel. Frequent husking of seeds can harm our teeth, up to the appearance of tartar.

Use and storage

Pumpkin seeds are best consumed dried. Maybe roasted they are tastier, but if we talk about nutrients, then their level in roasted seeds is reduced by almost 50%. So be sure to pay attention to this when buying. Unless, of course, you want to benefit, and not just enjoy a delicious product.

1. Pay attention to the smell too. If the seeds are musty, bad smell or smells of charm, then it is better not to buy such a product. You are unlikely to benefit from it.
2. When buying, try to taste the seeds. If they are bitter, then such a product is also not suitable for human consumption.

You can also prepare seeds yourself. After all, the pulp of the pumpkin is also very useful. So, try buying a whole pumpkin, cut it open, pick out the seeds, and dry them on a baking sheet or some other flat object. Cover this item with paper first. When the seeds reach, so to speak, to the desired condition, they must be collected and placed in a glass container. It can also be in cloth bags. Just not in plastic. Under such conditions, this product will not be stored for a long time.

Can you fry?

The possibility of using heat treatment depends on the purpose of using the seeds. If they are added to food as a seasoning, then heat treatment (roasting) will enhance the taste. If the seeds are necessary for healing and healing, then it is better to eat them raw. It is in such dried grains that total volume nutrients.

During heat treatment above 45°C, 50% of biologically active components are lost.

Pumpkin is one of the most useful plants on Earth. It benefits a person with fruits, seeds, flowers, leaves. Seed therapy is one of the most affordable and effective natural healing methods.

Pumpkin seeds, to match the seeds of many other plants, are high-calorie product rich in vitamins and minerals. Their beneficial properties are manifested in the improvement general well-being and improving the functioning of internal organs. And that's not counting how delicious they are fried.

From this article you will learn:

Pumpkin seeds: description

Pumpkin is one of the oldest fruit plants, which a person began to collect and grow for food purposes. It is logically assumed that the seeds of the berry have also been used in everyday life since time immemorial. Today, pumpkin is grown as a fodder and food crop on all continents.

By botanical characteristics gourd is a hairy or rough-grass herb that produces large yellow, orange and green berries with a dense structure and hard shell.

In the center of each fruit, during the ripening process, several dozen wide, flattened seeds with a soft but dense shell grow. In its raw form, more than half of the mass of the pulp is fatty acids, so it is oily and soft. Fried and dried sunflower seeds, respectively, dry and more firm.

Production of pumpkin seeds

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations does not provide official statistics on the production of pumpkin seeds in countries. Therefore, in this matter it is advisable to rely on information about the production of pumpkins. According to this indicator, the undisputed leaders are China and India. In 2013, they worked out, respectively, 6 and 4 times more product than Russia and Ukraine, which share the third position.

In this way, Russian Federation is one of the world leaders in terms of pumpkin production. In view of the fact that husking of seeds is quite popular in our country, that is, there is a demand, it can be assumed that in terms of sales of dried or fried product we are also among the leaders.

Due to the general principle of processing, many enterprises clean and process both pumpkin and sunflower seeds on the same production lines. Without going into technological and technical subtleties, the recycling process is described by the following sequence of actions:

1. Primary product washing, pulp separation.
2. Drying with heat generators or sunlight(at industrial facilities - the first).
3. Purification and calibration.
4. Separation of shells and kernels with the help of a seed crusher.
5. Roasting.
6. Distribution by packing containers, packaging.

Before frying peeled pumpkin seeds, both at home and under production conditions, salt or spices can be added to them. For protection against moisture, sunlight, temperature extremes and contact with air finished product sent in a sealed package that does not allow air, moisture and air to pass through.

Pumpkin seeds: calories and composition

• fats: 49%;
• proteins: 30%;
• carbohydrates: 11%;
• water: 5.2%;
• fiber: 6 g;
• calorie content - 559 kcal.

Pumpkin seeds: benefits and harms (daily intake) of vitamins and minerals

• B vitamins are a key group of elements for the stable functioning of the nervous system, protein and fat metabolism. They help to produce nucleic acids, improve memory, the condition of the skin, nails, hair.
• Tocopherol supports the functions of the reproductive system, helps the immune system fight cancer and pathogenic microflora.
• Zinc is essential for renewal and improvement immune system. With its participation, more than 300 enzymes and hormones are formed and absorbed. Zinc is essential for collagen synthesis, allergy prevention, hair and skin health. It improves the absorption of vitamin A, therefore it is included in the prevention of eye diseases. Sufficient quantity zinc in the diet reduces the risk of fetal pathologies and problems with bearing.
• Copper. This microelement is necessary for stabilizing the blood composition, insulin synthesis, antioxidant cell processing, inflammation relief, and the production of sex hormones. A lack of copper greatly impairs the absorption of iron, which leads to a weakening of the cardiovascular system.
• Magnesium is included in almost all metabolic and vital processes of the body: maintaining sugar levels, preventing kidney and gallstones, joint and respiratory diseases. Magnesium stabilizes the nervous system, removing irritability, anxiety, depression, and facilitates well-being with premenstrual syndrome.
• Phosphorus. Everyone knows from childhood that this mineral affects the strength of bones and teeth. In addition, it helps the brain work, keeps muscle tone, stabilizes metabolism, prevents unnecessary stress on the kidneys and liver.
• Manganese. Without it, the absorption of certain vitamins, the production of hormones and enzymes is impossible. The mineral is involved in the formation bone tissue, assimilation of food, stabilization of the nervous system. Due to its antioxidant properties, it reduces the risk of atherosclerosis and cancer.

The beneficial effect of the intake of the listed components of the composition in varying degrees affects all internal organs and body systems. In addition, the action of vitamins and minerals is complemented by organic and fatty acids, essential oils, sterol compounds and tannins.

What are the benefits of pumpkin seeds for humans:

1. The mode of day and night improves - the body rests more efficiently during sleep, drowsiness and weakness disappear when awake.
2. Stimulates the production of L-tryptophan, an amino acid that transforms into serotonin and niacin.
3. The high content of arginine dilates blood vessels, improves blood flow. As a result, symptoms of hypertension are less common.
4. The skin becomes firmer, healthier and younger looking. Returns elasticity upper layers skin, more collagen is produced, therefore, wrinkles are smoothed out.
5. Due to the intake of zinc in the body, arthritis, osteoporosis, and joint diseases are prevented.
6. Normal blood clotting is established.
7. The perception and discrimination of colors is aggravated, vision at dusk improves.
8. It is believed that the use of seeds temporarily suppresses nausea. It is useful to take on the road for those who are motion sick in the car.
9. Pumpkin seed is a rich source of protein for those who follow a vegetarian or raw food diet.

Unroasted seeds naturally have a richer and healthier composition. It is not necessary to use them truly raw - drying will not greatly reduce the benefits, but will allow the product to be stored better and longer.

For Women's Health

Useful properties for women are due not only to health, but also cosmetic effect. This product is valuable for the female body because it prevents the leaching of calcium from the bones and the development of osteoporosis, which is statistically more common among the beautiful half of humanity. Particularly relevant this problem after 45 years. The seeds also prevent another common problem - anemia. This happens due to a large number copper and iron.

Lots of fat and organic acids and biologically active substances leads to rejuvenation, improvement appearance. Compounds and substances supplied with pumpkin seeds compensate for the nutritional deficiency of hair, nails, skin, start and stimulate the process of collagen production. beneficial effect the product renders as if internal use the pulp of the seeds, and when applied externally, their slurry, flour or pressed oil.

Useful properties of pumpkin seeds for men

Pumpkin seeds for men are valuable due to the high content of elements that:

• improve excretion harmful substances and waste products;
• brain performance and mental clarity are maintained during wakefulness;
• prevent cancer oral cavity, respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract and prostate;
• raise muscle tone;
• reduce the risk of heart attack, atherosclerosis, stroke.

Traditional medicine recommends eating pumpkin seeds for prostate adenoma. The composition of the product really helps to get rid of secretory stagnation and relieve inflammation associated with them. But such treatment should be undertaken only after consulting the attending physician. Harm for men with prostatitis can cause the most different products, and getting rid of pathology is possible only with integrated approach, wherein folk recipes are complementary rather than essential medicines.

Pumpkin seeds with honey from prostatitis - recipe:

1. Peel and dry 500 grams of seeds. For better infusion and return of nutrients, you can grind.
2. Mix the product with a glass of flower honey.
3. Put in the refrigerator to infuse. The medicine will be ready for use when it reaches a pasty consistency.
4. Roll the honey-seed mixture into balls 1-1.5 cm thick.
5. Suck daily in the morning 1 candy for no longer than a month. Before next cycle reception should be paused for six months.

Other Tips:

• Dry unpeeled seeds, grind in a meat grinder or blender. Take 2 teaspoons before meals twice a day with a glass of water. The course lasts one month.
• Grind the peeled raw seeds in a mortar, mix in an equal amount of May honey, put in the refrigerator. Eat a spoonful twice a day.
• Make oil from seeds (or buy ready-made) and drink 2 tsp each. before breakfast and dinner. Course: 15 days of admission, 15 days of rest for 6 months.

Treatment with pumpkin seeds: medicines and recipes

General healing recommendations come down to using the product every day in combination with ingredients that enhance positive action. Eating dried seeds supports metabolism, improves overall mental and physical tone, relaxes or tones the nervous system. Doctors advise eating moderate doses of the product regularly at the risk or manifestation of oncological pathologies, weakening of the heart, blood vessels, high cholesterol.

Folk recipes:

• Gruel for disinfection and healing of burns or skin wounds. Wrap the seeds crushed with a blender or coffee grinder in gauze, pour over boiling water. Wait for the mixture to cool to a comfortable temperature and apply to the affected area. It has an analgesic, regenerative and antiphlogistic effect.
• To improve the urinary system and kidneys, 1 tsp is eaten every day before meals. mixture of pumpkin and hemp seeds. It is taken twice a day.
• To combat cystitis, you need to drink milk from water, sugar and peeled pumpkin seed three times a teaspoon (80 ml / 20 g / 50 g).
• For stable operation of the central nervous system, 1/4 st. pumpkin broth. To prepare it, 3 tablespoons are thrown into 300 ml of water. raw or dried raw materials. After boiling, the water is still kept for 4-5 minutes on low heat to transfer the extraction of the maximum of useful substances.
• For general strengthening and recovery after illnesses or operations, pumpkin seeds with honey are used. The mix affects all corners of the body, raises the efficiency of metabolism, strengthens the immune "shield", relieves emotional and psychological stress. Before adding honey, the herbal ingredient can be crushed. It is better to eat this healthy mix in doses up to two tablespoons a day, but constantly.

Pumpkin seeds, eggs and polyp oil

This combination is one of the most famous people's councils to fight polyps in the intestines, bladder, nasal cavity, uterus, etc. The medicine is prepared from six tablespoons of pumpkin seeds (grind as finely as possible) and 7 boiled chicken yolks (crush into puree). 500 ml of vegetable oil are added to them and everything is thoroughly mixed together. Next, the mixture should be steamed for about a third of an hour in a water bath.

The finished mixture is taken in cycles of 1 tsp. on an empty stomach in the morning: 5 days after 5 days of rest. Those who are on personal experience mixed in medicinal purposes pumpkin seeds, yolks and sunflower oil, reviews indicate positive changes for the better.

Pumpkin seeds for worms: how to take medicine

For the treatment of enterobiasis and helminthiasis, you need to prepare a concentrated gruel from grated grain. For viscosity, a little water is added to it at the rate of 2 tbsp. per 150 g of product. The finished mixture should be eaten in the morning on an empty stomach within 60 minutes. After 3 hours, a laxative is drunk fast action and after 30 minutes a cleansing enema is put.

For an adult, a therapeutic portion should be made from 300 grams of seeds, for children over 10 years old - about 150 g, 5-7 years old - 100 g. For younger children, this option for eating seeds is not recommended.

Pumpkin seeds: benefits and harms for men with diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is a difficult to predict disease in which the use of pumpkin seed can both improve and worsen the situation. To protect yourself from complications and risks, it is better to ask permission to eat a safe amount of grains per day.

Pumpkin seeds: cosmetic properties

The answer to the question of which is better - pumpkin seed oil or pumpkin seeds - for skin care, nails and hair, obviously. Oil, mind more content fatty acids, more effective. It has the same beneficial properties as the raw material from which it is squeezed, but it is absorbed deeper and gives a visual result faster.

pumpkin seed oil

Given vegetable oil produced by cold pressing from raw materials with a moisture content of about 8%. Due to the low weight of the seeds and a net yield of about 35%, pumpkin seed oil is one of the most expensive today. vegetable fats. In cooking, it is used only for room temperature because it deteriorates when heated.

The beneficial properties of pumpkin seed oil are provided by the presence of vitamin B, E, zinc, iron, selenium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus in the composition. The product has a beneficial effect on the urinary, digestive, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and respiratory system. AT folk medicine used to treat cystitis, enterocolitis, heartburn, cholelithiasis, liver diseases, atherosclerosis and general preventive courses.

The use of pumpkin seeds in cooking

Pumpkin seeds can only be lightly roasted without being heavily cooked, so the main way to consume them now remains eating in pure form, like the popular sunflower seeds. In whole and chopped form, they go well with salads from greens, cereals, gozinaki, urbech.

The grain crushed by a blender or coffee grinder retains pleasant aroma, so it can serve as a good topping for confectionery and pastries. From lightly roasted seeds, herbs, garlic and lemon juice makes a delicious and original sauce. In raw food and vegetarian cuisine pumpkin pancakes are prepared, in which grated seed is used along with the pulp of the berry.

How to Roast Pumpkin Seeds

Regardless of the method and equipment for roasting, before roasting the seeds deliciously, they must be carefully sorted out and washed in running water.

• How to fry pumpkin seeds in a pan? To do this, you need dishes with thick walls and a bottom, otherwise the product will not be fried inside, but burned out. Scattered thin layer grains are processed no longer than a quarter of an hour with constant stirring. Crackling is a signal for the completion of processing. For a better separation of the husk, the feedstock can be wetted.
• In the oven, the product should be no longer than 5 minutes at a temperature within + 220º. After that, the heating is turned off, the oven opens, but the seeds remain inside until the air temperature inside the cabinet decreases by at least half. Now the grains are scattered on a wooden board and covered with a linen napkin until completely cooled.
• In the microwave, everything is done very quickly. It is necessary to set the maximum power of the oven and put a plate with moistened seeds in it for one minute. After that, its contents are mixed and the actions are repeated. Third and last time 30 seconds of processing is enough.
• How to fry pumpkin seeds so that they open up? This requires special preparation. First, they are soaked in water: 2-4 hours with salt or 5-7 without it. Then the water is discarded and the seeds are gently kneaded by hand so as to soften them, but not break them in half. Then they are put under pressure for about a third of an hour.
• How to roast pumpkin seeds with salt? If you need to give taste only to the shell, it is enough to salt it directly in the pan during frying. For salty pulp, the seed must be soaked for 3-4 hours in a salty hearth (50 g per 0.5 l).

If you're wondering how to fry shelled pumpkin seeds in a pan, follow the instructions for the whole seed. In this case, it is only necessary to slightly reduce the processing time, since the pulp warms up much faster.

Rules for drying pumpkin seeds

1. One of the best options for drying are an oven, a convection oven and an electric dryer.
2. Before drying pumpkin seeds, select the largest and most mature among them, rinse with cool water.
3. The optimum temperature for drying in a pan is no more than 120ºC, in an air grill - 60ºC, in an electric dryer or oven - 80ºC.
4. Seeds should lie in a thin layer so that each seed is enveloped in hot air to the maximum.

The finished pumpkin seed has a yellow-orange hue with a clear outline and is covered with a peeling transparent film.

Storage and shelf life

The sorted and dried seeds for eating are poured into a glass container or a food container with an airtight lid. The optimum storage temperature is 20ºC. In a dark place with low humidity, the dried product is stored for up to a year.

Contraindications

Before giving pumpkin seeds to children, you should definitely ask your pediatrician if it is dangerous. In both children and adults, such a product can provoke a complication of the gastrointestinal tract, intestinal obstruction, allergic reaction Therefore, you need to start using small doses that are not capable of causing serious damage to health.

Before describing pumpkin seed oil, the benefits and harms, how to take this remedy, it is worth understanding the composition of the seeds. Most their composition is occupied by fats - 100 grams of their product contains about 50 g. Proteins in these seeds, a little less - about 30 g. Then come alimentary fiber and water. The share of carbohydrates and ash substances accounts for 5 grams per hundred grams of the product.

The healing properties of pumpkin seeds are explained by the fact that they contain about 12 essential amino acids and about 8 interchangeable ones. As a result, if you eat roasted pumpkin seeds in an amount of 100 grams, then this will cover our daily need for amino acids.

If we talk about the benefits of pumpkin seeds for women, then their benefits are explained by the fact that the seeds contain almost the entire range of B vitamins, which has a positive effect on women's health and reproductive system.

But the benefits of pumpkin seeds for women and men do not end there. They include:

• tryptophan;
• manganese;
• phosphorus;
• magnesium;
• zinc;
• protein;
• copper;
• iron;
• potassium;
• vitamin RR.

Benefit and harm

Many scientists have studied pumpkin seeds, their harm and benefits have been scientifically proven and substantiated. To begin with, we will tell you what are the benefits for the human body from eating seeds:

However, if we talk about pumpkin seeds, the benefits and harms for women and men are the same. It is very important to know how to properly take pumpkin seed oil and others. medicines based on this product, because if consumed in excess, they can damage:

1. So, if you eat pumpkin seeds in excess, the harm will be that they can exacerbate peptic ulcer stomach.
2. The seed increases appetite, which can cause salt deposits in the joints and reduce their mobility.
3. When ingesting the seeds, it is important to clean them with your hands and not chew them with your teeth, as this can damage the enamel of the teeth.
4. The harm lies in the high calorie content - 100 grams of the product contains 550 kcal.

Pumpkin Seed Recipes

Pumpkin seeds from worms should not be used in such conditions and diseases:

• pancreatitis in the acute stage;
• ulcerative lesion of the duodenum;
• exacerbation of gastric ulcer.

healing oil

Pumpkin seed oil from round and tapeworms, as well as lamblia are taken according to the following scheme:

Now we will tell you how to take pumpkin seed oil for medicinal purposes with pinworms:

1. In the evening it is necessary to put cleansing enema. This must be done in any case, even if there was a bowel movement before.
2. Next, with the help of a syringe, oil is injected into the intestine. For children, the dose is 25 ml, for adults the dose is doubled. The oil should remain in the intestines until the morning. It is important to protect your linens and bedding as a small amount of oil can still leak out unintentionally. In the morning you can go to the toilet.
3. Treatment continues for 10 days.

Pumpkin seed oil from worms can also be used for preventive purposes. For this, the drug is taken on an empty stomach once a day in an amount of 5 ml for a week. Such therapy is carried out every two months.

Contraindications

• persistent diarrhea;
• predisposition to diarrhea;
• urolithiasis disease;
• cholelithiasis;
• pregnancy.