What pumpkin seeds can you eat. The benefits and harms of roasted pumpkin seeds. Vegetable salad with pumpkin seeds

are pumpkin seeds, which are herbaceous plant growing in subtropical and tropical zones. The seeds have a flat shape, the length is different - from 0.5 to 1.2 cm. The peel of the seeds white color, and inside is a green seed, which is of value to humans.

Latin America is the birthplace of the pumpkin. The first seeds were found by archaeologists in Mexican caves, which were inhabited as early as 7000 BC. It is known that the American Indians already in those days used pumpkin seeds and its pulp for the preparation of dietary and medicinal dishes. Now pumpkin is grown in almost every country in the world, in general, up to 900 species can be counted.

Pumpkin seeds are a valuable and useful product that helps to treat many diseases. To get tasty and high-quality seeds, they must be properly prepared. To do this, they are removed from the fetus, cleaned of pulp and washed under running water. After that, they are carefully dried in the sun or in some other way. The shelf life of the seeds is small and does not exceed one month. It can be extended for 30 days if the seeds are placed in a cold place. Properly store seeds in containers with a tight-fitting lid.

As for the taste of seeds, after roasting, they resemble peanut kernels. They are often used for baking, added to salads, meat dishes and eaten in their pure form.

The benefits of pumpkin seeds

The benefits of pumpkin seeds for the human body are undeniable, although many people are accustomed to carelessly treat this healing product.

Useful properties of pumpkin seeds are diverse, here are the main ones:

Normalizing sleep and reducing the risk of depression. Regular consumption of seeds improves the quality of a night's rest, as they contain the amino acid L-tryptophan, which is very useful for humans. Once in the body, it is transformed into niacin and serotonin, which directly affect human sleep.

Prevention of hypertension. Pumpkin seeds contain great amount arginine. After entering the body, this amino acid is converted into nitric oxide, which is responsible for the expansion of arteries and blood vessels, improving blood flow through them.

Reducing bad cholesterol levels. Thanks to the phytosterols that are part of pumpkin seeds, a person who regularly includes them in the diet prevents their development.

Beauty and youthfulness of the skin. The seeds contain a large amount of vitamins A and E, which are responsible for the elasticity and smoothness of the skin, preventing the formation of wrinkles.

Prevention of osteoporosis, reduction of inflammation in arthritis of the joints. The benefits for bones from taking pumpkin seeds are due to the fact that zinc is included in their composition.

Prevention of inflammation of the prostate. This property of pumpkin seeds is relevant for not only older men, but also young age. Indeed, according to statistics, more than 30% of men over the age of 25 have it. In addition, the seeds have fatty acid and zinc, which prevent the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Protecting the heart from disease. Pumpkin seeds contain a lot of magnesium, which protects the body from rhythm disturbances and helps to normalize the contractile function of the heart.

Prevention of diabetes. Despite the fact that pumpkin seeds are very high in calories, they contain a lot of protein, which is easily digested and contributes to normalization.

Normalization of bowel function. This useful property of the seeds is provided due to the fact that they contain a lot of fiber, which stimulates peristalsis and works like a natural “brush” for the intestines. Chronic is direct reading to the regular inclusion of pumpkin seeds on the menu.

Prevention of thyroid diseases. This is possible thanks to high content in zinc seeds, which she needs for normal functioning. To protect it the most important body from diseases, it is enough to eat up to 140 grams of seeds per day.

Vitamin K, which is part of the seeds, ensures normal blood clotting.

Regular intake pumpkin seeds helps improve twilight vision And color perception. This is due to their vitamin A, which is involved in the production of rhodopsin (the visual pigment of the retina).

Pumpkin seed oil, which is rich in the seeds of this fruit, contains many components that are beneficial for immunity. Therefore, do not forget about them in the autumn-winter period.

It has been established that regular consumption of pumpkin seeds contributes to the production of both female and male sex hormones, so they are equally useful for both sexes.

You can use pumpkin seeds to improve your cognitive abilities, especially memory.

It is worth taking seeds with you on the road to people who suffer from seasickness, who are motion sick in a car. The fact is that the use of seeds helps to reduce the severity of nausea. Therefore, they are recommended to be consumed in moderation by pregnant women.

Prevention male infertility. So, the seeds contain a lot of phosphorus, namely, it is necessary for spermatozoa to grow full tails. Thanks to these tails, spermatozoa become more mobile, which increases the chance of conceiving a child.

Pumpkin seeds can be a valuable source of protein for raw food, vegetarian or fasting people.

It is worth remembering that in order to get the maximum benefit from pumpkin seeds, they must be consumed in fresh. After heat treatment(after roasting) most of vitamins and minerals are destroyed. It is better to clean the seeds right before use, and not in advance.

The composition of pumpkin seeds is represented by various vitamins, amino acids, minerals and fats. If we consider fresh seeds, then they will contain up to 8.2 g of water, up to 13.4 g of carbohydrates, up to 24.5 g of protein, up to 25.7 g of fat and 4.1 g of fiber. There are ash in the seeds, unsaturated fatty acids, all B vitamins, vitamin A, ascorbic acid, vitamin E, vitamin K.

Pumpkin seeds contain a lot of zinc, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and manganese. It has been established that only 25 g of purified kernels are enough to provide 20% daily requirement body in zinc.

It is known that oysters occupy a leading position in terms of zinc content, and so pumpkin seeds are in second place after these clams.

Eating 100 g of seeds, you can provide 80% of the body's daily need for zinc, 160% for magnesium, 130% for manganese and 40% for potassium, which is so necessary for the heart.

pumpkin seeds for men

Pumpkin seeds for men are very useful, as they help fight diseases of the male reproductive system. It has been established that men require zinc for the normal functioning of the prostate gland. As a rule, the amount of the mineral that men get from food is not enough. This leads to the development of inflammatory processes in the prostate. Especially acute is the need for zinc in men after 50 years. Therefore, in order to protect yourself from prostate adenoma and prostatitis, it is enough to eat 50 kernels of pumpkin seeds per day.

In addition, zinc is part of the testosterone molecule - the main male hormone. The microelements included in the seeds can increase sperm motility, which is an excellent prevention.

It is known that men are prone to alopecia in early age. Regular consumption of pumpkin seeds will strengthen the hair roots and prevent premature hair loss. In addition, the zinc that is part of the seeds allows you to fight, which is a fungal disease, and not just a cosmetic defect.

It has been proven that men before women get atherosclerosis, which leads to heart attacks and strokes, and the consumption of pumpkin seeds will stop this process. The amino acids included in their composition strengthen vascular wall, iron increases hemoglobin, arginine dilates blood vessels, and phytosterols help to reduce.

pumpkin seeds for women

pumpkin seeds for women undoubted benefit, which is to maintain not only beauty, but also health.

It has been found that women are much more likely than men to suffer from osteoporosis. The processes of calcium leaching from bones are especially active after the age of 45 years. The minerals included in the seeds will allow this process to be suspended. The fact is that in the seed useful substances are present in such combinations that help each other to be mutually assimilated.

Another frequent women's problem- this is anemia. Pumpkin seeds are an excellent source of iron. Eating 100 g of seeds per day, you can almost 100% secure your daily need for this trace element.

In addition, pumpkin seeds strengthen hair and nails, fight wrinkles, provide elasticity and smoothness to the skin, promote epidermis renewal, and relieve micro-inflammation. Fatty acids moisturize the skin from the inside, prevent hair loss and eliminate the causes of dandruff.

It is useful to use pumpkin seeds for women during menopause, as the phytoestrogens included in it normalize mood, fight depression and improve the quality of night sleep. From head and joint pain get rid of tryptophan.

Useful in small quantities eat pumpkin seeds during pregnancy. A handful of seeds will make it possible to reduce manifestations, alleviate odor intolerance, and reduce nausea. In addition, the seeds are an excellent means of prevention and constipation, which often torment women who are carrying a child.

The harm of pumpkin seeds for the body can be noticed with their excessive use:

The fact is that the product is very high in calories, and if you eat more than 140 g of seeds per day, this can cause a set excess weight.

Eating salted and roasted seeds can trigger the development stagnant processes in the joints and limit their mobility.

In addition, you can damage tooth enamel if you peel the seeds with your teeth instead of your hands.

Naturally, it is worth remembering about contraindications to the use of pumpkin seed.

Calories in pumpkin seeds

Pumpkin seeds are a high calorie food. There are about 559 kcal per 100 g of the product.

Treatment with pumpkin seeds, recipes

Treatment with pumpkin seeds can be reduced to their daily intake in the recommended amounts. Regular inclusion of pumpkin seeds in food is the prevention of many diseases. Even traditional medicine recognized the health benefits of pumpkin seeds and their medicinal properties. Yes, in the pharmacy you can find medicinal product Tykveol, which is based on pumpkin seed oil. It is recommended to use infectious diseases for the prevention of oncology and atherosclerosis. There are also many folk recipes based on pumpkin seeds:

Treatment of wounds and burns. Grind the seeds in a coffee grinder or in a blender, wrap in thick gauze and scald with boiling water. After cooling, the compress can be applied to sore spots. Such a slurry will not only relieve pain, but will speed up the processes of tissue regeneration.

Treatment of prostatitis:

Recipe 1. Seeds (0.5 kg) are ground into flour and 200 g of honey (not candied) is added to them. The mixture is put in the refrigerator to thicken, after which it is rolled into small balls, the size of hazelnuts. Such balls need to dissolve on an empty stomach (1-3 balls). The course of treatment is a month.

Recipe 2. You can grind the seeds into flour, but they must first be dried thoroughly. The powder should be taken twice a day before meals in the amount of two tablespoons. The mixture is washed down with a glass honey water. It is recommended to grind the seeds together with the peel, and sift before use.

Treatment of diseases of the kidneys and urinary tract. With inflammatory processes Bladder and kidneys, you must consume a mixture of hemp and pumpkin seeds daily in equal proportions. Volume - 1 teaspoon, number of doses - 2 times a day with meals. Pumpkin milk is good for cystitis. The peeled seeds are mixed with sugar and water (proportions 50 g: 20 g: 80 ml). Take three times a day before meals for a teaspoon.

Normalization of sleep, removal of nervous tension. Normalize work nervous system decoction of pumpkin seed helps. This will require 3 tablespoons of seeds and 0.3 ml of water. The mixture is brought to a boil, kept on low heat for 4 minutes, then cooled. Take the decoction at bedtime or during a strong emotional stress. Volume - a quarter of a glass.

The advantage of seeds over antihelminthic drugs is that they do not have a toxic effect on the human body, do not irritate the mucous membranes of the digestive organs and have no age restrictions.

How to take pumpkin seeds for worms?

You need to peel the seeds and grind with water. An adult will need about 300 g of semen at a time, children after 10 years old - 150 g, children from 5 to 7 years old - 100 g. If the child is under 4 years old, then 50 g of semen will be enough for him. It is important that the thin green film that is on the seed does not go to waste along with the peel.

To get rid of worms, seeds must be consumed raw. Required amount seeds are cleaned, poured into a bowl, where they are thoroughly ground. In the process of grinding, you need to add water, 10 drops at a time. For 300 g of seeds, about 4 tablespoons of water may be required. The resulting slurry is eaten in the morning, on an empty stomach. You need to eat the entire portion within an hour. After another three hours, you need to drink a laxative and after half an hour make cleansing enema. This method allows you to quickly and effectively get rid of worms without resorting to drugs.

pumpkin seeds with honey

Pumpkin seeds with honey are not just a sweet treat, but a real cure for many diseases. The mixture helps to treat prostatitis and prostate adenoma, to normalize sleep, to relieve emotional stress.

You can pour honey on both whole and powdered peeled seeds. You need to store such a healthy and tasty gruel in the refrigerator in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.

Take pumpkin seeds with honey in a tablespoon several times a day before meals for 20 minutes. But it is worth remembering that you should not eat more than 3 tablespoons of seeds with honey per day, since the calorie content of such a mixture is very high.

How to dry pumpkin seeds?

Pumpkin seeds need to be dried properly so that they retain the maximum benefit and do not lose their taste. To do this, they should be carefully removed from the pulp of the fruit, selected rotten specimens and washed under running water. It is convenient to use a colander for this purpose. Then the seeds are laid out on a towel and dried on both sides, this allows you to remove excess moisture from them.

If the seeds are to be roasted, this will replace the drying process. They are simply laid out in a pan and fried until golden brown. It will take 15 minutes to fully cook.

In an air grill, the seeds are dried at a temperature of 60 degrees for half an hour. The electric dryer turns on at a temperature of 80 degrees, the drying time is 40 minutes. The oven is heated to 80 degrees and the seeds are kept in it for 20 minutes. Wherever the seeds are dried, they must be stirred periodically.

If you have time, you can dry the seeds for outdoors in a warm room with low humidity. As a rule, one week is enough to completely dry the seeds. Thus, it will be possible to obtain the most useful product that will retain all the vitamins and minerals.

Contraindications to the use of pumpkin seeds

Contraindications to the use of pumpkin seeds are as follows:

Diseases of the digestive system in the acute stage. Gastroenterologists forbid patients to eat any rough food during the treatment of gastritis, or and. With hyperacidity, intestinal obstruction - all these are contraindications for the use of pumpkin seed.

Individual intolerance to pumpkin pulp, allergic reactions on its use will also arise when the seeds of this fruit are included in food. Therefore, in this case it is better to refuse their reception.

Excess weight is a contraindication to the use of excessive amounts of seeds, as they have a high calorie content.

Answers to popular questions:

How many pumpkin seeds should you eat per day? It will be enough for an adult to eat 60-70 pumpkin seeds per day.

Can you eat pumpkin seeds with the skin? The peel of pumpkin seeds is very useful, so if there are no contraindications, then they can be consumed unpeeled.

Can pumpkin seeds be breastfed? Yes, but in moderation. Mothers of allergic children should be especially careful. After the first intake of seeds, you should carefully monitor the baby's reaction to a new product in the menu of a nursing woman.

Is it possible to pumpkin seeds with pancreatitis, diabetes and gastritis? With gastritis, pumpkin seeds are prohibited, but with them they can be included in the daily menu.

List of used literature

Pumpkin is endowed with benefits in absolutely all parts - pulp, peel and seeds. Pumpkin seeds are the most popular, the benefits and harms for women are due to the presence of a large number of useful elements. They are very popular along with sunflower seeds, but not every lover of grains is to the taste. Most people, understanding all the benefits, the importance of pumpkin seeds eat them in order to prevent diseases.

In contact with

Pumpkin seeds are useful for women and men, but, in addition to benefits, they can be harmful. To avoid complications, it is necessary to know what composition the seeds have and in what cases their use will be contraindicated.

What are the benefits and harms for women will tell us the content of the seeds. The grains are unusual in their composition and contain a significant part of the periodic table. As a result, it is difficult to embellish their benefits. 100 g of grains contains:

fats - 45 g;
proteins - 24 g;
carbohydrates - 20 g;
dietary fiber - 7 g;
540 kcal - raw, 600 kcal - fried.

Raw pumpkin seeds are healthier than roasted ones

The beneficial properties of pumpkin seeds for women are due to the rich composition of trace elements and vitamins necessary for the functioning of organs and the supply of nutrients to the cells of the body. Among them:

amino acids - tryptophan, arginine, valine, tyrosine, isoleucine, histidine, threonine, methionine, lysine;
fatty acids - oleic, linoleic, which are necessary for cleansing blood vessels and prevention of atherosclerosis;
potassium, chromium, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, iron, phosphorus, iodine, calcium, cobalt, etc.;
vitamins B (1-6), C, E have a positive effect on brain performance. Vitamin PP stimulates metabolic processes, improves cell respiration and nutrition with useful substances, lowers blood cholesterol levels. K - stimulates blood clotting and strengthens musculoskeletal system. A and E contribute to the formation and strengthening of immunity.
The benefits of pumpkin seeds for women is phytoestrogen which is essential during menopause.

Benefits of pumpkin seeds for women

Let us consider in more detail how pumpkin seeds are useful for women. To begin with, it should be noted their ability to support healthy look and update skin covering, hair, strengthen the nail plate. This is due to the saturation of skin cells, hair and nails with living vitamins and microelements that retain moisture and remove toxic substances. In addition, there are many beneficial properties in the field of maintaining health and immunity. Trace elements and vitamins in the composition of the seeds contribute to:

The benefits of seeds are great in reducing cholesterol and triglycerides, which helps to avoid problems with cardiovascular system. Fatty acids contribute to the normalization of cholesterol levels and the elimination of blood clots in the vessels. All these properties are good prevention in the prevention of strokes and heart attacks.

Reducing fatty deposits in the liver

The impact of microelements and vitamins has a positive effect on the reduced functionality of the liver caused by its dystrophy. They help start the process of repairing damaged cells, eliminate inflammatory processes and regulate metabolism. Cleansing the liver will help in the normalization of its work. As a liver cleanser, pumpkin seeds should be applied once a year. For it, grind a glass of grains and enter 2 tbsp. spoons of honey.

Hepatoprotective properties

In the stabilization of the liver membranes, hepatoprotective properties are manifested, due to which the destruction of hepatocyte membranes and their regeneration slows down.

Pumpkin seeds help to remove bile and restore the functioning of the gallbladder. Seeds as a choleretic agent are used in the treatment of cholecystitis.

How best to use?

Why pumpkin seeds are useful for women, and in what form they can be safely consumed - we will consider in this paragraph.

It should be noted that fried salted seeds, if used carelessly, can be harmful to health. Influenced high temperatures vitamins are lost.

Raw seeds are the healthiest. They preserve the natural balance of useful elements and vitamins.

It is necessary to prepare the seeds for consumption in a dry place away from sunlight, after washing them, put them on a newspaper. The absence of the influence of extraneous factors allows you to save the properties of seeds for 3 months.

For achievement quick result use an infusion of pumpkin seeds. Cooking process:

Grind a glass of peeled seeds with a blender.
Add 2 cups of water and place the mixture on water bath. Simmer over low heat for an hour.
Cool and strain.

For problems with the liver, crushed seeds mixed with honey in a ratio of 5: 1 should be used. Such a remedy will be useful during menopause, as it will gently calm the nervous system and help in the production of the hormone of joy.

Therapeutic dose per day

The rate of pumpkin seeds per day for women and men is the same. Optimal quantity consumption of seeds 10-20 g per day, approximately 60-70 pieces. For treatment purposes, the amount can be doubled.

Possible harm

In large quantities, eating seeds, especially fried ones, can lead to weight gain. A doctor's consultation is necessary for people with gastrointestinal diseases and diabetes before using them. It is especially recommended to avoid eating fried or salted seeds.

Useful video

For a long time, pumpkin seeds have been famous for their unique qualities and useful properties. They are considered "female medicine", for more information about them, see the video:

Conclusion

The consumption of pumpkin seeds should not be made constant, it is enough to eat a handful of seeds a day to give the body additional strength.
Pumpkin kernels are attractive to women for their ability to maintain the beauty and elasticity of the skin.
The benefits of pumpkin seeds are observed in lowering cholesterol levels, stimulating metabolic processes, improving the chemical composition of bile and its excretion.
Harm can be caused by excessive consumption of roasted pumpkin seeds by overweight women.

Pumpkin seeds - the benefits and harms of this product are often discussed in numerous forums on the Internet. Many appreciate pumpkin for its excellent taste and useful properties. This gourd culture is good in cereals or stuffing for pies, it is used for making candied fruits and others. delicious dishes. But not everyone knows that pumpkin seeds can not only be eaten, but also used as a remedy.

Pumpkin seeds are believed to have many health benefits. They are a source of polyunsaturated fatty acids, protein, vitamins. vegetable fats for human body preferred over animals. They contain other fatty acids (due to which vegetable oil almost always liquid, and animal fat room temperature- solid). When used vegetable fats less low-density lipoproteins (“bad cholesterol”) are formed, cholesterol itself in vegetable fats not contained. As a result, the risk of atherosclerosis and related heart attacks, strokes, and venous disorders is significantly reduced.

Plant proteins, unlike animal proteins, do not contain a complete set of amino acids, including those that are not synthesized in the human body. But in pumpkin seeds, their composition is closest to complete proteins. It is difficult to consider pumpkin seeds as a permanent substitute for meat, primarily due to the fact that with such use of them, the daily norm of pumpkin seeds would be unreasonably large. But in cases where the use of animal products has to be temporarily limited, they can support the body without great harm for good health.

It is necessary to mention the benefits and harms of pumpkin seeds for women during pregnancy. They contain vitamins and minerals that help healthy development baby, while allowing the mother to maintain health and beauty during pregnancy and after childbirth.

Harm to the body

But in some situations, pumpkin seeds can be useless or even harmful. They contain quite a lot of carbohydrates, so when consumed in excess, they contribute to weight gain.

It is believed that the peel of pumpkin seeds can damage tooth enamel if chewed on. Whether this is true, or whether other factors are involved, has not been precisely established.

As you can see, most of the harmful effects of pumpkin seeds are due to their misuse, the same goes for pumpkin seed oil. The benefits and harms of such products very much depend on the sense of proportion of the one who decided to be treated with them.

Pumpkin seeds have a rather versatile effect on the human body. Their influence can be both beneficial and harmful, depending on the method of use and quantity. There are contraindications to pumpkin seeds that should be considered. Let us dwell in more detail on the conditions in which the use of pumpkin seeds is undesirable:

Diseases digestive system. Due to the fats they contain, pumpkin seeds stimulate intestinal motility. It may be helpful for constipation and sedentary manner life, but in some diseases, such as irritable bowel syndrome, causes a sharp increase in symptoms. Also, pumpkin seeds will not be useful for any diseases accompanied by diarrhea.

Fiber, which is present in the seeds, is a ballast substance for the human intestine - it creates a feeling of satiety, while not having energy value. It is useful for those who suffer from constipation and increased gas formation but harmful in case of diarrhea, serious illnesses intestines with malabsorption syndrome small intestine). The usefulness of pumpkin seeds for weight loss is doubtful, since they have a fairly high calorie content (100 g contains up to 540 kcal).

Hypervitaminosis. Fat-soluble vitamins, which are found in pumpkin seeds, have the ability to accumulate in the body, which is why their overdose is possible. It is manifested by emotional instability, severe headaches without apparent reason, constant fatigue, increased fragility of bones, in men - a decrease in potency. IN adolescence on the contrary, the excess fat soluble vitamins can cause an increase in sexual desire, as well as a slowdown in mental and physical development.

Vitamin C is the only water-soluble vitamin that can be stored in the human liver. Its excess can cause pain in the right hypochondrium, diarrhea, malabsorption nutrients. Hypervitaminosis C passes quickly enough, so it usually does not pose a serious danger.

Pumpkin seeds with peel should be mentioned separately. The benefits and harms of having a peel are ambiguous. It is believed that it contains much more trace elements than the seeds themselves, but are they needed in such quantities? In addition, the peel is quite tough and can damage tooth enamel or oral mucosa.

Origin of pumpkin

Central America is considered the homeland of the pumpkin, it was grown by ancient peoples living on the territory of modern Mexico several thousand years before our era. In Russia, outlandish culture first appeared only in the 16th century and quickly took root in an agrarian country. Peasants fell in love with pumpkin for unpretentiousness and high productivity. This melon culture bears fruit well in almost all climatic zones of the country.

Initially, the pumpkin was fed to livestock, but soon people tasted it and began to stew, bake, add to cereals, soups, and vegetable side dishes. The fact that pumpkin seeds are also useful, and they can be eaten, just like everyone's favorite sunflower seeds, it turned out a little later (about 200 years ago). It was then that they first appreciated nutritional properties pumpkin seeds and found that they can have a healing effect. Since then, this product has firmly occupied its niche in traditional medicine and is used to treat many pathologies.

Features of use

Pumpkin seeds are recommended to be consumed fresh, of course, their taste is much more pleasant after roasting, but in this case everything healing properties product disappear. The skin of the seeds is quite hard, so they can first be soaked in water for several hours. As a result, the skin will soften and can be easily removed. Pumpkin seeds can be bought at the store, but it is better to prepare them yourself. In this case, you can be sure that the product will benefit and not turn rancid, because during long-term storage, the seeds lose their properties and acquire an unpleasant bitter taste.

So, in order to get the seeds, you need to cut the pumpkin and remove the seeds from the middle of the pulp. Then they are laid out thin layer on a baking sheet lined with paper and dry in a warm, shady place. Well-dried pumpkin seeds are stored in linen bags or glass containers. They should not be placed in a plastic bag, as they may become moldy.

Ready seeds can be used as a source of substances valuable for the body or in medicinal purposes. All useful properties of the product are determined by its unique composition, which includes a rich set of vitamins, trace elements and other biologically active substances. Traditional medicine recommends using pumpkin seeds for various diseases. But here it is worth considering that under some conditions their use can provoke undesirable consequences. Therefore, the issue and the advisability of taking this product for medicinal purposes should be discussed with a doctor.

Pumpkin seeds are used in various types- whole, peeled, brewed, added to food as a seasoning, use oil from them. Some people like to click pumpkin seeds instead of sunflower seeds, claiming that they are less conducive to weight gain. Pumpkin seed oil is considered tastier (and more expensive) than sunflower oil, it is rarely fried, but this tasty and healthy product is often added to salads, providing dishes with a unique aroma and piquant taste.

What are the ingredients in pumpkin seeds?

Useful and harmful properties pumpkin seeds are determined by the substances they contain. Amino acids, vitamins and microelements give special value to this product. So, the composition of pumpkin seeds includes:

12 essential amino acids;
mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids;
fiber (dietary fiber);
proteins;
carbohydrates;
a complex of vitamins (A, C, E, K, group B0;
macronutrients (sodium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, calcium);
trace elements (selenium, zinc, iron, copper, manganese).

Almost all the elements necessary for human health are found in pumpkin seeds. Most of all they contain fat - up to 50%, protein accounts for about 30%, the rest is fiber and other useful substances.

Vegetable fats have a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system, reduce the risk of atherosclerosis. Vitamin A is necessary for eye health, it is responsible for the synthesis of the protein that provides twilight vision. In addition, it promotes the regeneration of skin cells, hair and nails.

Vitamin E also takes part in the synthesis of skin proteins, regeneration of the epidermis. It is a powerful antioxidant that slows down the aging process; it is not for nothing that it is called the “vitamin of youth”. It is vitamin E that makes the skin beautiful, the hair thick, and the nails healthy.

Vitamin D is involved in calcium metabolism. It regulates the flow of calcium into the bone tissue, thereby preventing rickets, osteoporosis and other bone diseases. It is believed that this vitamin has a beneficial effect on potency, so pumpkin seeds will bring great benefit men, and the harm from such a remedy is minimal.

B vitamins are essential for the normal functioning of the nervous system. They are involved in the formation of the myelin sheath of nerves, the processes of excitation and inhibition in the nervous tissue. Deficiency of these vitamins leads to the development of nervous diseases and emotional disorders.

Vitamin C is the most famous of the vitamins. It strengthens the immune system, participates in reactions muscle tissue, strengthens the vascular wall and regulates blood clotting.

The trace elements that make up the product are calcium, which is necessary for strengthening bones, muscle contractions, heart function, potassium and magnesium, which support normal work heart and blood vessels, sodium, which is the basis of many biochemical processes, iron, which is part of many enzymes, including hemoglobin.

Pumpkin seeds are a good diversion for nausea. They help those who get motion sickness while traveling in transport and those who suffer seasick, as well as pregnant women during toxicosis. As a means for weight loss, they are effective only if one of the meals is replaced with seeds.

People suffering from chronic constipation can help their intestines by regularly eating a small handful of raw seeds pumpkins. This tactic works well if constipation is caused sedentary work when it is not possible to devote enough time to sports. However, they will not replace exercise and other constipation prevention measures. The benefits and harms of raw pumpkin seeds for constipation are highly dependent on their quantity - excessive consumption can lead to the opposite result - weight gain and increased constipation.

Pumpkin seeds help lower blood cholesterol, so they can be consumed in atherosclerosis. They also help lower blood pressure. But here it should be remembered that the trace elements contained in them, in case of an overdose, can cause a violation of the water and electrolyte balance, malfunctions heart rate, gout and urolithiasis.

Those who like to eat fried pumpkin seeds should remember that their benefits and harms are also due to the peculiarities of cooking. There are more fats in roasted seeds, so they contribute to weight gain and are not advisable for those who have overweight. In addition, during frying, vitamins are partially destroyed, and the benefits of the product are reduced, but the taste becomes much better.

A slurry of brewed pumpkin seeds is applied to wounds and burns to speed up tissue regeneration. It is advisable to pre-wrap such a gruel in a clean cloth or bandage and then apply such a kind of compress to the affected area. In this case, the seeds must be necessarily cleaned. It should be remembered that such a remedy is effective only for burns of relatively mild degrees, occupying small area. During the procedure, it must be taken into account that the product does not have disinfectant properties, therefore, it cannot exclude the penetration of infection through burned tissues. Therefore, additional drugs should be used with antibacterial action prescribed by the doctor.

Pumpkin seed oil - benefits and harms

Pumpkin seed oil is obtained from roasted sunflower seeds. It looks like a thick, fragrant substance of different shades (from reddish-brown to dark green colors). Pumpkin oil is considered more tasty and healthy than sunflower oil, but if the benefits or harms of peeled pumpkin seeds are discussed from positions close to medicine, then pumpkin oil is valued in the culinary aspect. It is used for dressing salads, cooking homemade sauces, various seasonings. It is rarely fried, because the frying process destroys the vitamins contained in it.

Pumpkin seed oil contains the same nutrients as seeds, but it lacks fiber, but the concentration of vegetable fats is much higher. This product is recommended to be taken orally for anemia, exhaustion, hypovitaminosis. Pumpkin seed oil is good for men, it relieves unpleasant symptoms prostate adenoma and improves potency. And the popular drug Tykveol is also produced from it, which has a choleretic, hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory effect.

For women, this remedy helps maintain hormonal balance and reduces painful symptoms in critical days. Besides, unique product finds wide application in cosmetology, it is included in masks for facial rejuvenation and hair care.

Pumpkin seed oil is useful for dysfunctions digestive tract, it eliminates heartburn, protects the liver, eliminates bile stasis and stops inflammation in cholecystitis. useful product alleviates the condition in diseases of the heart and blood vessels, reduces arterial pressure, reduces puffiness.

It is difficult to consume oil in such quantity as to cause hypervitaminosis (unlike seeds). If consumed in excess, it can cause diarrhea or allergic reactions. Another contraindication cholelithiasis. The intake of oil has a choleretic effect and can cause the movement of stones and increase the risk of blockage of the bile ducts. Otherwise, contraindications for use pumpkin seed oil practically non-existent.

Do you love pumpkin seeds? For many years, pumpkin seeds have been the most sought after and most popular seeds in the world. And it's not just the size and amazing palatability seeds. It’s just that this is the very product that, in addition to enjoyment, gives us invaluable benefits.

The pumpkin first appeared in Central America, where this vegetable was one of the staple foods of the local Indians. Much later, the conquistadors learned about the pumpkin, who highly appreciated the juicy pulp of the vegetable and brought it to Europe, from where the pumpkin spread throughout the Earth. It was here that humanity learned that true value pumpkins are not at all in the pulp, but in the seeds, which are essential component nutrition for a person, give him health, youth and beauty.

Valuable composition of pumpkin seeds

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% daily allowance 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 other minerals needed by the body.

But fatty acids are of particular value to white pumpkin seeds, 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 still include in the diet of people on a diet, and all thanks to a large number fiber.

Useful properties of pumpkin seeds

And now let's talk about the beneficial properties of pumpkin seeds, which this amazing product has.

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 to the high content of magnesium and potassium in the seeds in question, the functioning of the heart muscle and the vascular system is supported. 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 the high fiber content, seeds improve digestion, improving stool, eliminating stomach cramps, preventing gas formation and eliminating other problems with the functioning of this body.

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

12. Normalizes the liver. Pumpkin seeds are rich in zinc, which supports liver function and even reduces alcohol cravings.

13. Remedy for seasickness. 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. Remedy for burns. 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.

Raw or fried

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 amount free radicals. In this state, the product becomes already dangerous for the body. Thus, 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 of pumpkin seeds

With all the benefits of pumpkin seeds that they can give the body, the uncontrolled use of this product can have the most Negative consequences for good health. Doctors warn that excessive passion for pumpkin seeds can threaten a person with indigestion, malfunction of the nervous system, and even anaphylactic shock(with an allergic reaction).

In addition, we should not forget that pumpkin seeds are quite high in calories, which means that people with overweight body should use such a product with caution. And people with high acidity of the stomach, as well as people with gastritis and ulcers, during an exacerbation of the disease, should refrain from eating seeds.

Seeds and husks

The husk contains no less useful substances than 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 cooking medicines, for example, decoctions and infusions, traditional healers not only welcome, but highly recommended.

Moreover, there is a way to multiply the beneficial properties of pumpkin seeds many times over. 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.

The use of pumpkin seeds in folk 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. Moreover, the highest content of cucurbitin, a substance that kills helminths, is 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 people with chronic constipation it is recommended to consume 10-15 peeled kernels daily.

Good health to you!

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 good mineral complex contained in pumpkin seeds (calcium, potassium, iron, sodium, zinc, phosphorus, copper, manganese) affects the condition of the skin, hair and nails. Not by chance ethnoscience used this product for the treatment of 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. Healthy fatty acids, omega-3 and omega-6, are also involved in the prevention of skin aging. pumpkin seeds also contains a lot. 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. Fried ones lose their useful properties and turn into just 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 effect on 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 fully explored the mechanism beneficial influence pumpkin seeds on the prostate, but men who use 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 like strengthening immune protection organism and increase its resistance to oncological diseases.

Relief from cystitis and kidney problems

Pumpkin seeds, in principle, 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.