How are pumpkin seeds useful and how to take them, reviews

Pumpkin is a useful and versatile vegetable, thanks to the ability to use all of its parts: pulp, rind, flowers and stems. The benefits and harms of pumpkin seeds have been known since the time of the ancient Aztec culture.

Composition and calorie content of pumpkin seeds

The benefits of pumpkin seeds have been proven in numerous studies. The beneficial properties are due to the unique composition.

Pumpkin seeds are found in a healthy and tasty vegetable. They can be found in the middle of the pumpkin, connected to each other and to the pulp by fiber veins. Pumpkin seeds are located in a shell that is light beige. The shape is similar to that of a watermelon seed. The pumpkin seeds are larger in size. Without peel, the color of the seeds can be either marsh or brown. This indicator depends on the variety and properties of the vegetable.

The calorie content of pumpkin seeds is 556 kcal per 100 g. The indicator refers to a raw product. The calorie content of dried and fried pumpkin seeds is 550 and 600 kcal, respectively.

The ratio of nutrients in grams:

• proteins - 24.5;
• fats - 45.8;
• carbohydrates - 4.7.

A healthy product contains many useful amino acids. In particular, the properties of arginine include participation in the construction of protein cells. Pumpkin seeds contain the following components that provide health benefits:

• alimentary fiber;
• vegetable fats, proteins;
• vitamins (A, B, E, K);
• nutrients (zinc, phosphorus, manganese, tryptophan, magnesium, copper, protein, iron);
• essential oils;
• resin;
• pectin;
• glycosides;
• ash;
• alkaloids.

The benefits of pumpkin seeds

Pumpkin seeds can be both beneficial and harmful to the body. The beneficial properties depend on the type of product processing.

The benefits of pumpkin seeds for the human body are beyond doubt. Regular use has a positive effect on the organs of vision and the brain.

Why are pumpkin seeds useful for women?

Pumpkin seeds can be beneficial and harmful for women. The product is believed to have beneficial properties that prevent the formation of uterine polyps.

Pumpkin seeds are beneficial for women in the climacteric period. The healing properties of pumpkin seeds allow you to normalize cycle disorders, reduce the severity of hot flashes. The product is useful during menstruation by eliminating painful sensations in the lumbar region.

The benefits of pumpkin seeds for men

The benefits of pumpkin seeds for a man's body are undeniable. That is why the product is recommended to be included in the diet.

The healing properties of pumpkin seeds are due to the zinc content. This element promotes testosterone synthesis. Thus, pumpkin seeds are beneficial for potency.

If you use products made from pumpkin seeds, you can eliminate inflammation and congestion. Pumpkin seeds are beneficial for men as they help get rid of prostatitis.

Is it possible to pumpkin seeds during pregnancy

The benefits of pumpkin seeds for pregnant women have been noted. Useful properties are due to the content of omega-3, phosphorus, protein, zinc. During pregnancy, pumpkin seeds are beneficial due to the content of oils, which allow to establish digestion and improve vision. The product helps to eliminate toxins from the body.

When the seeds are consumed, the elimination of heartburn, signs of early toxicosis is observed. Ground pumpkin seeds are also beneficial. Use in the form of a slurry provides the effect of wound healing, bactericidal properties. The natural remedy can be used to treat ARVI and cough. Pumpkin seeds with milk are beneficial for insomnia.

Pumpkin seeds while breastfeeding

The diet of a woman during lactation should be as balanced as possible. The choice of extremely healthy and natural nutritional components is essential. Experts emphasize that the use of pumpkin seeds helps not only to diversify the usual menu, but also to eliminate health problems that have arisen after childbirth.

The benefits of green pumpkin seeds are due to the content of more than 20 essential and non-essential amino acids, saturated and unsaturated fats, vitamins, and minerals. The components included in the composition improve the functioning of the nervous, digestive, endocrine systems. The product strengthens teeth and bones, increases the fat content of milk, prevents the appearance of postpartum depression.

Penetrating with breast milk into the child's body, pumpkin seeds have a positive effect on its development. One of the most important properties of pediatricians is the hypoallergenicity of the mother's nutritional component.

In some cases, pumpkin seed can be harmful when breastfeeding. Usually harm is noted against the background of individual intolerance, allergic reactions. Signs of digestive disorders can be observed with overeating.

Pumpkin seeds for kids and teens

Pumpkin seeds can be beneficial and harmful for children, which is associated with age and individual characteristics. For children who are overweight, seeds can be harmful. In general, they are introduced into the diet no earlier than 3 years of age due to their characteristic properties.

For pumpkin seed kernels to be beneficial, they are served raw. The product can be pre-chopped and added to the porridge.

The main property of the seed is considered to strengthen children's immunity and protection against worms. When using a healthy product that is often used as a delicacy, you should take into account the allowable rate. This is due to the high content of manganese in the composition. Element in large quantities can be harmful.

Eating pumpkin seeds can help correct short stature due to its zinc content. The component has the ability to develop bone tissue. In such cases, it is recommended to give the child 25 pre-peeled kernels.

How many pumpkin seeds to eat per day

The daily intake of pumpkin seeds is 60 g. This amount can be increased in the absence of contraindications.

The average norm has the necessary substances that improve the functioning of internal organs. For example, pumpkin seeds are beneficial for the liver.

Which pumpkin seeds are healthier: raw or roasted

Experts strongly recommend consuming the product raw due to the preservation of its beneficial properties. It is known that during frying, a significant part of the healing properties disappears due to the disappearance of useful components. Heat treatment also produces compounds that are hazardous to health and can be harmful.

The benefits of sprouted pumpkin seeds

The benefits are obtained through the consumption of sprouted pumpkin seeds. The product goes well with other ingredients after pre-grinding Pumpkin seed milk is especially useful.

Milk from sprouts is drunk or added to baked goods. To preserve the benefits of pumpkin seed milk, 50 g of seedlings must be chopped, add a glass of water. After straining, the remaining sprouts are squeezed out.

Pumpkin sprouts have the following beneficial properties:

• restoration of metabolic processes;
• elimination of general weakness and insomnia;
• normalization of the liver, gall and bladder, kidneys;
• therapy of inflammatory diseases of the reproductive sphere;
• improving brain function;
• stabilization of the psycho-emotional state;
• slowing down aging.

Pumpkin seed-based traditional medicine recipes

The product is used as a traditional medicine for the prevention and treatment of various pathologies.

From worms and other parasites

Pumpkin seeds are helpful in treating worms. The product can be used as part of therapy for adults and children.

For the preparation of a folk remedy, dried pumpkin seeds are required, which bring tangible benefits for worms. In a coffee grinder, grind 200 g of seeds and add 5 cloves of garlic, 2 tablespoons of honey. The ingredients are re-crushed and infused for 24 hours. The drug is taken on an empty stomach in the morning once a day. You can expect parasite clearance in 3 days.

For constipation

For the treatment of chronic constipation, a teaspoon of seeds is poured with a glass of boiled hot water, insisted under a closed lid for 30 minutes.To enhance the beneficial properties, you can eat 10-15 pumpkin seed kernels daily.

With cholecystitis and pancreatitis

Benefit with these pathologies can be expected if you use ground pumpkin seeds with honey. In order to prepare a healthy treat, the ingredients are mixed in a 5: 1 ratio and taken three times a day before meals. Pumpkin seeds with honey are beneficial not only for pancreatitis and cholecystitis, but also prevent the appearance of ARVI.

With prostatitis

Inflammation of the prostate gland causes harm in the form of the development of prostatitis. Seed oil is used as a prophylactic agent, which is consumed three times a day, 1 teaspoon.

For treatment, you need to grind 500 g of peeled seeds and add 1 glass of honey. The mass should then be moved and molded into balls for storage in the refrigerator. The tool is used twice a day (morning and evening).

With hemorrhoids

For prevention and treatment, it is necessary to use raw seeds, which are distinguished by useful properties, help to establish stool. To avoid possible harm, you need to use the product in accordance with the acceptable rate.

To enhance the beneficial properties, raw seeds are steamed with boiling water. The allowed amount does not exceed 80 g.

For liver diseases

Liver pathologies are considered one of the indications for taking pumpkin seeds. The product is also recommended for the elderly.

In some cases, the use of grains is not recommended, as it may cause harm:

• acute phase of liver disease;
• fatty hepatosis.

The use of grains in small quantities is allowed for fibrous hepatosis, the stage of remission of liver pathologies. It is recommended to use raw beans for direct application or steaming.

With gastritis and stomach ulcers

The beneficial properties are the elimination of toxins that are harmful. Grains are often recommended for eliminating flatulence and constipation.

If gastritis or stomach ulcers develop, doctors prescribe pumpkin seed oil. It should be remembered that the remedy can cause harm during exacerbation of pathologies.

With diabetes mellitus

The product is beneficial for dieting against the background of diabetes mellitus. Thanks to the beneficial properties of the composition, blood sugar levels are reduced.

Other useful properties include:

• elimination of harmful toxins due to the content of minerals and carotenoids;
• restoration of the optimal amount of various fats in the body;
• cleansing of blood vessels, prevention of atherosclerosis.

With gout

The disease is a consequence of metabolic disorders and is accompanied by an increase in the level of uric acid. For gout, eating well, which may include pumpkin seeds, is beneficial. The product is recommended to be consumed in small portions raw or dried. Seeds can be alternated with nuts.

For insomnia

Grains contain significant amounts of magnesium, which has beneficial properties. For chronic insomnia, the product must be included in the diet.

To improve sleep, the seeds can be used raw or used as an aqueous or milk decoction. Seedlings are also beneficial.

For wound healing

Seeds have beneficial properties to accelerate wound healing. For this purpose, they are crushed, sour cream is added and applied to the affected area of ​​the skin.

Slimming pumpkin seeds

According to the latest scientific research, grains have beneficial properties that can be used to help you lose weight. The beneficial effect is associated with the saturation of the body with the necessary substances that normalize metabolic processes.

It is noteworthy that women are more likely to lose weight. For maximum benefits, grains should be consumed at least 3 times a week.

The use of pumpkin seeds in home cosmetology

The tool is considered effective in eliminating cosmetic problems.

For facial skin

The beneficial properties of the grains can be used to beauty the skin of the face. The tool benefits due to the content of vitamins and microelements, macroelements.

The useful properties of a pumpkin seed mask include:

• toning and cleansing the skin;
• removal of inflammation;
• prevention of acne;
• smoothing fine wrinkles;
• elimination of freckles, age spots.

A mask for dry skin is popular. 10 g of crushed seeds are poured with boiling water and insisted for 20 minutes, after which they are filtered. In the resulting infusion add pulp 20 g of orange, 20 g of cottage cheese. The mixture is applied to clean skin, after 15 minutes, washed off with cool water. It is advisable to repeat the procedure at least 2 times a week.

For hair

The benefits of white pumpkin seeds are in improving hair condition:

• loss prevention;
• restoration of split ends;
• giving a natural shine;
• elimination of dandruff.

Useful properties are distinguished by a mask, for the preparation of which you should take chopped seeds and water in a ratio of 1:10. The mixture is applied to the hair and wrapped in a terry towel. After 30 minutes, wash your hair with shampoo.

Harm of pumpkin seeds and contraindications to use

Pumpkin seeds have not only beneficial properties, but also contraindications. It is undesirable to use a prophylactic and therapeutic agent in the presence of allergies or individual intolerance. Otherwise, the power component may be harmful.

For the following indications, the product should be used with the utmost care:

• increased acidity of gastric juice;
• obesity;
• exacerbation of existing pathologies of the digestive system.

Pumpkin is considered a low-calorie vegetable, unlike seeds. It is in connection with the properties and calorie content of the product that it is undesirable to often use it for people suffering from overweight.

The rate of consumption is up to 100 g. The harm of excessive consumption is the development of stomach ulcers, the risk of salt accumulation in the joints. Using seeds together with shells can cause damage to the teeth, which is manifested by damage to the enamel.

Frequently asked Questions

Pumpkin seeds, which are beneficial to the body, are a popular therapeutic and preventive agent. That is why their use is often accompanied by numerous questions.

Why pumpkin seeds are bitter

Bitterness occurs during improper or prolonged storage and indicates fat oxidation. Such a product should not be used, as it can cause harm.

How to quickly peel pumpkin seeds

Unpeeled seeds can harm your stomach and tooth enamel. Before using them, the grains should be thoroughly washed. The kernels are cleaned by making an incision with scissors from the middle to the spout. Then the seed is squeezed out of the husk.

With a significant amount of seeds, they are placed on a sheet of parchment and carefully rolled out with a rolling pin, and then thrown into boiling water. Broken shells float up after 20-30 minutes.

Can you eat pumpkin seeds with peels?

The opinions of experts about the possibility of using the seed along with the husk differ.Some doctors believe that only peeled pumpkin seeds are beneficial. This is due to the risk of injury to the walls of the stomach with coarse husk. It can be harmful in the form of pain. Moreover, the peel is almost not subject to digestion and can cause harm.

There is a claim that the husk of pumpkin seeds has beneficial properties. The peel can also be used as a medicinal and prophylactic agent.

How to dry and store pumpkin seeds

You need to choose grains from a ripe crop. Empty and uneven seeds are not suitable for subsequent drying.

Each grain is separated from the pulp, laid out on a dry cloth or paper. Drying should take place in a well-ventilated area. You can store grains in a glass jar or a special bag made of natural fabrics. For the product to retain its beneficial properties, the storage area must be dark as well as cool. The shelf life does not exceed 1 year.

Conclusion

The benefits and harms of pumpkin seeds indicate compliance with the required rate when consumed. Grains have many useful properties, some of which disappear during heat treatment. Frying produces hazardous components that can be harmful.

Reviews

Numerous reviews of people testify in favor of the healing properties of a natural product.