By: Melita Horvat |
Pumpkin - Healing Queen of Autumn Fruits |
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Pumpkin (lat. Cucurbita pepo) is an annual plant with creeping stem that is widespread in our region.
There are varieties of pumpkin types and forms, and because of that people also call it squash or gourd.
Pumpkin originated from Central America.
According to some information, it was brought to Europe by Columbus and initially was cultivated as cattle feed.
But in time it was recognized in Europe as a delicious and healthy food that is perfect for human nutrition.
Because of its excellent taste and various ways in which it can be prepared, pumpkin is popular in many world cuisines.
People who practice traditional medicine and modern phytotherapy adore and praise it for its healing benefits.
Heling benefits of pumpkin are hidden in all its parts – flowers, leaves, young stems, bark, pulp and seeds.
Healing Benefits Hidden in Pumpkin
Pumpkin is an exceptionally rich source of many healthy ingredients that are beneficial for human body.
It is rich in vitamins A, C, D, E, K, B1, B2, B3, B6 and minerals such as potassium, calcium, iron, phosphorus, selenium, zinc, magnesium, boron, cobalt.
It contains dietary fiber and valuable fats, proteins and carbohydrates.
Folic acid contained in pumpkin stimulates red blood cell production, prevents anemia, stimulates cell production, especially skin cells, and contributes to the normal nerve functioning.
Studies have confirmed that essential amino acid tryptophan that is present in pumpkin helps with bad mood, depression and insomnia.
Linoleic acid is a powerful ally in skin preservation and that is the reason why it is an integral part of cosmetic industry.
It nourishes and regenerates the skin, preventing dehydration, helps with dermatitis, eczema, itching, acnes and inflammatory skin conditions, and according to the latest researches it is an excellent protection against skin cancer.
Oleic acid, which is abundantly present in olive oil, has been known for centuries as a protector of the heart and blood vessels.
This unsaturated fatty acid helps in cleansing plaque accumulated on the vessel walls and thus helps in reducing the risk of atherosclerosis and heart attack.
Beta carotene and other antioxidants contained in pumpkin largely contribute in fighting free radicals that are well known enemies of human body.
They prevent inflammation, infections, and allergies, strengthen the immune system and protect against cancer.
Besides beta-carotene, other carotenoids found in pumpkin (alpha-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin and beta-kryptoxanthin) have an important role in preserving eye health.
Studies have confirmed that these phytonutrients strengthen eyesight and prevent eye diseases that are connected with ageing, such as macular degeneration and cataracts.
Nutritional components of pumpkin are especially valued when it comes to the health of urinary bladder, kidney and prostate.
It is an excellent diuretic that has a beneficial effect on digestion and relieves constipation, inflammation of the colon and other stomach and intestinal problems.
Besides being easily digestible, pumpkin stands out as a perfect ingredient for weight loss, since it is very satiating and low in calories (26 Cal/100 g).
All parts of the pumpkin are an excellent source of valuable healthy ingredients, but the most valuable parts are certainly the seeds and the pulp of the fruit.
Pumpkin Seed Oil
Pumpkin seed oil contains important ingredients that are necessary for human health.
It contains carbohydrates, minerals, proteins, unsaturated fatty acid, linoleic acid (omega-6) and oleic acid (omega-9).
It is rich in minerals such as iron, manganese, magnesium, copper, zinc and selenium, and with vitamins A, C, E, D, K and B.
Regular consumption of pumpkin seed oil (at least one teaspoon a day) helps in alleviating and eliminating difficulties caused by enlarged prostate.
Studies have confirmed that pumpkin seed oil prevents and suppresses the growth of prostate cancer and ovarian cancer.
Since it has positive effect on the quantity and quality of sperm, it improves reproductive functions.
It relieves inflammation of urinary tract, improves urination, and helps in strengthening of urinary bladder musculature.
It is acknowledged as an excellent diuretic and a powerful support in eliminating of intestinal parasites.
It also helps with constipation and inflammation of colon.
It is confirmed that this oil is strong in preventing kidney damage caused by diabetes.
Oleic acid contained in pumpkin seed oil, is effective in reducing high cholesterol which is very important for cardiovascular health.
Pumpkin seed oil strengthens the immune system, helps with cardiovascular diseases, encourages restoration of red blood cells, relieves irritable bowel syndrome, and removes joint pain.
It has been used for centuries as an excellent remedy for elimination of heartburn and healing of burns.
Finally, it is used for beauty purposes – it preserves the health of eyes, skin and hair.
Pumpkin Pulp - Food and Medicine
Pumpkin pulp contains vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2, B6, and folic acid and niacin.
Thanks to them, pulp is good for maintaining immunity and the health of eyes, bones, skin and teeth.
It contains minerals such as potassium, phosphorus, sodium and iron. It is rich in unsaturated fatty acids and vegetable proteins.
It also contains pectin, cellulose, and other vegetable fiber, which is extremely important for healthy digestion.
When consuming pumpkin pulp it provides the body with significant amounts of beta-carotene, which has manifold effect on human body.
The reason why the experts have especially singled out this provitamin is because of its big role in prevention of the throat, stomach, esophagus and cervix cancer.
Pumpkin fruit is a very good diuretic which is important for people suffering from bladder or kidney inflammation, as well as for those suffering from rheumatism and gout.
Michael T. Murray is one of the world's leading experts on natural medicine and the author of 30 books on natural nutrition and living.
In one of them, “The Condensed Encyclopedia of Healing Foods”, he precisely took into consideration the values of pumpkin and confirmed that certain compounds of its fruit are considered as very strong preventive remedy against heart disease and lung cancer.
In an article published in 2010, in a journal “Nutrition Research Reviews”, it is stated that the anti-inflammatory properties of pumpkin are of exceptional importance in prevention of many diseases, including arthritis, type 2 diabetes and cancer.
Pumpkin Bark as Medicine
It may come as a surprise, but even bark of certain pumpkin types contains healing properties.
The scientists from South Korean Chosun University discovered that pumpkin contains proteins that prevent infections and help in combating microorganisms.
Their importance is especially emphasized in preventing the development of the fungus Candida albicans, which is culprit for vaginal infections in women, nappy rash in children and for many other problems.
Sources used in writing this article:
[url=http://www.eoearth.org/]http://www.eoearth.org/[/url]
[url=http://www.org/pages/]http://www.org/pages/[/url]
[url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pumpkin]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pumpkin[/url]
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