Pumpkin seeds: chemical composition, useful properties and calorie content

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14

Due to its rich chemical composition, pumpkin seeds can bring great benefits to the human body. Pumpkin is used not only in culinary recipes, but also in the field of alternative medicine for the treatment of many diseases. The seeds of this plant have medicinal properties. This is explained by the unusual chemical composition of pumpkin seeds. When using traditional medicine recipes, you should pay attention to the fact that this product is absolutely harmless to humans. In crushed form, experts recommend giving pumpkin seeds even to infants.

Seeds in their mature form can be consumed both fried and raw. However, it is worth paying attention to the fact that during frying, the chemical composition of pumpkin seeds is no longer the same. Under the influence of heat, a large number of various vitamins are lost. In addition, fats are oxidized in them, and aldehydes harmful to the body are also formed. But raw grains are the most useful, since they contain a whole set ofhealing elements and substances. What is the chemical composition of pumpkin seeds? This and other issues should be de alt with in more detail.

Features of the chemical composition

The benefits of this product are explained by the fact that the seeds contain all the useful elements and substances necessary for the human body. This can be seen in the table of the chemical composition of pumpkin seeds, which is presented below.

In addition, pumpkin seeds contain vitamins B, A, C, E, K, D. The chemical composition of pumpkin seed kernels includes essential oils, various amino acids, resins, pectin, protein compounds, glycosides, alkaloids, as well as ash. All these elements are extremely beneficial for the human body.

Calories

Pumpkin seeds are considered a highly nutritious food. The calorie content of pumpkin seed kernels is 450 kilocalories per 100 g of product. This indicator refers specifically to raw seeds. In dried form, the calorie content is 550 kilocalories, and the calorie content of roasted pumpkin seeds is 600 kilocalories. It is also worth paying attention to the fact that fried seeds are much worse absorbed by the human body.

Table of chemical composition of pumpkin per 100 g of product

Those people who watch their figure and control the calorie content of food eaten should familiarize themselves with the table of the chemical composition of pumpkin.

The benefits of seeds

Pumpkin seeds inraw form are a very effective anthelmintic product. They are used to treat children and adults with various parasitic infestations. Speaking about the beneficial properties of pumpkin seeds for humans, one should pay attention to the fact that regular use of this product will have a positive effect on brain cells, as well as on the organs of vision. Since the seeds have such a rich composition, as well as a high calorie content, they are recommended to be consumed during exhaustion, with reduced immunity, and even with cancer.

The seeds are used to make a powder that is used to treat joint diseases. This powder is very effective and does not have any side effects. The seeds also have sedative properties. For this reason, they are used as a sedative not only for adults, but also for children. They can lower blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels. In addition, pumpkin seeds strengthen the vascular walls and normalize cardiac activity.

Before using this product in its pure form or using it for traditional medicine recipes, you should familiarize yourself with the energy value, benefits and harms of pumpkin seeds.

The oil, which is made on the basis of this product, is very useful for the skin. If it is used on a regular basis, the skin becomes elastic and elastic. Gruel based on pumpkin seeds is considered a very effective remedy thatused to heal cuts, wounds and burns. It is also recommended for the treatment of prostatitis, psoriasis, as well as for cleansing the liver and treating periodontal disease.

Benefits for men

The composition of pumpkin seeds contains zinc, which has a certain value to the male body. Thanks to this component, testosterone levels rise, which strengthens the male reproductive system. With the help of drugs that are made on the basis of raw pumpkin seeds, all stagnant processes that occur in the pelvic area can be eliminated. It is these processes that are the cause of the development of such a disease as prostatitis.

Speaking about the composition and properties, the benefits and harms of pumpkin seeds, you should pay attention to the fact that they have a positive effect on the quality of sperm. Thus, the activity of spermatozoa increases. The seeds are useful for those men who are prone to baldness, as they strengthen the hair roots well and also stimulate their growth.

Benefits for women

Pumpkin seeds for the female body are considered no less useful. Their use eliminates polyps that form in the vagina and on the uterus. Grains are also recommended for use during menopause and menstruation. The fact is that this product relieves pain in the lumbar region, the frequency of hot flashes and fever.

Doctors recommend that pregnant women eat seeds during toxicosis and swelling. During lactation, pumpkin seeds help produce milk.

Thisthe product is also able to improve the condition of the skin and hair, slow down the aging process, fill the female body with trace elements and vitamins, thereby helping to maintain the he alth and youth of women.

Benefits for children

Pumpkin seeds are very useful for the body of children. Many children use this product with great pleasure as a treat. Pumpkin seeds are considered a natural unique remedy in the fight against worms. The advantage of such a remedy is that it does not contain toxins, unlike many antiparasitic drugs.

Since the seeds contain cucurbitin, which is a poison for various parasites, they begin to leave the body. At the same time, the toxin is absolutely harmless to babies. Many nutritionists advise introducing pumpkin seeds into the diet of children from the age of three. The daily norm of this product should be no more than 50 g per day.

Use in cosmetology

Pumpkin seeds are used quite often to rejuvenate the skin, strengthen nails and hair. This product is suitable for any type of skin. On its basis, oil, masks and various creams are made. With the help of such cosmetics, you can get rid of bags under the eyes, fight acne and smooth wrinkles. A gruel made from crushed seeds moisturizes and nourishes the skin, contributing to its regeneration and restoration.

Possible harm

Despite all the above useful properties of pumpkin seeds, theyExcessive use can cause some harm to the human body. The fact is that this product contains salicylic acid, which can irritate the gastric mucosa, resulting in inflammation. This eventually leads to the development of an ulcer or gastritis.

In addition, the seeds contain zinc, which is considered a toxin. Its excess in the human body negatively affects the functioning of the brain and lungs. The use of fried seeds in large quantities can contribute to the set of excess body weight, as well as the deposition of s alts in the joints. Such a bad habit can be the cause of the development of some serious diseases of the skeletal system. In some cases, the use of pumpkin seeds in large quantities leads to disability. It is also worth paying attention to the fact that hard husk destroys tooth enamel. In order to avoid this kernel, it is best to remove the seeds from the seeds with your hands.

Contraindications for use

Pumpkin seeds also have some contraindications for use. They are strictly forbidden to be used by those people who suffer from chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. This is especially true during periods of exacerbation of these diseases.

Storage and harvesting

Pumpkin seeds must be selected only from ripe fruits. To do this, the pumpkin is cut in half, the middle is taken out of it along with the grains. The seeds are freed from fibers, after which they are laid out to dry on some flat surface. Finishedseeds must be stored in a glass container. You can also use paper or fabric pharmacy bags for storage. It is strictly forbidden to store this product in plastic bags.

Despite the fact that roasted pumpkin seeds are much tastier than raw, it is still recommended to use them dried.

When buying this product, you need to pay attention to the smell that the seeds emit. As a rule, a rotten product smells musty. It is strictly forbidden to eat such seeds.

During the manufacture of various medicines, pumpkin seeds are used both in peel and in peeled form.

In conclusion, it is worth noting that pumpkin seeds are a unique product that is used in traditional medicine recipes to treat many diseases and ailments. However, before using pumpkin seeds for their intended purpose, it is necessary to familiarize yourself not only with the beneficial properties, but also with the possible harm that they can cause. You should also pay attention to contraindications to the use of this product.