10 useful properties of pumpkin for the body based on science

Pumpkin contains important vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. The rich composition determines the benefits of pumpkin for the human body and its widespread use in evidence-based and folk medicine.

According to scientists, with regular use, the vegetable strengthens the health of the cardiovascular, nervous, endocrine and reproductive systems, improves the condition of the skin, reduces the risk of developing malignant neoplasms.

Pumpkin is even recommended for pregnant women in order to reduce the severity of symptoms of toxicosis and increase the adaptive capabilities of the body.

How it is useful — 10 theses

Below are the 10 main useful properties of pumpkin, which have a scientific basis.

1. The content of valuable nutrients

The pumpkin has an impressive size and weight. The average weight of one fetus is about 2.5-3.5 kilograms. At the same time, it has a fairly low calorie content – about 11 calories per 100 grams.

In 100 grams of pumpkin contained The following nutrients:

Pumpkin also contains a small amount of zinc, phosphorus, magnesium, B vitamins and folic acid. 94% of the vegetable consists of water, which makes it a dietary food.

Pumpkin is especially appreciated due to its high content of beta-carotene and carotenoids, which are converted in the human body into vitamin A, necessary for eye health.

2. Antioxidant effect

The antioxidants contained in pumpkin neutralize free radicals, preventing them from having a negative effect on cells and tissues.

Free radicals are special molecules formed in the human body under natural conditions. Unfortunately, they not only destroy pathogens, but also damage their own cells, causing their death or the appearance of various mutations.

According to the data Iranian scientists, excessive accumulation of free radicals in the body leads to oxidative stress and the development of a large number of diseases from the cardiovascular and endocrine systems, as well as cancerous tumors.

According to information experts from Germany, antioxidants protect the skin from harmful solar radiation, reduce the risk of developing malignant tumors, and prevent vision loss.

3. Increased immunity

Pumpkin is rich in vitamin A. According to scientists from the UK, vitamin A increases the activity of local immunity factors to various external infectious agents (bacteria, fungi, viruses) and prevents the manifestation of infectious and inflammatory diseases.

Korean specialists claim that vitamin A also activates the work of cells of the immune system, which has macrophage activity. As a result, the immune system more effectively destroys foreign particles that have entered the body.

Vitamin C plays an equally important role. He launches leukocyte production, accelerates the regeneration of damaged tissues (tropicity with respect to the skin is noted).

Additional contribution to improving the functioning of the immune system add: vitamin E, iron, folic acid.

4. Improved vision

With age, visual acuity is steadily decreasing, and the likelihood of developing degenerative diseases of the ophthalmic apparatus increases.

Research demonstrate that low vitamin A levels are directly related to the high prevalence of "senile" blindness.

Chinese scientists installed that eating pumpkin significantly reduces the risk of developing cataracts – clouding of the lens of the eye, leading to complete loss of vision.

Pumpkin is also a rich source of lutein and zeaxanthin. The described substances prevent macular degeneration and reduce the likelihood of cataracts.

5. Weight loss Assistance

Pumpkin has low energy value, rich dietary fiber and contains a lot of water (up to 94% of the plant weight).

Dietary fiber causes the rapid development of a feeling of fullness of the stomach and leads to appetite depression for several hours after consuming pumpkin. As a result, the caloric content of the diet decreases.

6. Cancer prevention

Cancer cells divide randomly, damaging neighboring organs of the body.

How claim Swiss scientists, malignant cells are able to produce free radicals that help them multiply rapidly.

Pumpkin contains many carotenoids that inhibit free radicals. This property can protect the body from certain types of malignant tumors.

Chinese specialists celebrate Pumpkin's high efficacy against stomach cancer. She also capable reduce the risk of malignant degeneration of pancreatic and mammary gland tissues, throat.

7. Reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases

The vegetable is rich in potassium, vitamin C and fiber, which are extremely important for adequate heart function.

Research by Italian scientists shows that potassium helps to lower blood pressure and prevents the early development of hypertension. This disease is associated with a high incidence of strokes and myocardial infarctions.

According to the data German scientists, pumpkin also reduces total cholesterol and the concentration of its atherogenic fractions (LDL, VLDL) in the blood. Consequently, it prevents the appearance of atherosclerotic plaques that can cause obstruction of any arterial blood vessel. This is the conclusion reached by German scientists.

8. Improving the condition of the skin

Biologically active substances present in the pumpkin have a complex effect on the condition of the skin.

Carotenoids and beta-carotene, according to of the scientific community, protect the skin from solar radiation and prevent the appearance of burns.

Carotenoids, after consumption, are transported to almost all cells of the body, including the skin. They normalize metabolism and increase the resistance of cells to any external agents.

Pumpkin also contains a significant amount of vitamin C. Experts from New Zealand claim that vitamin C provides adequate collagen synthesis in the skin, making it smoother and more elastic, wrinkles are less common.

Vitamin E, hexanthine and lutein play an additional role. They help to maintain an attractive appearance of the skin of the face, reduce the likelihood of wrinkles at any age.

9. Benefits for the brain

The vegetable is rich in omega-6 fatty acids (especially high content is noted in pumpkin oil).

Research shown that omega-6 contributes to mood enhancement , improve overall mental performance, and is also an effective means of preventing and treating insomnia and depression .

It is recommended to give preference to pumpkin in the mild stages of mental disorders.

10. Men's health

By information Korean scientists, pumpkin seed oil can be used as an auxiliary treatment method for men with prostatitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Pumpkin also reduces the severity of pain by suppressing inflammation, helps reduce the size of an enlarged prostate and normalizes urine outflow.

Harm and contraindications

Sometimes eating pumpkin can cause a number of adverse effects and harm the body.

The main contraindications include:

1. Allergic reactions. Pumpkin allergies are extremely rare and are characterized by a mild course.
2. Taking diuretics. Pumpkin is a diuretic and removes water from the body. In order to prevent salt loss and dehydration, it should not be used when taking diuretics.

Use during pregnancy

It is important to note that pumpkin can be consumed by women during pregnancy. In the early stages, the vegetable reduces the manifestations of toxicosis, and also contributes to the proper laying of the internal organs of the fetus. In the later stages, pumpkin increases the adaptive abilities of the mother's body (due to the content of potassium and magnesium). The recommended maximum daily allowance for pregnant women is 200-300 grams.

Answers to frequently asked questions

Below are the answers to the most controversial questions about eating pumpkin.

1. Is it possible to eat raw vegetables? Yes! Usually, raw pumpkin is used to prepare fresh dishes, especially salads and drinks. Freshly squeezed pumpkin juice is also widespread.
2. Heat treatment. Any heat treatment leads to a slight decrease in the content of vitamins and minerals in the composition. At the same time, boiled and baked pumpkin will still be extremely useful. But in dried pumpkin, the sugar content increases significantly, which can adversely affect the general condition of obesity and diabetes mellitus.
3. What can I cook for her? There are many dishes based on this vegetable. For example: pumpkin porridge, salad, cream soup, pie, colettes. Pumpkin serves as an excellent side dish for poultry, pork, and beef.
4. Application of pumpkin juice. Freshly squeezed pumpkin juice is an excellent source of valuable substances. It has a higher content of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants than the pulp of the plant. However, you should limit the intake of juice – no more than 100-150 ml per day.
5. Are sunflower seeds useful? Yes! Pumpkin seeds are especially rich in zinc, which is necessary to maintain bone mineral density. The seeds are also used for inflammatory diseases.
6. Application of pumpkin oil. Pumpkin oil is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins (A, E). It is widely used in cosmetology to eliminate wrinkles, oily skin shine.

Conclusion

1. Pumpkin contains a lot of vitamins (A, C, B, E), macro- and microelements (manganese, copper, iron), antioxidant substances that are necessary for the smooth functioning of all organ systems.
2. With regular use, there is an improvement in the health of the cardiovascular, endocrine, nervous, and reproductive systems, and malignant neoplasms are less common.
3. Pumpkin-based products also enhance the aesthetic qualities of the skin.
4. The vegetable has a small number of side effects and is recommended for pregnant women.