You should note that they are soft to the touch, shiny, and with skin that is not very hard. Some of the best-known varieties are rondÃn, bone tea, and spaghetti.
The pumpkin
Pumpkin properties
The truth is that the pumpkin has excellent properties. In addition, 90% of it is water and contains very few carbohydrates and calories.
Several studies revealed that pumpkin has anti-diabetic properties. An excellent idea to enhance this effect is to consume a daily spoonful of pumpkin-spiced with some cinnamon, which in addition to being delicious, is also an excellent regulator of sugar.
It has a large number of minerals. Among other things, it is rich in potassium, magnesium, calcium, zinc, and iron.
It also contains a high amount of betacorenes. This is a vegetable pigment that acts as an antioxidant, helping the body to produce vitamin A, and is very important for the skin to have good health, even reducing the signs of premature aging. It is also a great help in treatments for psoriasis or dry skin. These pigments give it that characteristic orange color (a case that is also repeated in other foods as beneficial as carrots).
It contains amino acids and acids such as aspartic, linoleic, palmitic, and oleic.
It provides vitamins as necessary as A and C. To a lesser extent, and it also contains others such as E and group B (for example, folic acid).
We hope we have helped you learn more about everything related to pumpkins. As you have seen, in addition to being very versatile when cooked, it has numerous properties that can benefit your health. If that were not enough, it has the great advantage that you can find it throughout the year.
Health benefits of pumpkin
Thanks to its nutritional composition, pumpkin is highly recommended, whatever your age. It is especially recommended during childhood, as it helps the skin, teeth, and bones be in good condition. It also helps to improve the digestive system and the nervous system. Let’s see what the main benefits that pumpkin can bring to your health are:
It prevents a large number of inflammatory diseases such as asthma or arthritis.
Thanks to its high content of vitamins and minerals such as folic acid, it is highly recommended to consume it during pregnancy.
It eliminates excess mucus, which is why it is of great help when expectorating, especially the little ones.
Protects the digestive system avoiding problems such as gastritis, gastroduodenal ulcer, constipation, intestinal parasites, or excess acidity.
It prevents and alleviates many diseases related to the urinary system, such as kidney stones, cystitis, or fluid retention.
The lycopene contains prevent various types of cancer such as lung, stomach, bladder, or prostate.
It is high in vitamin A, which is especially good for eye health, preventing cataracts, photophobia, or night blindness.
Its high fiber content makes pumpkin perfect for fighting constipation.
It has a satiating effect because, among other things, it has a water content of 90%, it contains fiber, and it has a sweetness that will make you not be tempted to overindulge in other sweets.
It prevents sugar imbalances such as diabetes or hypoglycemia.
The fiber contains swells in the stomach, "filling" just enough to create a feeling of fullness. Also, it is low in calories. These factors make it ideal for combating problems such as being overweight.
Pumpkin seeds have been used for many years in natural medicine to eliminate intestinal parasites and prevent them. Take about 30 pumpkin seeds daily, and it serves as a remedy for adults and children.
Protects from excess sun and prevents skin problems such as eczema (atopic dermatitis).
Relieves and prevents nervous system problems such as stress, anxiety, depression, or insomnia.
It prevents metabolic diseases such as excess uric acid or obesity.
It is ideal for protecting the immune system from degenerative diseases, flu, or chronic infections.
Avoid problems related to male health such as prostate cancer, benign prostate hypertrophy, or oligospermia (infertility).
Pumpkin seeds, whose scientific name is Cucurbita maximum, have various health benefits because they are rich in omega-3s, fiber, good fats, antioxidants, and minerals such as iron and magnesium.
Therefore, these seeds can be included in the diet to improve the functioning of both the brain and the heart and promote intestinal health and reduce inflammation in the body that arises from various diseases.
Pumpkin seeds: 11 benefits and how to consume them
The main health benefits are:
Promote relaxation and increase well-being
These seeds have a high amount of magnesium and tryptophan, which are substances that act at the level of the brain, helping to combat excess stress, fatigue and stimulate memory.
Weight loss
Pumpkin seeds are rich in fiber, making for a more incredible feeling of satiety, and the person reduces the portions of food, eating fewer calories and promoting weight loss.
Likewise, fiber also helps control the absorption of sugar at the intestinal level, making it more stable in the blood, reducing anxiety. Therefore, they should be included in the diet in conjunction with a healthy diet and physical activity.
Increase muscle mass
These seeds provide an excellent protein source, so those looking to increase muscle mass can include them in salads, smoothies, yogurts, cereals, or even snacks.
Protect the cells of the body
Thanks to its high content of antioxidants such as carotenoids and vitamin E, pumpkin seeds help protect the body’s cells from the effect of free radicals, helping to reduce inflammation, as well as reducing the risk of suffering from some types of cancer such as stomach, prostate, colon, and breast.
Decrease inflammation
Pumpkin seeds are an excellent source of omega 3, which exerts an anti-inflammatory action against stress processes or diseases that may be causing a state of inflammation in the body; it also protects the body from cardiovascular and brain diseases, improving memory and layout.
Improve prostate and thyroid health
Pumpkin seeds are rich in zinc, an essential mineral for strengthening the immune system and helps regulate thyroid function. Some studies have shown that the daily consumption of these seeds helps reduce the symptoms of benign prostate hyperplasia and improve the quality of life.