Useful properties of pumpkin!
Pumpkin is a genus of herbaceous plants in the Pumpkin family.
The word "pumpkin" in Russia usually refers to the type of Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo), widely distributed and cultivated as a food and feed plant. The vegetable is eaten with pleasure, used for the prevention and treatment of many diseases.
What is a pumpkin?
Pumpkin is either a vegetable or a berry, depending on the classification (in the culinary and household classification, it is a vegetable, in botany it is referred to as berries). There are 2 versions of the origin of the name "pumpkin". Based on the first, it is derived from the Common Slavic "tuku", meaning "fat". Another version implies borrowing a word from the Pelagian language - "kuku", which means"plump fruit".
Kinds
As a rule, there are three types of pumpkin – hard-boiled, large-fruited and nutmeg. Let's look at the types in more detail.
Hard-edged. A mature pumpkin has a very thick, dense skin. This type can be attributed to precocious, because vegetables ripen really quickly (they need less than 30 days). The fruits are not very large, and the seeds are one of the most delicious. This includes bush varieties, which allow you to significantly save space when growing. Vegetables have a ribbed peduncle (the grooves are quite pronounced).
Large-fruited. The largest and sweetest vegetables. Some varieties contain quite a lot of sugar, sometimes in larger amounts than watermelons. Vegetables have a rounded peduncle, the same stem and kidney-shaped leaves. The seeds may have a milky or brownish color. This type is better than others tolerates low temperatures, so vegetables can be stored for a long time right in the apartment.
Nutmeg. Pumpkins of this variety have a five-sided peduncle with a significant expansion at the base. Seeds are dirty yellow or brown. Pumpkins are rich in vitamins, while very tasty. The disadvantages of this type is the thermophilicity and late ripening of vegetables. This can significantly affect the harvest, as vegetables sometimes do not have time to fully ripen during the summer season. For this reason, it is recommended to grow them in the southern regions.
Composition and caloric content
100 g of the product contains:
calories is 22 kcal;
protein – 1 g;
fat – 0.1 g;
carbohydrates – 4.4 g.
The composition of pumpkin contains many useful substances and vitamins. The vegetable is rich in beta-carotene, vitamins (B1, B2, C and others), as well as minerals (potassium, magnesium, zinc, copper, iron and phosphorus).
General use
Strengthens the immune system. Pumpkins contain a lot of carotenoids, which help protect cells from free radical damage. Like carrots, this vegetable is rich in beta-carotene, which improves overall health, strengthens the immune system.
It is useful for the skin. Since the vegetable contains antioxidants, many companies use it in the production of skin care products. Pumpkin can even be applied topically to the skin – this will improve cellular metabolism, resulting in a smoother and healthier skin. Antioxidants will help eliminate the signs of aging.
It is a source of vitamin A. Pumpkin is rich in beta-carotene, so with regular use of this product, the body will be able to maintain the norm of vitamin A. A small portion (100-150 g) of this product will provide the body with a daily dose of this vitamin. Vitamin A is one of the most versatile, playing an important role in maintaining the functioning of many body functions. It strengthens the health of bone tissue, supports the health of the skin and protects the body from infections. In addition, vitamin A contributes to good vision, especially in the dark.
Supports the work of digestion. Fiber plays an important role in maintaining the functioning of the intestine, affects blood glucose levels and even cholesterol levels. It is already known that fiber supports the health of the digestive system, but not everyone knows that it can also help to get rid of extra pounds. Eating foods rich in fiber can significantly reduce hunger, thereby avoiding overeating.
Good for the heart. In addition to the beneficial antioxidants and fiber that support heart health, pumpkin also contains essential fats and vitamins. One study examined the effect of this vegetable on hypertension. The researchers concluded that the substances contained in this vegetable do not only normalize the level of blood pressure
Relieves inflammation. The vegetable has anti-inflammatory properties and can suppress the symptoms of arthritis. Pumpkin oil is no less effective than pharmaceutical drugs, it fights various inflammations, while not causing side effects. For toothache or inflammation of the mouth and throat, it is recommended to include pumpkin in your diet, this will help reduce pain symptoms.
It enriches the body with magnesium. Most of humanity is deficient in magnesium, a mineral that is used by every organ. This mineral plays an important role in bone and heart health, and it is found in more than 300 different enzymes. Magnesium is essential for a variety of tasks, from generating energy to stimulating nerve and muscle activity. By consuming about 30 g of pumpkin seeds, you can get about 40 percent of the recommended daily allowance of this mineral.
It is a source of healthy fats. Today, almost all supermarket shelves are occupied by products with low and zero fat content, which in turn has led to an increase in the number of health problems. The human body and brain need fats as they support their normal functioning. Pumpkin is rich in fatty acids, which are necessary for the body to maintain the functioning of vital organs.
Useful properties of pumpkin oil
Pumpkin seed oil is an excellent source of tryptophan, an essential amino acid that is converted into serotonin when ingested. Also, the oil can act as a treatment for various digestive disorders. It helps to reduce inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract and is used to get rid of intestinal parasites. Pumpkin seed oil helps restore cells in the pancreas. This increases the body's resistance to glucose and insulin. This product has a detrimental effect on cancer cells, as well as ridding the body of substances that are involved in the formation of stones.
Pumpkin in cosmetology
Pumpkin has a positive effect on the skin and hair. The vegetable will help protect the skin from the harmful effects of sunlight and give the face a fresh and healthy appearance. The vegetable also helps to strengthen and restore the hair, making it healthier and more beautiful.
The word "pumpkin" in Russia usually refers to the type of Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo), widely distributed and cultivated as a food and feed plant. The vegetable is eaten with pleasure, used for the prevention and treatment of many diseases.
What is a pumpkin?
Pumpkin is either a vegetable or a berry, depending on the classification (in the culinary and household classification, it is a vegetable, in botany it is referred to as berries). There are 2 versions of the origin of the name "pumpkin". Based on the first, it is derived from the Common Slavic "tuku", meaning "fat". Another version implies borrowing a word from the Pelagian language - "kuku", which means"plump fruit".
Kinds
As a rule, there are three types of pumpkin – hard-boiled, large-fruited and nutmeg. Let's look at the types in more detail.
Hard-edged. A mature pumpkin has a very thick, dense skin. This type can be attributed to precocious, because vegetables ripen really quickly (they need less than 30 days). The fruits are not very large, and the seeds are one of the most delicious. This includes bush varieties, which allow you to significantly save space when growing. Vegetables have a ribbed peduncle (the grooves are quite pronounced).
Large-fruited. The largest and sweetest vegetables. Some varieties contain quite a lot of sugar, sometimes in larger amounts than watermelons. Vegetables have a rounded peduncle, the same stem and kidney-shaped leaves. The seeds may have a milky or brownish color. This type is better than others tolerates low temperatures, so vegetables can be stored for a long time right in the apartment.
Nutmeg. Pumpkins of this variety have a five-sided peduncle with a significant expansion at the base. Seeds are dirty yellow or brown. Pumpkins are rich in vitamins, while very tasty. The disadvantages of this type is the thermophilicity and late ripening of vegetables. This can significantly affect the harvest, as vegetables sometimes do not have time to fully ripen during the summer season. For this reason, it is recommended to grow them in the southern regions.
Composition and caloric content
100 g of the product contains:
calories is 22 kcal;
protein – 1 g;
fat – 0.1 g;
carbohydrates – 4.4 g.
The composition of pumpkin contains many useful substances and vitamins. The vegetable is rich in beta-carotene, vitamins (B1, B2, C and others), as well as minerals (potassium, magnesium, zinc, copper, iron and phosphorus).
General use
Strengthens the immune system. Pumpkins contain a lot of carotenoids, which help protect cells from free radical damage. Like carrots, this vegetable is rich in beta-carotene, which improves overall health, strengthens the immune system.
It is useful for the skin. Since the vegetable contains antioxidants, many companies use it in the production of skin care products. Pumpkin can even be applied topically to the skin – this will improve cellular metabolism, resulting in a smoother and healthier skin. Antioxidants will help eliminate the signs of aging.
It is a source of vitamin A. Pumpkin is rich in beta-carotene, so with regular use of this product, the body will be able to maintain the norm of vitamin A. A small portion (100-150 g) of this product will provide the body with a daily dose of this vitamin. Vitamin A is one of the most versatile, playing an important role in maintaining the functioning of many body functions. It strengthens the health of bone tissue, supports the health of the skin and protects the body from infections. In addition, vitamin A contributes to good vision, especially in the dark.
Supports the work of digestion. Fiber plays an important role in maintaining the functioning of the intestine, affects blood glucose levels and even cholesterol levels. It is already known that fiber supports the health of the digestive system, but not everyone knows that it can also help to get rid of extra pounds. Eating foods rich in fiber can significantly reduce hunger, thereby avoiding overeating.
Good for the heart. In addition to the beneficial antioxidants and fiber that support heart health, pumpkin also contains essential fats and vitamins. One study examined the effect of this vegetable on hypertension. The researchers concluded that the substances contained in this vegetable do not only normalize the level of blood pressure
Relieves inflammation. The vegetable has anti-inflammatory properties and can suppress the symptoms of arthritis. Pumpkin oil is no less effective than pharmaceutical drugs, it fights various inflammations, while not causing side effects. For toothache or inflammation of the mouth and throat, it is recommended to include pumpkin in your diet, this will help reduce pain symptoms.
It enriches the body with magnesium. Most of humanity is deficient in magnesium, a mineral that is used by every organ. This mineral plays an important role in bone and heart health, and it is found in more than 300 different enzymes. Magnesium is essential for a variety of tasks, from generating energy to stimulating nerve and muscle activity. By consuming about 30 g of pumpkin seeds, you can get about 40 percent of the recommended daily allowance of this mineral.
It is a source of healthy fats. Today, almost all supermarket shelves are occupied by products with low and zero fat content, which in turn has led to an increase in the number of health problems. The human body and brain need fats as they support their normal functioning. Pumpkin is rich in fatty acids, which are necessary for the body to maintain the functioning of vital organs.
Useful properties of pumpkin oil
Pumpkin seed oil is an excellent source of tryptophan, an essential amino acid that is converted into serotonin when ingested. Also, the oil can act as a treatment for various digestive disorders. It helps to reduce inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract and is used to get rid of intestinal parasites. Pumpkin seed oil helps restore cells in the pancreas. This increases the body's resistance to glucose and insulin. This product has a detrimental effect on cancer cells, as well as ridding the body of substances that are involved in the formation of stones.
Pumpkin in cosmetology
Pumpkin has a positive effect on the skin and hair. The vegetable will help protect the skin from the harmful effects of sunlight and give the face a fresh and healthy appearance. The vegetable also helps to strengthen and restore the hair, making it healthier and more beautiful.