Search
Language
Pumpkin not just for Halloween - exploring its health benefits!
Table of Contents
1. What kind of plant is a pumpkin?
A pumpkin is an annual plant belonging to the family of gourds. There are approximately 20 species of this vegetable in this group. It is most commonly used in the kitchen as a base or ingredient in certain dishes, as well as a decorative element, as some varieties of this plant are cultivated solely for ornamental purposes. The pumpkin is characterized by its intense orange color and considerable weight. The record weight of a pumpkin is 821 kg.2. Pumpkin – Nutritional Components
Upon investigating the composition of pumpkins, one can encounter numerous intriguing details. A 100 g serving of this vegetable can satisfy up to 214% of the daily requirement for manganese (i.e., about 4.5 mg), 168% of the phosphorus dose (1174 mg), and 150% of the daily magnesium share (550 mg). The high level of zinc, which is equal to 7.64 mg, enables supplementation of 80% of the daily allotment for women and half of the needs for men. It is also worth mentioning that pumpkin is a food with low caloric content – a portion of 100 g provides the body with only 26 kcal (according to the American database), but according to research from the Institute of Food and Nutrition in Warsaw – 16.8 kcal.3. Health attributes of pumpkins
The health benefits of pumpkins originate from the aforementioned nutritional values. Due to its elevated zinc content, it influences sexual performance and enhances the vitality of sperm. Additionally, the manganese present in pumpkins maintains a standard level of sexual desire, and beta-carotene affects the activity of sex hormones. Choline, or vitamin B3, encourages the appropriate operation of the nervous system. The therapeutic use of pumpkin seeds is noteworthy. The seeds serve as a source of unsaturated fatty acids, of which almost 60% are polyunsaturated compounds. These compounds are indispensable for the synthesis of vitamin D, which is vital for our body, they regulate the lipid level in the blood, and also form a constituent of the formation of cell walls. The seeds hold a considerable quantity of vitamins and minerals. Their composition encompasses phosphorus, calcium, or iron. In the case of magnesium, a portion of 70 g of seeds satisfies the daily necessity for this element. Pumpkin seeds also contain cucurbitacin, a compound found in the mucus enveloping the seeds. Thanks to this compound, our body eliminates all parasites and pathogenic microorganisms. An additional crucial characteristic is the alleviation of excessive quantities of oxalic acid expelled in urine, which is of significant importance in urological issues. Seeds are also essential for the manufacturing of popular oil, which is also employed for the aforementioned ailments, as well as for normalizing hormonal and metabolic procedures. The pulp of pumpkins, on the other hand, is a storage of numerous vitamins. The high concentration of vitamin A offers a suitable approach to fulfil the daily prerequisite of the organism for this substance. As is commonly acknowledged, this compound impacts not only the skin and skin derivatives but also the visual organ. The pulp also contains a substantial amount of antioxidants, which govern the detoxifying procedures of metabolism. Some sources indicate that pumpkins contain vitamin B11. This compound exhibits proven effects on blood due to the stimulation and backing of the clotting process. Meanwhile, such compounds as vitamins B1, B2, E, PP impact the state of the skin, guard against UV radiation, affect the detoxification of the body, or amplify regenerative processes.4. Uses of pumpkin
Pumpkin has the potential to be utilized in three distinct domains. As a food ingredient, it is very frequently employed in the process of producing jams, jellies, and preserves. A very popular dish is pumpkin cream soup, which is served with fresh ginger. Pumpkin can also be utilized for salads. The second area of application for pumpkin is the use of this vegetable as a decorative element. Every year during the fall, we can observe numerous pumpkin lanterns. The final area of application for pumpkin is medicine. Based on the previously mentioned characteristics, it can be indicated in which disease entities it finds application: urinary system diseases; prostate and libido problems; elevated blood cholesterol levels; digestive system ailments resulting from the action of parasites; cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis and coagulation disorders.
