HEALTH BENEFITS OF PUMPKIN (CUCURBITA PEPO)

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Pumpkin Scientific Names: Cucurbita pepo L. Family: cucurbitaceae.

Other common names: acorn, squash, butternut, yellow summer squash, field pumpkin, fig-leaf ground, pepo, zucchini, chilacayote.



Pumpkin Plant Description

Historically speaking, pumpkin was widely grown in Central America for about 9.000 years, it is now cultivated nearly all around the globe because of its beneficial, enormous fruit. The word pumpkin was derived from ‘’pepon’’, and pepon is a Greek term which means sun ripened or mellow. A long prickly stem bears, large leaves with a deep yellow funnel-shaped flowers. These are followed by orange fruits that contain multiple flat white seeds.

Pumpkin’s parts used: 

  • Fruit flesh and seeds.
  • The flesh can be consumed fresh, or dried for medicinal purposes.
  • The seeds may be hulled and consumed, or crushed to get oil or used in tinctures.

Cultivation: 

  • Pumpkin thrives in temperate and warm climates. Grow from seed in a well-drained soil and in sunny position. Make sure to keep it well watered once the fruit starts to develop.


Pumpkin Constituents

The pumpkin’s fruit flesh is a great source of beta carotene and vitamin E, both are a cancer-fighting antioxidants. 
With a huge variety of nutrients ranging from magnesium and manganese, protein and zinc, pumpkin seeds are nutritional powerhouses. They contain certain plant compounds like phytosterols and free-radical scavenging antioxidants that may give your health an added boost.
The seeds contain about 25% unsaturated oil especially linoleic acid, and are mainly rich in zinc, iron, and phosphorus known to benefit acne and prostate problems.


Medicinal Uses of Pumpkin

Herbalists often prescribe pumpkin seed to treat ailments of the prostate gland. The seed’s combination of high zinc content and diuretic effect makes it an effective remedy for prostate enlargement. Some research strongly confirm that there is a special substance called curbicin, this substance can be extracted from pumpkin seeds and dwarf palms and it  may dramatically improve the symptoms of enlarged prostate.

Pumpkin seed oil is also effective in treating ailments of the urinary system. What’s more, there is a noticeable effectiveness of the seed oil in improving the function of the bladder. Pumpkin seeds have been used to get rid of roundworms.

The seeds are still used de-worming remedy especially for children because they are safe and non toxic.

An American study highlighted the fact that pumpkin seed oil has effectively improved arthritic conditions, also the decoction of the seeds can be used to remedy different types of inflammation. Pumpkin flesh is high in fiber and it acts like a gentle laxative. For external use, the flesh can be applied as a poultice to treat burns.

 

Health Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds


1. Zinc for Immune Support

Pumpkin seed is a source of zinc. 1 ounce of Pumpkin seeds contains 3 mg of this mineral. Zinc can have a positive effect on your body in so many ways including the normal biological growth of cells and division, sleep, psychological status, skin health and insulin regulation.

2. Heart Healthy Magnesium

One-quarter cup of pumpkin seeds contain half of normal recommended daily amount of magnesium. This indicates the participation of pumpkin seeds in a range of psysiological functions including the molecules of the body, the syntheses of DNA, the regular pumping of the heart, strong and healthy bones and relaxation of the blood vessels.

3. Prostate Health

Pumpkin seeds are mainly used as a natural food for men’s health, this refers to their high zinc content that is vital to improve prostate health. In addition, pumpkin seeds oils and extracts play a great role in treating BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia) or the so-called enlarged prostate. 

Research confirms that pumpkin oil along with pumpkin seeds can be beneficial when it comes to prostate health improvement.

4. Help Diabetic Patients

Clinical reports suggest that pumpkin seeds can help improve insulin regulation and prevent diabetic potential complications by decreasing oxidative stress.

5. Tryptophan for Peaceful Sleep

Pumpkin seeds are a great source of tryptophan, an acid (protein responsible for building block) which allow the body converts into serotonin which in turn converted into melatonin or the ‘’sleep hormone’’. Consuming pumpkin seeds before going to bed (a few hours) along with carbohydrate (piece of fruit for example) can provide your body with the tryptophan needed for your melatonin production to help you get a peaceful deep night’s sleep. 

6. Reduce the Risk of Certain Types of Cancer

Diets in which pumpkin seeds is included is said to lower levels of stomach, lung, breast and prostate cancers. A study found that eating pumpkin seeds can effectively reduce risk of cancer. In this context, other studies suggest that lignans in pumpkin seeds can play an important role in the prevention and treatment of breast cancer.

7. Lower Blood Sugar Levels

Actual medicinal studies have shown that pumpkin seeds may reduce blood sugar. This is absolutely a great news for people with diabetes who always need to control their blood sugar levels.

Several studies have strictly confirm that adding pumpkin seeds into your diet (pumpkin juice or seed powder) may reduce sugar levels noticeably in people with diabetes (type 2)

The high magnesium content of pumpkin is said to be the main cause for the numerous positive effects on diabetes.

More research is needed to officially confirm this beneficial effect on blood sugar (diabetes).

8. High in Fiber

Pumpkin seeds are an excellent source of dietary fiber. Seeds provide 6 grams of fiber in 1-OZ (30 gram) serving.

Pumpkin kernels with the shell may remove 2 grams of fiber per ounce. These are exactly pumpkin seeds you may find in supermarkets. 

A diet high in fiber may guarantee a perfect digestive health.

Additionally, high-fiber diets have shown an enormous effectiveness in reducing the risk of heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.

9. Improve Reproductive Function In Men.

Low zinc levels are related to reduced sperm quality, and an increased risk of infertility in men, however pumpkin seeds are an excellent source of zinc. They can help improve sperm quality.

One study suggests that pumpkin seeds can help protect human sperm from a potential damage that may be caused by autoimmune diseases. Pumpkin seeds are high in antioxidants and nutrients which can improve both testosterone levels and overall health.

All things considered, these health benefits may boost fertility levels and reproductive function in men.

Bottom Line : The rich nutrient content of pumpkin seeds can provide numerous health benefits. 


➔ Pumpkin Recipes and Serving Methods

  1. Sweet and Sour Pumpkin

Ingredients : 

  • 1 sugar pie or cheese sub with butter nut squash.
  • Vegetable oil for frying.
  • 2-3 cups white vinegar
  • 1 cup of honey
  • 1 cup of pumpkin seeds (salted and toasted)
  • Salt

Spice mixture for finishing

  • Coriander seeds
  • Sea salt
  • Black peppecorn

Directions

  • Peel the pumpkin (you can use a knife) to remove all seeds
  • Cut the pumpkin flesh in segments, about ¾ inch thick and 2.5 inches wide.
  • Heat oil to coat the bottom of a saute pan and then sear the pumpkin in segments on both sides until they turn brown.
  • Remove excess oil from the pan.
  • Lower the flame, then add the vinegar, honey and 1 teaspoon of salt.
  • When the liquid is absorbed, you need to remove the pumpkin from the strove and refrigerate it so as to use it later.
  • Grind the coriander seeds, peppecorn and sea salt in a spice grinder.

Serving Method

You can serve the sweet and sour pumpkin cold at room temperature. Top with pumpkin seeds and sprinkle lightly along with the spice mixture.

  1. Raw Pumpkin Pie

Ingredients :

  • 2 cups of almonds
  • 1 cup of dates, soaked for 1 hour to soften.
  • ¼ teaspoon vanilla
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
  • Splash of water (ONLY if needed)

Directions for Crust

Make sure to place almonds in food processor and process until mealy. Add in dates, vanilla, water and cinnamon so as to form a dough consistency. Pat into a glass of pie plate so that crust is ¼ inch thick.

Ingredients for Filling

  • 2 cups raw pumpkin peeled
  • ½ cup dates
  • ¼ cup raisins
  • ½ cup of cashews
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoon vanilla 
  • ¼ teaspoon cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon cardamom
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • Dash of sea salt

Directions for Filling

  • Put peeled and chopped pumpkin in food processor. Add raisins, dates and nuts, then add the other remaining ingredients. Use water or orange juice for instance to moisten
  • Scoop mixture into the crust and chill for 2 hours before serving.

➔ Medicinal Preparation

For Internal Use

  • Pumpkin seeds are used to treat constipation, prostate and urinary problems.
  • Capsules : Take 3  430 mg pumpkin extract capsules per day.
  • Tincture (seed) : Take 160 drops a day in a glass of water.

To treat worms : Eat between 70 to 100 hulled seeds per day to eliminate worms, followed with a castor oil.

** IF THE SYMPTOMS PERSIST, YOU NEED TO CONSULT A DOCTOR **


➔ Precautions and Side Effects

  • Side effects: NO side effects have been reported to date.
  • Precautions:

DO NOT use for prostate enlargement without doctor consent, this could be prostate cancer. (Consult your Doctor).

DO NOT take if pregnant or breast-feeding.

Irrational use of diuretics may lead to cramps or renal issues.

DO NOT exceed recommended dosages as this can cause liver damage. 




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