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Not just for Halloween - exploring the health benefits of this plant!
Table of Contents
1. What is a pumpkin?
What is a pumpkin? It is an annual plant that belongs 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. Pumpkin is characterized by its intense orange color and substantial weight. The record weight of a pumpkin is 821 kg.2. Pumpkin – Nutritional Value
When examining the composition of pumpkins, one can come across numerous fascinating details. A 100 g serving of this vegetable can satisfy as much as 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 demand 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 properties of pumpkins
The health benefits of pumpkins originate from the above-mentioned nutritional values. Owing to its high zinc content, it impacts sexual performance and improves the vitality of sperm. Moreover, the manganese found in pumpkins maintains a normal level of sexual desire, and beta-carotene influences the activity of sex hormones. Choline, also known as vitamin B3, promotes the proper functioning of the nervous system. Noteworthy is the therapeutic application of pumpkin seeds. The seeds serve as a source of unsaturated fatty acids, of which nearly 60% are polyunsaturated compounds. These compounds are essential for the synthesis of vitamin D, which is crucial for our body, they normalize the level of lipids in the blood, and also constitute an element of the formation of cell walls. The seeds contain a substantial amount of vitamins and minerals. Their composition includes phosphorus, calcium, or iron. In the case of magnesium, a serving of 70 g of seeds enables the daily requirement for this element. Pumpkin seeds also contain cucurbitacin, a compound present in the mucus surrounding the seeds. Thanks to this compound, our body gets rid of all parasites and pathogenic microorganisms. Another significant property is the reduction of excessive amounts of oxalic acid excreted in urine, which is of substantial significance in urological problems. Seeds are also indispensable for the production of popular oil, which is also used for the aforementioned diseases, as well as for normalizing hormonal and metabolic processes. The pulp of pumpkins, on the other hand, is a repository of numerous vitamins. The high concentration of vitamin A provides a good way to meet the daily requirement of the organism for this substance. As is commonly known, this compound affects not only the skin and skin derivatives but also the visual organ. The pulp also contains a large amount of antioxidants, which determine the detoxifying processes of metabolism. Some sources report that pumpkins contain vitamin B11. This compound has proven effects on blood due to the stimulation and support of the clotting process. Meanwhile, such compounds as vitamins B1, B2, E, PP affect the condition of the skin, protect against UV radiation, affect the detoxification of the body, or enhance regenerative processes.4. Uses
Pumpkin can be used in three different aspects. As a culinary ingredient, it is very often used in the production of jams, jellies, and preserves. A very popular dish is pumpkin cream soup served with fresh ginger. Pumpkin can also be used for salads. Another area of use for pumpkin is the use of this vegetable as a decorative element. Every year in the fall, we can see many pumpkin lanterns. The last area of use for pumpkin is medicine. Based on the previously mentioned properties, it can be indicated in which disease entities it finds application: - urinary system pathologies; - prostate and libido problems; - elevated blood cholesterol levels; - digestive system diseases resulting from the action of parasites; - cardiovascular system diseases, including atherosclerosis and coagulation disorders.
